I WATCHED JO read, trying my best not to revel too much at her reading Swords and Roses. Or at least not look like I was reveling. She looked striking in her dress, so completely different than how I was used to seeing her. She looked soft in the clothes here, except for the subtle edge of her combat boots sticking out from underneath the hem of her dress.

Still, we looked like princesses. If I wasn't watching Jo read, guess at which part of the story she was in, I looked down at my own dress, blue like a frost-kissed bluebell flower. I looked like I belonged.

"Are you checking yourself out?" Jo suddenly asked.

Well, I was twirling in the full-length mirror next to Jo's bathroom. "N — No. I was just looking at the dress."

Jo scoffed, but she smiled a little. She always could see through me. "I wish I was loving this as much as you."

My shoulders drooped at her words. Maybe she had a point. Maybe I should be loving this less. Jo was having a completely normal, in-shock-to-the-situation reaction, while I was excited by my dress, this castle, the gorgeous prince that saved us, as if we hadn't been yanked out of our world and pulled into this one via unexplainable magic portal with no way of getting back.

"It's just because I know this world. I'm comfortable here." Jo's face screwed up at the admission. "As weird as it sounds," I added quickly, sitting beside her on the bed. She scooted over to make room for me, but rolled her eyes, focus falling back onto the yellowed pages of Swords and Roses.

I told her the reading was for research, but a small part of me held out hope that she might fall in love with the book, too. That way, maybe, we could both enjoy it together. 

Before going back, obviously.

"Do you think magicians and their tricks in our world aren't tricks at all?" I asked, trying to distract her. "Like, what if all this time we've been looking at them like they're con artists, but really, what if it's real? Like, what if they're from here?"

Jo barked out a laugh. It was abrupt, not totally genuine, but it was there. "Let's put a pin in that. I'm trying really hard not to have an existential crisis right now, and the only way I'm getting through is pretending that when I wake up tomorrow, I'll be in my own bed. No monsters, no monster extinguishers, princes, or this God-awful dress."

"Knight, Jo. Sir Nico is a knight. Elric was trying to make a joke."

She scoffed. "Like it makes a difference."

Knock, knock, knock.

Jo groaned. "What now?"

"Hide the book," I told her as I got up. When I opened the door, my maid stood on the other side. "Oh. Good evening, Miss Myrina."

"Good evening, My Lady," she said with a curtsey. "Supper will be ready in ten minutes. I am to escort you to the dining hall, if you are ready."

I glanced at Jo, who stared at me like a deer in the headlights. It was unsettling to not have her usual confidence supporting me. Until she finished that book, I was really on my own. Giving her what I hoped was a reassuring smile, I nodded to Myrina. "We're ready."

Less people filled the hallways than there had been earlier in the day as the castle settled for the night. Sunset light spilled in from every window, bathing the stone in warm orange hues, and glinted off two knights standing on either side of two large doors.

They opened the doors, which led into an opulent dining room. High vaulted ceilings, painted with clouds and colors similar to the sunset outside, were adorned with chandeliers. On the far side of the room, three large windows opened up to display all of Norcrest and let in even more light. 

Prince Elric toppled his chair over when he stood up at head of a shiny oak table set in the middle of the room. It was big enough to seat ten, decorated with candelabras and a magnificent floral arraignment of lilies and buttercup flowers that ran down the length of the table.

When Prince Elric approached, I curtsied, dragging Jo down alongside me in one quick, fluid dip. Then I waited for him to acknowledge us first. That was protocol, at least from Lady Heathwood's perspective. But he didn't say anything. He just looked at me. So I glanced over him and his attire as well. His thick hair had been brushed back, his beard trimmed so only its shadow remained. His green dinner coat brought out the green in his hazel eyes.

Then Sir Nico coughed, startling Prince Elric into clearing his throat. "Good evening, My Lady —  Ladies." He offered his elbow to me, which made my heart hitch. My fingers hooked around his arm, splaying across the soft fabric of his jacket.

"You must forgive me, but the king and queen will not be attending tonight. My mother needed to retire early this evening," Elric said.

"I hope she's well," I said. My voice sounded too calm, too poised despite the sudden weight in my stomach. I didn't even think about a king or queen, much less lying to them!

As Elric pulled out my chair, Nico pulled out Jo's, and I caught my friend's wide eyes as she sat down across from me. She had to be thinking the same thing as me. I suddenly didn't care if she enjoyed Swords and Roses anymore. She just needed to read that book fast. I needed my best friend's confidence back, so she could help me carry the lies.

"Oh, yes," Elric said. "She suffers from chronic headaches. While they can be tempered with a tonic, they still cause a nuisance. But by then she says she needs nothing more than a night's rest. They will join us tomorrow."

