Promising Hope by Emily Ann Ward Page B

snapped.
    “I just don’t understand how you could be here doting
on the prince and living with the Protectors when you were so
adamantly against them in Aron,” he said. “You fought against us in
Nyad. I stopped Father from killing Dar because I knew you’d be
upset, but now…”
    Upset? She’d be much more than upset, she’d… what
would she do? Back in Nyad, she’d been desperate to save his life.
What would she do to save his life if they were in the same
situation now? Would she feel the same way, or would her affection
for William color her devotion for Dar?
    Her head throbbed, and she rubbed her forehead.
“Things have changed,” she told Kyler. “It’s simple. I belong here.
I helped the Avialies, and I’m finished with them now.”
    “It doesn’t make sense.” He slowly shook his head,
his lips pursed into a line.
    “Well, there’s nothing more to say.” She swept down
the hall, and after a moment, his footsteps indicated he was
following her. A week ago, she was set on helping the Avialies, but
her job was finished. Now, she chose William.
     
    * * *

Chapter Five
     
    Sierra looked over the dresses, her hands on her
hips. She didn’t want to parade around downstairs and receive gifts
and hugs and gratitude she hardly deserved. Yes, she was happy the
curse was gone, but she wasn’t ready to be the Avialies’ recognized
savior.
    “I think the red one would look lovely,” Myra said,
rubbing her chin.
    Sierra ran her fingers over the crimson fabric. It
reminded her of Sashe. A pang of sadness shot through her. She
missed her sister. Hopefully she’d look after Grace before Sierra
reached her. She considered for a moment telling Myra of Sashe’s
pregnancy, but Sierra wasn’t sure how it would be perceived by the
Avialies since the king was such a strong supporter of the
Protectors.
    “It seems too dramatic,” Sierra mused. She already
stood out as it was. “I think I’ll go with the green one.”
    “Good choice,” Jade said from where she stood in
front of the mirror. She was a younger Avialie from Jolen; she’d
arrived from the northern part of the country with scores of other
Avialies. “That color of green will look great on you.”
    Sierra sat down at the desk chair. “And what are you
wearing, Jade?” she asked, smiling.
    Jade grinned, spinning around so her black hair flew
in the air. “I’m wearing a dress designed by Lady Heather!”
    “Lady Heather?” Sierra repeated.
    “She’s one of the most famous seamstresses in Jolen!”
Jade exclaimed, looking scandalized.
    “I’m from Haltar.”
    Jade waved her hand. “Even woman in Haltar order her
dresses. Even the queen! It’s a gorgeous rose pink with pearls
decorating the silver trim.” She huffed. “I ordered it for my
wedding, and then my fiance ran off with some Mahri from Kleisade!
I still think she seduced him with a love potion.” She tossed a
lock of black hair over her shoulder. “Oh, well, this is the next
best event for it.”
    “Lady Sierra, I need to wash your hair,” Myra called
from the washroom.
    “I’m not a lady, you know,” Sierra called back.
    Myra poked her head out. “Where’s your husband? He
shouldn’t see you until the banquet.”
    Sierra frowned; she hadn’t seen Evan since storming
out of the meeting. “Why not?”
    “Because you’re the guest of honor,” Jade said. “Go
on, or your hair won’t be dry in time!”
    “Evan, Matilda, and Lee did just as much.” Sierra
looked down at her sandy toes.
    “What about Lady Grace?” Jade asked keenly, walking
over to the desk. “I’ve heard so much about her, and I want to meet
her.”
    “We’re working on that.” Sierra bit her lip and
thought about the idea she’d propose to Jeshro that night.
    “But where is she? I heard that she was at the
castle,” Jade said.
    “Yes, she is. She made a deal with the prince to save
Dar.”
    Jade put a hand over her chest and beamed. “Are they
really in love?”
    “Come on,