“You’re shivering,” Lang said tightly. “Perrault, have someone bring hot water.”

Perrault drew himself up. “I’m not an errand boy—”

“But you are only fourth in command on this expedition,” Lang said tautly. “And I’m the captain. The seneschal-elect needs to get warm. Please, have someone send a bath.”

Perrault turned on his heel and stalked toward the door. “I’ll call for tea,” Bear said quickly, following him.

Later, he mouthed to me. My heart skidded, disastrous, over the reluctance in his eyes.

And then I was alone with Lang.

“You told the prince you weren’t feeling well enough to join him for lunch.” His voice was quiet, hard as a stone.

I twisted the hem of my shirt over the basin by my bed, watching water run in rivulets down the painted ceramic. “I thought I’d go for—a walk,” I said haltingly. “Bear suggested the library. I—”

“Selah.” Lang cut me off. His eyes were agitated. “You’re playing a dangerous game.”

I tried to laugh. “What are you talking about?”

“Vanishing for hours? With a member of the household?” He tripped over the words, voice growing heated.

My face reddened. “What does his status matter?” I demanded.

“He’s not the prince.” Lang flung his arms out. “Don’t you care— Selah, what are you even here for?” He was breathing hard, as if he’d been running. As if my foolish truancy left him breathless.

Lang, who even when we were all together, was always somewhere else.

I narrowed my eyes at him and dropped my voice. “What are you here for, Lang?”

He froze, one smudged hand midway through his tousled dark hair. “What are you talking about?”

“I hear the things you say,” I said sharply. “You’re everywhere but by my side. Perrault follows me around like a nanny, but despite the fact that you keep insisting that you’re in charge, you’re never around, even when I might need you. You’re looking for something. For—someone.”

“Selah, trust me.” He eyed me keenly, his very words careful enough to walk a tightrope. “That has nothing to do with you.”

“Trust you?” I asked. “How can I trust you, when you ignore me for days at a time, then come in here making accusations?”

Never mind that they’re true.

“I don’t understand.” Lang shook his head, eyes confused. “You were so concerned about making this work, and now you’re—with him? Of all people?”

My voice was nearly inaudible when I finally spoke. “What would you do, if you were in my shoes?”

“I’d do what I came here to do,” Lang said, low and intent. “Court the prince or not, but stick to the mission either way.”

“Fine.” I leveled my gaze at him. “Then I’d say the same to you. Do your job, Lang. If you’re concerned about me, be around to see what’s happening.”