Page 119 of In Violent Waves

“Daisy, I’m sure it’s fine,” Lyra said. Her voice was soft and lovely.

She stepped out of the dim castle and into a ray of golden light. He involuntarily stepped forward at the sight of her. A light pink traveling dress brought out the flush on her cheeks and the rose of her lips. Her auburn hair hung in loose waves down to her waist, except for a small braid over her crown that had wisps of small white flowers tucked into it.

She resembled the wild buttercups that grew alongside the brambles of Valewood.

Wilder ascended the few steps to the castle door and extended his elbow to her.

She looked up at him beneath lowered lashes and nibbled at her bottom lip.

“What are you doing?” She looked around as if she were expecting someone else.

“I’m escorting you to the carriage.”

She stared at his outstretched arm as if it were a spider.

“Is there a problem?” he asked, not understanding.

“Yes,” she said, placing her hands on her hips and squaring her shoulders.

“What is the problem?” He sighed and felt the fight leave his body. Of course, she was going to make this difficult.

“Why are you being—charming?”

Wilder smirked and raised his arm a fraction. “Don’t mistake my actions for anything but duty. You’re on an official tour. I am just doing what is expected.”

That wasn’t entirely true, but he was not about to tell her he wanted to be close to her, to touch her.

“Well, in that case,” she muttered, and slipped her arm through his.

They descended a single step before his mother called.

“Wilder!”

He groaned but turned them to face her.

“Yes, Mother.”

“There’s been a change to your itinerary.”

Queen Aine was wrapped in a gown of crimson, with a high collar resembling feathers that stood up behind her even taller updo. A golden folder was gripped in her fist, which coincided with the tightened expression on her face.

Wilder reached out to take the folder, but his mother stared intently at him.

“May I have it?”

She handed him the folder, but when he took it in his hands, she did not let go.

“Follow the itinerary to the letter.”

Lyra looked between Queen Aine and Wilder, trying to understand what was passing between them.

“Yes, Mother.”

“I mean it, Wilder. To the letter.”

Wilder arched a brow but nodded his agreement.

Queen Aine looked at Lyra and smiled broadly.