The next day, Rosa summoned the court ladies for tea. Laughter and chatter filled her chambers, but her smile was strained.
"She dares to steal attention from me," Rosa seethed inwardly. "I will not allow it."
When the ladies pressed her about the Prince, she feigned a graceful smile. "He is a man of great honor. Naturally, he disapproves of clumsy servants. But rest assured, he will soon see where true beauty and worth lie."
Her eyes gleamed as she spoke.
Later, Rosa visited her father. "Invite the Dragon Prince to hunt tomorrow," she said sweetly. "Let him see me at my best."
King Arven, eager to win the Prince's favor, agreed at once.
But Rosa's mind was elsewhere. For she had also ordered a servant to "assign Daya to the hunting party."
If the Prince wished to play hero, Rosa would make certain he had reason to.