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King Harold exited the dining hall with little resistance from the others. Annalise continued to eat, listening to the rest speak. It wasn’t until Prince Vyarin started talking about animals that the promise she made to ride with Prince Erick surfaced once more. If anyone was paying enough attention to her, they would see her expression shift from her normal calm expression to one of annoyance, or maybe even dread, for a split second before she corrected herself and cleared her throat. 

“I apologize for interrupting your conversation Prince Vyarin, Prince Erick, but the subject of animals has made me remember the wager I made last night, that of course I lost. Normally I wouldn’t do this but I am afraid I must postpone your winnings Prince Erick, with such an important event happening tonight I must make sure the proper preparations are in order.” This was a lie, her sisters would be able to call her out on it from a mile away, though she hoped they did not. In truth she had a pounding headache and would rather spend the time before the ball in the library reading or even soaking in a very long bath. Her handmaidens would have a fit if she sat in the water that long so the quiet of the library seemed the best option. 

She also hoped she would be able to catch either of the other two suitors before the ball. She had occupied most of her time with Prince Erick the night before and she hadn’t really had the opportunity to converse with the others. Jorda was the closest thing to an ally even before the alliance by marriage was proposed. The country had been Astalia’s shield for ages. She seemed to have gravitated toward her usual diplomatic approach even without realizing it. She felt it was unfair to the others to have done this, and even though they would have the option to speak during the ball she still wanted to speak to the others without the prying eyes of the Court and the Citizens. After all, they only had a little more than a day to make a decision on who they would wish to marry. Now was time for strategizing, weighing the pros and cons of each suitor. 

She stood from her seat, signaling she was finished with her meal. “If anyone needs me I have some research to complete, to ensure the preparations are correct. I will be located in the library for a while.” She gave the group a curtsy and headed out the same door her father had exited before her. Should she catch up to him and see what was troubling him? No, he would only tell her everything was fine. She would ask Sulhana later if she knew anything.