As odd as Roland had been before leaving me at my room, I thought I would never fall asleep, but I climbed into bed and after talking to Johnna for a short time, I forgot everything and fell into a dreamless sleep.

In the morning, Roland surprised us all by having breakfast brought to our sitting room. Amber was not pleased, as she had planned to dine with everyone in the dining hall, but Roland put his foot down. He said that Jane and Johnna were welcome to do as they wished, but we would eat with him. Johnna chose to stay with us. Jane, an apologetic look on her face, left, and Amber pouted after her eyes shot Roland a menacing look.

Servants brought us a light meal, of milk, juice, eggs and breads. Roland kept the subjects light as Amber was still frowning, and he seemed unsure of what to speak of in front of Johnna. I told him about the gardens, the statues and the landscaping, and the labyrinth Johnna and I had found, but did not have time to explore.

That seemed to trigger interest in Amber. She asked where she could find the labyrinth. "We can show you after we are finished," Johnna said, motioning to herself and me.

"I don't think I care for you ladies to go into the labyrinth," Roland said carefully. "One could get lost in there for hours."

"Have you been in there?" Amber asked snidely.

"As a matter of fact, I have," he returned with a warning tone. "It is no place for unchaperoned girls."

"But if we went together, we would not need chaperones." Roland glared at his daughter. "And certainly Johnna is old enough to qualify as a woman."

I glanced at Johnna. Amber meant that comment as a barb, but Johnna smiled graciously all the same. "I would not want to ire his Grace, Lady Amber."

"Thank you, Lady Johnna. The matter is settled. No labyrinth." Amber sulked in her chair. "It seems to me that I came all this way to find a husband for my daughter, but perhaps she needs to be sent to the nursery instead."

I had to cover my mouth to hide a laugh, and ended up making a coughing noise.

"May I be excused?" Amber stood.

"Go." Roland waved his hand at her, angry. "Be back here for dinner." Amber stormed into her room and Roland turned to us. "I apologize for her behavior."

I merely nodded and Johnna raised an eyebrow. "Thank you, but no apology is needed. I must ask though, your Grace, if Sofia and I were to find a suitable, male companion, could we investigate the labyrinth?"

Roland almost said no, but stopped himself. "I suppose that would not be unreasonable. But I would prefer it to be someone who knows the way. It is very easy to lose oneself in there."

I smiled. "Thank you, your Grace."

"Perhaps tomorrow," replied Johnna, after all the fuss of the ball is over.

"That would be better," agreed Roland, looking a little more relieved before finishing his tea. "What are your plans today?"

"I want to introduce Sofia to the palace library."

"That is a good idea. I will escort you there, if you don't mind." Roland wiped his mouth with a napkin then threw it next to his plate.

Our servants helped us from our chairs and we exited the room. The library was on the other side of the palace and it took several minutes to reach it as we had to stop and say hello to those whom we passed. I could not help but notice some of the looks thrown at us, especially from those near Roland's age. Johnna either did not notice, or she played it off gracefully. The duke had his shoulders squared more than usual, and I could feel the tension.

We arrived at the library, however, and Roland left us with a small smile. Once inside, I was amazed. Like everything else about the palace, it was over and above any other library I had ever seen. "I thought you would like it." Johnna laughed. "Come this way." I followed her lead to the far wall. Little pocket rooms opened along that wall, with tables and special books and items inside each one. "This one is for botany and agriculture," she motioned toward one that we passed, "and this one is for magic. It contains some of the oldest and rarest manuscripts known."

We stepped inside and I saw a few sorcerers at a long table, taking notes and reading. Cedric was among them. He looked up as we entered and smiled, then stood and came toward us. "Lady Sofia," he whispered.

"Cedric." I wanted to throw my arms around him, and I almost did, but stopped myself in time. I motioned to my friend, "This is Lady Johnna. Johnna, this is Cedric, the sorcerer from my home."

Johnna, a sparkle in her eye, let Cedric kiss the back of her hand. Laughingly, she winked at me. "I've heard quite a bit about you, Sir Cedric."