A servant, Master Roth, appeared, holding a glass decanter filled with red wine. The alcohol made my nose scrunch up, memories of last night coming back in waves that coursed in time with the impending threat of having dinner with a king and queen. I grimaced behind my goblet as soon as bitterness coated my tongue. Meanwhile Jo grabbed her glass and drank deep and fast. I kicked out my leg to remind her to follow my lead. Instead, Nico let out a surprised gasp. "What on earth —"

"Sir Nico? Is everything all right? " I asked, trying to keep my voice even. Like I hadn't just kicked him under the table on accident.

He frowned at me. "My apologies for the outburst. It... must have been a rat."

"A rat?" Jo nearly shrieked.

"Do ignore him," Prince Elric said as he gave Nico a smile that looked more like a grimace. "He has a dry sense of humor."

"Your Highness, would you like the first course to be served?" Master Roth asked to everyone's relief.

"Please." Prince Elric lifted his golden chalice to his lips, taking a drink as long as Jo's.

The first course consisted of a small bread bowl filled with... oatmeal? I didn't know a lot about medieval foods, besides the banquets Lady Heathwood attended. This looked more like breakfast than a first course. Next to the bread bowl was a small dish filled with water, which I noticed Jo was eyeing. Then she picked it up and drank out of it. My eyes widened —

"Lady Joan?" Elric asked before I could say anything, his fingers soaking in the water. Because it wasn't meant to be consumed. It was meant for people to wash their fingers.

Crap! Jo quickly set the bowl down, her panicked expression flickering to mine. Before I could say something — another lie — Nico laughed. "What a peculiar creature you are."

"Water!" I finally blurted out. "We're used to a small glass served with wine. In our travels, um, we — Everyone's table etiquette can vary so much, it's hard to keep up."

"Is that so?" Elric mused as he ripped the bread bowl apart. I offered a smile that was probably too wide. "How interesting. You must tell me all about your adventures in the other kingdoms."

I could tell him about Velien's culture and etiquette, but the words piled up behind my teeth. I didn't know about any other kingdoms except Velein. "Of course, Your Highness," I finally said, "but only if you tell me all there is to know about Larnwick, first. What better way to gain knowledge from this kingdom than from the man who runs it?"

A smile curled only one side of his mouth as he looked down at his food. "You flatter me, My Lady, but if you wish to gain the knowledge from a man that runs the kingdom, I would have to direct you to my father or older brother."

I didn't like it when he looked away from me. "And if I preferred your insight instead?" I said, maybe trying to subtly flirt, which made Jo gape. Nico took a very long drink from his goblet, which made me realize it probably wasn't so subtle.

But Elric smiled back at me, and just at me, and I didn't really care. "Then I would gladly put myself at your mercy."

Goodness gracious. Warmth swelled in my chest, my face, and I had to look away, even if the view of the bread bowl was much less appealing.

"As your guide, I would be remiss if I didn't mention our Autumnal Festival," Prince Elric said as servants came out to deliver the main course: swan slathered in garlic with carrots and potatoes. "You've timed your trip perfectly to at least see the first day."

"The Autumnal Festival?" I said, intrigued. I couldn't help it. Swords and Roses had taken place in the spring and summer months. The rest of the year — this world — was unknown. It wouldn't hurt to learn more about it

"Yes. I'm surprised your family hasn't visited us during the events sooner. It's our biggest celebration of the year, a time to rededicate ourselves to The Sorceress and her wild teachings. We host balls each night, and hold tournaments, sprawling markets, and entertainment from all over the world during the day."

"It sounds lovely," I said, and meant it. 

"It truly is." Suddenly, Elric's hand rested on my own. The touch was warm, comforting, sincere when I saw the excitement in his eyes. It made my stomach feel weird, and I doubted it was because of the over-seasoned poultry. "You must come. Even if only for the first day. Nico and I will be taking part in the swordsman tournament and joust, respectively."

His words swam in my head as a hazy idea of Elric in shining armor sat on his horse, Viv, played out in my imagination. He would look breathtakingly regal — just breathtaking in general. I had to swallow past a sudden dryness in my throat. "You will?" I asked.

"Yes," he smiled wider. "I think you might bring me luck, considering our fortunate meeting in the woods."

Distantly, in the back of my mind, I knew I was in over my head. Drowning in Elric's words, his eyes, how genuinely he seemed to want me. "Well... I couldn't deny you your luck, could I?"

It was worth it to see the answering smile lighting up his features —

The abrupt squeal from a wooden chair sliding against the floor brought me back into focus. Jo stood, her jaw clenched and eyes shining. "If you'll excuse me, I'm not feeling well. Today has exhausted me," she said.

"Jo —" I started, but she refused to look at me. 

"I can send for a tonic and a cool cloth for you," Prince Elric said, eyebrows drawn with concern.

"It's fine." Jo backed away, Nico pulling the chair out of her way as she hastily curtseyed. She held my gaze for only a moment before turning away, saying, "Goodnight."