“Lady Sarella.” Ren smiled. “I’ve been hoping for the chance to thank you. Without your aid in the baths, I fear I wouldn’t be here today.”

Sarella’s narrowed eyes flicked to Ren. “I wasn’t speaking to you. Though I do worry that my instinctive and magnanimous decision to aid you was misguided.”

Ren cast her sister a wary frown. What now?

Sarella turned toward Akeylah. “May I speak with you alone, Lady Akeylah? I do not feel comfortable speaking about this matter in front of her.”

Ren glanced around the room again. Was everyone staring at both of them? Or just at Ren…? “Whatever you have to say, you can tell us both, Sarella,” Ren said.

Then, in the distance, motion caught Ren’s eye. Audrina, dressed like a serving girl instead of in her maid’s uniform. She carried a water pitcher in one hand and waved her other wildly to catch Ren’s eye. Aud mouthed something Ren couldn’t quite decipher.

“Lady Sarella, my sister and I were just about to begin our meal.” Akeylah smiled. Ren hoped Sarella didn’t notice the strain around the edges. “Might we discuss your concerns after?”

“It is urgent, my lady, and regards your sister’s character. I assure you, once you hear this tale, you won’t want to break bread with such a woman.”

Ren finally realized what Audrina was mouthing. Get out.

“Lady Florencia is my sister.” Akeylah’s voice went cold. “I assure you, it takes more than mere court gossip to turn me against family.”

In the distance, the main doors swung open. Audrina stopped waving and turned to stare in horror. Ren’s heart beat faster as the Southern and Western ambassadors marched into the Great Hall, flanked by Lord D’Vangeline Rueno, his daughter Lexana, and the Talon captain.

Ren rose. So did Akeylah.

Rueno strode straight toward their table. Behind him jogged Lexana, eyes wide as saucers. A moment later, Danton hurried into view. He, too, mouthed something.

I’m sorry.

Dread pooled in Ren’s stomach.

“Where is the king?” Lord Rueno demanded without preamble.

Ren cleared her throat. “Our father is indisposed. How can we assist you in his stead?”

“You cannot assist with anything,” Rueno spat in her direction. “Lexana, come here.” Lexana obeyed, though she kept her face turned to the floor, mouth a thin, trembling line. “Tell Lady Akeylah what you told us.”

“Father, please—”

“Now, Lexana. This is a matter of state security.”

For a heartbeat, Lexana met Ren’s eye, expression unreadable. Was that fear, or something darker Ren saw written across her features? Then Lexana bowed her head once more, meek and obedient. “I found some letters. Hidden in an old, unused suite.”

An unused suite you were sneaking off to have an affair in, Ren thought.