Thea's Tale (Sisters Of The Curse Book 1) by Lisa Manifold

Lisette. “It will give me a chance to see what Lady McIvers was talking about.”
    “Would you? But please be careful. I think it’s pretty obvious why we’ve not heard anything.” She raised her eyes in the direction of where Ceridwen sat, with Casimir making her and Isobel laugh. In that moment, the mystery was forgotten as she wished Casimir mute.
    “It will be well, Thea.”
    “I am unsure, Lisette. I am told such by others, but I do not have the same faith,” Thea replied, not taking her eyes off Casimir.
    “Thea. Stop.”
    Lisette’s stern tone broke off her stare. “You’re right. I am being obvious.”
    “You have to keep yourself together, Thea. He’s seen you. Be calm. He’s taking his leave of your mother. Look at me like we’re chatting.”
    “I feel foolish,” Thea said, leaning in closer to Lisette.
    “Prince Casimir, how are you?” Lisette jumped up and curtsied.
    “Lady DeKasen, as lovely as ever. Princess Thea, you are indeed wise.”
    “Oh, Prince Casimir? How so?” Thea composed her face.
    “To have managed to escape to the shade. I forget how much warmer it is here.”
    “Your kingdom is far more temperate, isn’t it?” Lisette interjected.
    “It is. While we get sun, it’s not quite the same. I must confess, I was most pleased that your sister expressed a wish to sit.” He smiled, and Thea wanted to smack him.
    “You are a kind escort to the Princess Isobel,” Lisette said.
    Thea cut her eyes towards Lisette. Her arch comment could not be missed by anyone awake.
    “I hope that I am a kind escort to anyone who is gracious enough to allow me to lead them. I am not the most graceful of princes, so it is an undertaking with some risk attached.”
    “Oh, go on, Casimir. You are quite graceful. Stop fishing,” Thea waved a hand at him.
    Casimir laughed. “May I join you ladies?”
    “Of course you may,” Thea indicated the chair nearest Lisette. She wanted him to sit near her, but dared not.
    Lisette jumped up. “Please take my seat, Prince Casimir. I’ll find a footman to bring us some refreshment.”
    “That would be marvelous, Lady DeKasen,” Casimir said with a smile.
    Lisette curtsied and moved away quickly, leaving them alone.

 
    Chapter Four
     
    Casimir leaned back in his chair, not looking at Thea. “How are you?” He asked.
    Thea fanned herself, attempting to mirror his casual manner. “I am well, well enough. No, that’s not true,” she said, forcing herself to remain calm. “I am most unwell. I do not see a way out of this. You are to be sent away. Although that’s probably for the best. Isobel has formed an attachment to you.”
    “Has she?” Casimir actually looked surprised.
    “Yes, simpleton, she has. Are you truly so unaware?” Thea dropped her casual air. “She deserves better from you, Casimir. Do not toy with her.”
    “I had not thought I was!” He sat up, and then abruptly, sat back in his chair. “Let us not argue, Thea,” he said. “There are too many watching. Your betrothed among them.” He nodded in a direction off to left of where they sat.
    “I think it’s at his direction that my father asked you to travel for him.”
    Casimir laughed, and Thea could hear unhappiness in it. “Of course it was. He thinks to negate me by sending me scuttling at your father’s beck and call. Be prepared, Thea. He will be pushing you to name a date shortly.”
    “So soon? His father may not even know yet. And what did he want to speak with you about?”
    “Oh, some farce regarding our nations’ interests with the Empress. To let me know he spoke not only for his kingdom, but yours as well. Essentially letting me know he has claimed you.”
    “Claimed Gallivas, you mean.” Thea said flatly. “He does not care for me as he does my kingdom.”
    “While I think in order of priorities, you are correct, do not negate yourself, Thea. I do think he has a regard for you. As I have told you. See for yourself.” He nodded at Sebastian, who