Cora sat to the left of the Prince, her eyes glued to her plate, but her attention focused on Maren who sat directly across from her. They'd positioned Prince Darrin on one end of the table and the King directly across from him, with the women on either side of them.
Cora knew this was normal.
This is how it has always been.
But somehow, it didn't sit right with her. Something burned within her — something angry and twisted. And as she stole glances at Maren, that feeling only seemed to burn hotter.
After their discussion in the early morning, they had both fallen asleep. Harriet had found them asleep in Cora's bed after Leah nearly rang the castle bells that Princess Maren had gone missing.
Luckily, Harriet knew all, and had an idea about where she might have gone.
She was right, of course, and all was well in the end.
Leah escorted Maren back to her room, and the Princesses went on about their day in preparation for the introductory dinner.
Cora blinked slowly, staring down at the steak on her plate. She didn't care much for red meat, but this was her fathers' favorite meal. She knew this had been prepared with her family in mind since the royals of Forsyth were close allies with the royals of Garyn.
Annoyance burned like kindling to her temper as she stared down at the meal meant for another. They hadn't bothered to learn what her personal tastes were, let alone Maren's.
On either side of King Varron sat Queen Victoria and Selma, quiet and chaste as they ate their food, the King and the Prince's voices chattering on in the background. Cora thought they both looked so innocent — the Queen and her daughter. Had Maren not met Selma — had they not overheard the Queen in the garden — Cora knew she would have never thought there was something more going on here.
However, now that she was aware of the undercurrents between this family, it sickened her.
All her life, her family had branded good manners into her.
Be a good girl.
Listen to your parents.
Don't make a fuss.
But her nature was not one that easily backed down. Cora had always been bullheaded and blunt. Loud and forceful. But as she grew older, it was like her voice began to lose its edge, swallowed in some dark void of complacency.
As she sat at the dinner table, she glanced between Maren and the prince, her eyes then shifted to the King, his wife and daughter, something began to stir inside her.
"So, Princess Coralynn," the King said, his fist falling into the table, "what do you think about that?"
Cora blinked, staring at her food. She hadn't been listening to the conversation at all.
"My apologies, King Varron," she replied easily. "My mind was still stirring on something you said previously."
"Worry not, Princess. I only asked what you think about this marriage proposal between two Princesses and a Prince." He said, his eyes narrowing slightly.
Cora took a sip from her wine.
She knew she had to be careful when she answered. The royals of Forsyth were allied with her own family. That is why they had asked her first, and not Maren. This was a family who also held importance in purifying royal blood. If she wanted this dinner to go smoothly, she would have to tread carefully.
If she wanted it that is.
"Ah, well," she began, setting her cup on the table. "The Star Court spent many years mulling over this decision. I suppose there is some wisdom to be had in that. Besides, we are Starblessed. Our duty to the nation has little to do with personal feelings."
An easy, neutral response.
"A wise answer," the King replied. "Surprising to hear that come from a Ruby Princess. You must be spending too much time with the Sapphire Princess."
Cora winced, despite herself. The King's words were like a knife, given to him by her parents. She knew his words were not one of coincidence, but of strategy. Her parents wanted their fingers dipped in every part of her life, including her romance. They wanted constant reminders that Maren was not someone to have as an ally.
And while insecurity brewed within her, now, something else did too.
Something more volatile.
Cora opened her mouth to speak. But then, Maren interrupted.
"There's hardly any wisdom to be drawn from factual information, Your Majesty," she said, her cup at her mouth. "Nevertheless, Princess Cora doesn't have to spend time with me to come to her own conclusions."
She paused to take a sip.
"Still," Maren continued, setting her cup down, locking eyes with Cora, "a true leader knows when to lean on those around them."
The room went still.
Prince Darrin gazed at Maren, a slight blush to his cheeks. The Queen and Selma shared a quick glance, then settled their gaze on the King, his eyes narrowed on Maren. But she didn't spare him even a single look. Her eyes were set directly on Cora, as if she wasn't worried in the least bit how they thought of her.
Cora thought, it's like she's already made up her mind about Prince Darrin. He's obviously attracted to her. Why did she speak up? Why would she ruin it now? After all I've put her through, why would she throw herself in the line of fire?
The King opened his mouth to speak, when suddenly Maren interrupted again, sliding her mask of sweetness back in place. She smiled brightly, her eyes kind and pure, as if there wasn't a viper with a silver tongue hiding away inside.
"I'm sure Cora learned the best way to rule through her parents and their allies," she said, smiling. "I hope to learn much more from her in the future."
The King paused as he leaned into the table, his eyes shifting between Maren and Cora.
"Y-yes!" the prince exclaimed, facing Cora now. "I've heard that you excel in foreign affairs and diplomacy. My father has actually taught me quite a bit about-"
The conversation moved on thanks to Maren's swift diversion. The Queen and Princess Selma remained quiet as Prince Darrin spoke with Cora, and the King. Maren did not interject again, but as the conversation moved forward, Cora couldn't help but wonder what Maren's true motives were.
The Maren she'd known all her life was a quiet girl — soft spoken and gentle through and through. Yet here, sitting in front of Cora was less of a doe-eyed girl and more a wolf in sheep's clothing.
Maren had become more forceful, speaking of unity and honesty between them.
But when had she grown up?
When had she changed?
And why?