She hoped her actions now, in some small way, would begin to make up for her sins. For Burnt Bay, for her mistaken suspicion of Yasmin, for Father’s illness itself. All of it. She might not be able to heal Father, or bring Yasmin or those soldiers back, but she could keep the kingdom running in Father’s stead. Support the people who remained.

Including the best friend she’d been either using as a spy or neglecting recently.

Later in the day, after her meetings, Ren invited Audrina to lunch in a private dining room. She ordered Aud’s favorite fish and the nettle tea her friend loved. But when Audrina arrived, her friend barely glanced at the food. She perched on the edge of her chair, hands toying with her sleeves, one eye on the door.

“That’s a lovely dress.” Ren gestured at the deep blue gown with long, tight sleeves. All the rage, both in color and style. Normally Audrina wasn’t one to chase trends. “Is it new?”

“Hmm?” Audrina looked down. “Oh, this.” She shrugged. “One of the maids planned to throw it away. It was my size, so.”

An awkward silence fell. Ren cleared her throat. “How have you been?”

“Busy working for Lexana.” Aud shifted in her seat. “Busy enough I can’t afford to stay long. Ren, it was nice of you to invite me, but have you forgotten what it’s like below-stairs? Any moment I take to myself I have to make up fourfold later.”

Suddenly Ren understood her friend’s reticence. She smiled, hoping to reassure her. “Of course I remember, Aud. Don’t worry. I cleared your schedule with Madam Oruna. She promised to have another girl cover your duties.”

“Ren, I know you feel guilty about all the favors you’ve asked. But this isn’t what I wanted either.” She waved a hand at the food cooling on the table. “I don’t want special treatment, any more than I want to be your personal spy. I just want things to go back to the way they were. Back when we were friends. Equals.”

“So do I.” Ren reached for her friend’s hand. Aud shifted it out of reach. “Audrina, you are still my friend.”

“But no longer your equal.” Bitterness seeped into her friend’s tone.

“That’s not what I meant—”

“How can a princess be friends with a maid?” Aud’s voice rose. “You’re in line to become the next Queen of Kolonya, and I’m a nobody.”

“Not to me,” Ren replied sharply.

Audrina laughed. “No, I’m just your favorite tool.” Her friend finally met her gaze. “Go on, Ren. Ask me what I learned about Lexana. I know you’re dying to.”

“That’s not why I invited you here.”

“But you do want to know.”

Ren winced. “After this, I’m done with favors. We’ll be back to normal, I promise.”