But he was not the head of this household, and it seemed, as far as his parents were concerned, I was more than welcome. As if reading my thoughts and wanting to show just how much a part of this I was, Lord Northcott stood and walked our way.

“Is my wife informing you of what an ordeal you’ve walked into? Of all the plans you’re now tied up in?” he asked. His movement prompted his son, who was now back to circling.

I smiled up at him. “I had an idea. But I didn’t realize how much work you’ve been doing here, trying to make things right. On that front, it seems I have much to learn.”

He sat down in a large chair across from me as Mother came to stand, her hands resting on the back of said chair. “I cannot think of a better time to tell you what we know, what we’ve guessed, and what we’re working on.”

“Are you sure that’s wise?” Etan whispered, though it wasn’t as if I wouldn’t hear. Twice now he’d publicly expressed I was not to be trusted.

Lord Northcott smiled at his son, not judging him, not even really correcting him, but simply stating the obvious in his eyes. “Yes, I think my new niece should be included in our plans, shaky as they are.”

Etan’s eyes went to me again, and I could see that air of suspicion in them.

“Lady Northcott already started explaining some of this,” I offered. “It sounds like what we need is proof that King Quinten is behind the Darkest Knights’ actions before he can be overthrown?”

“Essentially. So, for now, finding proof is our strategy.” Lord Northcott sighed. “Not that we haven’t attempted before, of course,” he said, speaking mainly to me. “We’ve tried to bribe guards. We have friends who live at court with eyes always open. We have . . . well, more support than one might guess. But, so far, we haven’t had much success.” He met all of our eyes in turn. “And with how violent and frequent the attacks have been, I feel that whatever it is we do next might be our last attempt at revealing Quinten’s actions. All of us are to work on this. What do we know already? Who might be able to aid us in this? Which reminds me. Etan?” He turned away to face his son. “Did you hear anything as you passed into or out of Coroa? I assumed your fellow soldiers would speak without their guards up around you.”

He nodded slowly, unwilling to speak right away. “I did. It seems the queen has lost her child and is trying for another.”

I looked at him, hating to be so desperate for news that only he could give.

“How is Valentina?”

He squinted at me and shrugged. “I don’t typically ask about the welfare of my enemies.”

It was a word I was certain he associated with me as well.