Free Thea's Tale (Sisters Of The Curse Book 1) by Lisa Manifold Page A

surprised at his asking. He’s been trailing about you like a dog after a bone. I suspected it was only a matter of time, but didn’t the king speak with you once he’d asked?”
    Thea shook her head. “No. I had no idea, not even when he drew me up on the dais, what was coming. Or rather, I had an idea, but it was completely wrong.” She risked looking at Lisette then, and then down at her lap. “Needless to say, I did not know my father’s intentions.”
    “Did Casimir not speak with your father?” Lisette spoke in nearly a whisper, leaning forward, her tone gentle.
    Thea’s head whipped up.
    “Why…why would Casimir speak with my father?” She kept her voice steady. She and Casimir had worked so hard to not draw attention to themselves. She would neither confirm nor deny anything about him.
    “Thea. I am your oldest friend. I know you. You and he were generally most discreet, but as your oldest friend, and as the person charged with looking after you, I could see it. I am rather surprised Her Majesty did not intervene.” Lisette stopped, unwilling to go further.
    Thea understood. “My mother knows. Or, at least, I think she does. It seems she does….”Thea broke off, impatient with her own dithering. “I don’t know. I think she does.” She huffed. “Fat lot of good it’s done.”
    “Thea, I am sorry.”
    “Oh, so am I. It’s all a terrible mess, Lisette!” She dropped her voice to keep from wailing. “I don’t want to marry him. I think Adelaide does, though. And now, Casimir is angry at me—oh, my!” Her hand flew to her mouth.
    “What?” Lisette looked worried.
    “We need to find some time to talk in a less populous area,” Thea said. Her little gasp had been noted by two of the ladies who had come to the shade canopy to speak with her mother.
    “I am unsure, my lady. I would be honored to assist you with your wardrobe, but have not been favored with your schedule,” Lisette said slightly louder than necessary. She’d seen the two ladies, who of course were terrible gossips, as well.
    “I shall consult with my father, Lady DeKasen. I am most appreciative of your offer of help.” She smiled graciously at Lisette, and then did what they privately referred to as “The Gaze.” She’d seen it employed, not only by her parents, but by most of the visiting monarchs. It allowed the king to casually look to see who was watching while looking completely unconcerned. Thea could never understand why so many didn’t see right through it.
    Allowing her eyes to travel in The Gaze, she met the eyes of both of the ladies. She gave them both small smiles as they each made a curtsy. Unfortunately, they must have felt an invitation, because they changed course, like ships under sail, and headed for where she and Lisette sat.
    So much for sitting quietly. Thea stifled a sigh, and gave Lisette a sharp glance when she didn’t stifle hers.
    “Lady McIvers, Lady Tottenham, how good it is to see you. Join us.” She knew they wouldn’t leave, so might as well get it over with.
    “Thank you, my lady. It would be an honor,” Lady Tottenham said. Thea wanted to roll her eyes at the simpering manner, but didn’t. This was part of court life.
    “May we offer our sincere congratulations, my lady?” Lady McIvers smiled genuinely.
    “I thank you both. Prince Sebastian is a good man. I am fortunate my father looks after us all so well.”
    “He’s a well favored prince, my lady,” Lady Tottenham giggled. “The king has indeed looked after you well!” She and Lady McIvers both laughed at that.
    “With several princes in attendance, we can hope for more announcements of the same,” Lady McIvers said slyly.
    “Oh, yes, my dear Prudence!” Lady Tottenham tapped Lady McIvers’ hand with her fan. “Wouldn’t that be delightful?”
    “Indeed it would,” Lady McIvers replied.
    Her gaze was caught by a glimpse of Casimir. His black hair was shot with glints of blue in the midday sun. He came under