Chapter 32 - An Escape Plan (1/2)

”Mariela, did you enjoy your time with Catherine today?” Franz asked once he was seated across from his wife at the long table and the first course—some sort of fancy quail soup—was served.

Her eyes lit up. ”Oh yes, Katie is wonderful company.”

He scrutinized me and I scrutinized him right back. This was the first good look I had gotten at the second prince.

His looks were more in line with Sigmund's than they were with Al's. He had light brown hair tied back with a strip of leather and his hazel eyes were sharp and intelligent.

”She certainly is,” Al said in a tone tinged with sourness.

Someone was still upset that Mariela had taken some of my time away from him. So needy!

”You prefer Katie to Catherine?” Franz inquired.

”Yes, I do. Please feel free to call me Katie as well.”

The next person that called me Catherine might just make me lose my mind. Madame Chalaise hit me with a 'Lady Catherine' every five minutes when I was under her charge and

I hated it. I had lost every part of my identity but my nickname in this world. It was all I had left.

”I understand you are from the western region? What is it like there?”

So polite small talk was this guy's game. Sigmund hadn't acknowledged me at all since I had turned down his henchman so I latched onto the meager conversation gratefully.

”It is a beautiful area surrounded by forests and fields. I spent many hours galloping across the countryside on my horse. The capital has its own kind of beauty though. I enjoy looking out at the ocean.”

Al smiled and pitched into the conversation. ”She is rather knowledgeable about the ocean for someone who only saw it for the first time a couple of months ago.”

I kicked him under the table. Now was not the time to bring that up.

”Is that so?”

My idiot fiancé did not take the hint. ”Yes, she is well read about ocean creatures.”

Sigmund finally spoke up and my blood ran cold. ”From what I understand, Katie is well-read on a wide variety of subjects.”

”You flatter me,” I said demurely though I was screaming on the inside.

What exactly had that duke told him about me? I would kill to know.

”My friend Charles has spoken most highly of you. I do hope you will bless the monarchy with your talents.”

A blatant invitation to join his side. I wouldn't do it. Not then, and certainly not now. If I was going to fix the mess I made, I needed to side with Franz.

”I shall endeavor to do my best,” I said slyly, not indicating which part of the monarchy I would be helping.

He took it as willingness to work with him. ”Excellent. I look forward to your contributions.”