Thea's Tale (Sisters Of The Curse Book 1) Read Free Page A

you knew what I had planned.”
    “No, no…I had no idea,” Thea said. He frowned. She hoped she was not giving offense. “I do beg your pardon.”
    “Sebastian? Thea?” Her father interrupted. “We await you.”
    Thea looked up. All eyes were upon them. “I am sorry, Father. We were merely—”
    “Already lost in one another, eh?” Aland boomed again, cutting Thea off. “Very well, very well. To Prince Sebastian and Princess Thea!” He held his glass high.
    “To Prince Sebastian and Princess Thea!” the guest shouted back.  A moment of silence while everyone drank, and then a babble of conversation washed through the ballroom.
    “Thea, may I escort you from here?” Sebastian asked. “I would ask that you dance with me.”
    “I’m sorry?” She shook her head, focusing on him. “Oh…yes, of course.” She couldn’t think. Thank goodness for the years of deportment drilled into her. She might not have felt able to move, speak, or do anything, but thankfully her training took over, and she moved woodenly along with Sebastian.
    Sebastian took her glass and handed both to a passing serving maid and led her to the dance floor. She pushed down her panic, making herself go through the movements. She knew all eyes were on her.
    “Are you well, Thea?” Sebastian asked.
    “I am, I must admit, very surprised, Prince Sebastian. I had no idea of your intent.”
    “I did not know that your father kept my proposal from you, and I am sorry for it. I should have advised otherwise.”
    She risked a glance at him then. He seemed concerned and a little distressed.
    “I thank you for that,” Thea said. It was considerate, regardless of how she felt about it.
    “I hope that you will be happy in spite of the manner in which this was sprung upon you,” he said. “I have felt for some time that we will suit one another well.”
    “You think so, sir? We have not spent much time together,” Thea said.
    “Is there ever enough time when one is part of a royal family?” He asked seriously. “It’s not usually a luxury we have. I did, however, tell my father I wanted to meet you and see what you were like. I like you. You are, by all accounts, an intelligent, witty, and caring woman. You love your kingdom, and are virtuous and kind. I am not foolish enough to think that love happens overnight, but I am hopeful that the way I feel will be reciprocated at some point.” He smiled at her.
    “My parents were a love match. I will confess, I hoped for the same.” She knew she sounded offensive.
    “Had you really no idea of my interest? I thought I had made it most plain.”
    Thea turned her gaze downward, hoping it would be taken for modesty. She had seen no one but Casimir.
    “I am sorry that you were taken by surprise. I care for you. I believe we may be a love match in time,” he said quietly. “At least, I am hoping so.”
    Thea couldn’t answer. She bowed her head, praying that he would leave the matter be.
    He did. He looked away. Once the dance had finished, he led her to the banquet table. “Allow me to get you some refreshment.” He escorted her to a seat, and bowed over her hand before taking his leave of her.
    Within moments her sisters swarmed about her.
    “Oh my! You are so lucky, Thea!” Said Adelaide. While her words were warm, Thea noted that her voice had gone flat once more.
    “I told you that we’d seen him today,” said Celestria. “How wonderful that Father announced it!”
    “Why are you not more excited?” Asked Isobel. “He is such a fine match!”
    “I didn’t know of it until Father announced it,” Thea said. She put a smile on her face. “I am surprised and nervous. I do not know him well, nor he me. I am not an easy person.” She looked around at her sisters, meeting their eyes. “You all know this.” All of them laughed, agreeing. “What if he is similar?”
    “Father didn’t ask you, or even tell you?” Esmay asked. Her mouth turned down in a small frown. “No