"Just Cedric is fine, my lady." He looked a little worried.

"Might we have a word just outside?" Johnna stepped out of the small room as if neither Cedric or I would say no. And we followed. She turned and looked at us, her eyes searching. I could not help but blush. "I have to admit," Johnna smiled, "I manipulated this little chance meeting."

"I don't understand," I was beginning to worry.

Johnna laughed. "Cedric, are you familiar with the labyrinth in the gardens?"

"Yes, my lady. Quite well, actually."

"Well," Johnna glanced at me then back at Cedric, "Duke Roland has forbidden Sofia from entering the labyrinth, even with me as a companion, however, he agreed that if we were to find a suitable male escort, especially one who knows his way, that Sofia would be allowed to enjoy the maze."

"You want me to escort you ladies through the labyrinth?"

"Not today," Johnna waved. "Tomorrow, perhaps early afternoon."

Cedric looked at me, his smile coming back. "I will be glad to show you both through the labyrinth. It was designed with magic, you know."

"It was?" I asked.

"I'll tell you more about it tomorrow," he took my hand and kissed it as well. "I will meet you at the entrance an hour before tea time."

"Thank you, Cedric," Johnna beamed. "And I hope you forgive my mischievousness."

"I shall have to think upon that, Lady Johnna." His face looked serious but his eyes were shining. "It is not every day I am manipulated so."

Johnna and I laughed. "Thank you, Cedric." I gave him a small curtsy. I followed Johnna away from that room and to a staircase but paused before climbing to the next level. Glancing back, he was still standing there, watching me. I flushed, smiled and he smile too. Then he shook his head and disappeared into the little room again.

"There is a copy of nearly every book known to man in this library." I reached the top of the stairs and Johnna started to show me how each section was decided and placed.

"What a system!"

"Indeed. But without it, one would never find a thing in this room!"

We walked around the second floor. "Are you going to borrow a book?"

"Not today, there won't be time. But perhaps in tomorrow or the next day. Jane and I do not have as far to travel home." She paused, looking out the window. "Would you like to explore the castle before dinner?"

"I'd love to."

I was back to the sitting room for dinner. Johnna went to eat with her family, and Amber deliberately missed coming to the sitting room so it was just Roland and me. I could tell he was frustrated so I tread lightly. He dismissed the servants so we were alone sitting on the settee, the table slightly between us.

"Are you enjoying the palace, Sofia?"

"Yes, your Gr- Roland." This made him smile a little. "Johnna and I went exploring this morning, after the library."

"We must invite Johnna to come visit when we are home."

"I would like that. Perhaps she could teach me to ride."

"You don't know how to ride?" Roland looked horrified.

"No."

"Then that must be remedied." We ate in silence for a few minutes. "Most everyone will be resting this afternoon. The ball will go very late into the night. I'd like you to stay here until I can escort you to the ballroom."

I nodded.

"Have you, has anyone been unkind to you here, Sofia?"

"Not at all." I was surprised.

"If they are, I want you to tell me immediately."

"Your- I mean, Roland?"

"Hmm?"

"Is something wrong? You are tense and not like yourself." His face hardened further and I lowered my eyes. "Forgive me, I should not pry."

He took my hands in one of his, and lifted my chin. "Sofia. You are too intelligent for your own good. It is nothing my dear. Amber's mother was King Stephan's younger sister and Stephan was never fond of me. He blames me for her death. It does not stop people from talking though, making up stories and such."

His fingers left my chin and slid up my cheek, then to my hair and ear and the back of my head. Roland's eyes were on my lips and I wondered if he was going to kiss me. I drew in a sharp breath and Roland seemed to come to himself and let go of me. "You are very beautiful, Sofia. I can't wait to see you this evening."

"Thank you." I felt hot, flushed, and wished we were not alone.

As if on cue, Amber and Jane walked in. She gave a small curtsy to her father but ignored his glare and the two went to their room. Johnna arrived shortly after. "Go rest, Sofia." Roland stood. "I'll be here to escort you, and Amber, this evening."

I simply nodded, glad he was leaving.

.