From the way most of the ladies had sneered at me, befriending them was unlikely. But I could stay quiet and listen, soaking up any information that could help. Besides, the queen’s ladies could go almost anywhere in this castle. They sat at royal dinners and danced with the nobility closest to the king.
Just the thought made my stomach swim, but I clenched my fists and trailed after Daselis.
The queen raised her eyebrow, taking me in when I stepped into her room.
“You do good work, Daselis,” she said, and Daselis smiled for the first time since I’d met her.
“We must attend one of my husband’s dinners within the hour, but I do hope you will interest me, Setella. I grow bored with the same topics.” She glanced at her ladies, who hunched their shoulders. “While I would prefer to eat elsewhere, we must join my husband and the rest of the court. The king has a guest and has insisted I attend.”
From the way her mouth twisted, she wasn’t exactly in love with her husband. I noted that information.
The other ladies had been quiet, most of them appearing bored, but they all stood when the queen did. I winced as I realized I was at the head of their line since I’d stupidly positioned myself directly behind the queen.
The woman who stood next to me was slight, with curly blond hair several shades darker than my natural color.
“I’m Lisveth.” She smiled. I smiled back. I’d imagined it would be impossible to befriend any of the queen’s ladies, but Lisveth, at least, seemed welcoming.
“Setella,” I murmured back.
“I remember my first dinner. I was so nervous. I’ll show you where to sit.”
One of the other women snorted, and I glanced over my shoulder at Madinia. According to Auria, her father was currently the closest to the king. We filed out of the room, and Madinia walked so close, she was stepping on my heels.
I ground my teeth, refusing to give her the satisfaction of a reaction. By the time we reached the dining hall, any nerves I’d felt had been stifled by irritation.
Until the guards opened the doors and the queen stepped into the dining hall. Everyone jumped to their feet and bowed low.
I hesitated, but the other ladies were still moving, so I followed Lisveth, keeping my head down.
I was well aware that I had enemies on all sides. The servants would be incredulous and jealous. The courtiers and nobility would see me as an interesting amusement and a way for the queen to put them in their place.
Look at how little I value you. How much power I have. I can even pluck a servant from obscurity and force you to interact with her.
The queen slowed her steps, until all eyes were on her. Finally, she walked to the table and sat. With a wave of her hand, she gestured for us to sit at the table nearby.
I scanned the royal table. And my eyes met amused green.
I stopped so suddenly, Madinia slammed into my back. She hissed a curse at me, but I was too busy staring at Lorian.
His gaze turned predatory.
What?
How?
Why?
“Setella?” Lisveth was glancing between me and the king’s table.
“Sorry. First time seeing so many nobles. I’m a little nervous.”
Madinia snorted again, and I moved automatically, sliding myself into the only empty chair. Unfortunately, that put my back to Lorian, and I refused to give him the satisfaction—or draw attention to either one of us—by turning around to glower at him.
How was a mercenary dining with the royal family?
Everyone stood once more, and I scrambled to my feet. The king was walking in. It was the first time I’d seen him, and I swept my gaze over him as I bowed.
Tall and broad-shouldered, Sabium looked like he was at the peak of health. Which he likely was since his healers no doubt used stolen magic from people like my brother. His cheeks were ruddy, though, his eyes so dark they were almost black.
The king gestured for us to lift our heads. We all stayed standing, and the room went silent.
“Today, I would like to welcome Prince Rekja from Gromalia to our court. May this visit pave the way for greater cooperation between our kingdoms for centuries to come.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Lorian’s voice seemed to caress every inch of my skin. For a moment, all I could think about was the way his mouth had felt when he’d kissed me, right before we parted inside the city gates.
Back when I thought he was in the city to find his next client.
I almost laughed at how stupid I’d been. I’d thought Tibris and I were cunning for managing to get into the castle. Of course, Lorian had walked in the front door while pretending to be a prince.