Soren thought of the book Fiona had given him - the one that turned out to be no poetry collection at all , but a scandalous manual on intimacy , complete with her pointed notes . It was evidence enough that Fiona , despite her delicate exterior , possessed skills in bending men's hearts , though hardly the sort befitting a noblewoman . Callum , after some consideration , suggested , " Why not settle your engagement to Ms. Roxanne quickly ? Better that than to let these games drag on ." If Soren were formally betrothed , the Niven family would have no ground to meddle further . And Roxanne was no ordinary choice - admired for her beauty and talents , sought after by countless young men . To secure her hand swiftly would prevent needless complications . But Soren shook his head . " The court is unsettled . Now is no time for marriage negotiations ." His Majesty's suspicion is a blade above our heads . If he were to read an alliance between our family and the Thankerton family as ambition , it could bring disaster . The crown prince had yet to be named . It was a season ripe with danger . Callum , recognizing the weight of Soren's words , let the matter rest . During the several hours Meryl and Fiona spent at the Zonfrillo Estate , neither Soren nor Callum appeared before them . The meaning was plain - the Zonfrillo family had no interest in forming ties through marriage . Fortunately , Meryl had not come with such intentions , so the subject was never raised . After luncheon , Meryl rose to leave . Before departing , Fiona said to Penelope , " If you boil jasmine , honeysuckle , and bugbane into a salve , it helps fade scars from rashes . Perhaps you might find it useful , Duchess Zonfrillo . " In her past life , Fiona had once suffered burns , and it had taken months of searching to obtain this remedy . Penelope arched a brow but offered only a thin smile . " You're thoughtful to concern yourself ." Fiona knew well that her former mother - in - law reserved all her tenderness for her own kin . Still , Penelope's fondness for beauty was undeniable . Fiona had little doubt she would try the recipe . As soon as the mother and daughter departed , Winnifred commented admiringly , " Ms. Fiona is truly a beauty . " " Are you thinking of her for Callum ? " Penelope asked , her glance sharp . 1/3 14:36 Fri , Oct 10 Chapter 8 Shadows In Court : 60 +10 Free Coins Winnifred shook her head quickly . " I may appreciate her looks , but my son is not one to heed me in such matters . " Penelope stifled a sigh . Everyone assumed Soren was the sensible one . Few realized he was just as stubborn . When he was a boy , he had rebelled against his studies until his father's whip left him bedridden for months . Yet still he did not yield until he himself chose to learn . That stubbornness had forged his skill in both letters and arms . Soren would never be steered against his own inclination . Even Princess Jasmine , who had openly admired Soren , had long been kept at a distance . Penelope could not believe her son's hand was not behind that quiet refusal . Two days later , Fiona returned to her studies at the academy . Sweetbriar Academy , founded by the Ministry of Rites in the early years of the dynasty , housed both the men's and women's divisions . It was Duflana's most prestigious seat of learning , and nearly all the empire's celebrated minds had once walked its halls . Just this year , the top laureate in the imperial examinations had been none other than Soren . Though he had since graduated , his teachers still spoke of him with reverence , calling him a man of rare talent and destiny , one who might one day be hailed among the great men of history . Within the women's school , groups of young ladies gathered in clusters , whispering and laughing . " You've returned at just the right moment , " Yolanda greeted her warmly . " You'll be able to join us for the autumn hunt ." That was indeed Fiona's purpose for coming back now . Hunting was not an activity for women of Duflana - traditionally , it belonged to men . But this year was different . A delegation had arrived from Brorchester , and among them was Princess Aurora , Skilled in riding and shooting , the princess wished to see Duflana's hunting grounds , and His Majesty had decreed that the noblewomen should accompany her . Fiona intended to use the hunt to sharpen her skills in riding and archery . It had been years since she last practiced seriously , and the opportunity was too valuable to waste . " Don't you wonder why we're being included this year ? " Yolanda teased . Fiona feigned ignorance . " Why ? " 2/3 14:36 Fri , Oct 10 Chapter 8 Shadows In Court 60 +10 Free Coins " Because Princess Aurora insisted . In her homeland , women are as skilled with mounted archery as men . But I also hear whispers she's here to find herself a husband , " Yolanda said , lowering her voice conspiratorially . The mention stirred no memory in Fiona ; she could not recall the details of Aurora's private affairs . This autumn hunt was set to be grander than any in recent years . The academy arranged for the young women to ride two by two in carriages . Fiona's assigned partner was Naomi Zonfrillo . The two had never been close . Their exchanges were polite , but no more . Fiona bore no ill will , yet neither could she pretend a familiarity that did not exist . They had not been on the road long when a voice called , " Naomi ! " She pulled back the curtain with a bright smile and waved . " Callum ! " Callum's gaze swept idly over the carriage's interior . His eyes landed first on his cousin , but then they shifted and rested briefly on Fiona . She had been reading , her head bent , her face bare of powder . When she lifted her eyes at the sound of Naomi's voice , her features caught the light , refined and luminous . For twenty unshaken years , Callum's heart had been steady as stone . Yet in that instant , it an unfamiliar , forceful leap . 3/3 14:36 Fri , Oct 10