“They listen to you, too.”

“For now. But that’s the thing about whispers—they’re hardly a sound at all, and yet they have the power to change everything.” Caelan tilts his head back. “Maybe it isn’t the worst thing to wield charm like a weapon.”

My words come out too casually. “I think I’d prefer someone who told me the truth.” When I remember my mask, the hypocrisy hits me like a tidal wave. So I quickly add, “Besides, there’s nothing charming about brooding arrogance and a desperation to sound clever.” I stiffen, mind reeling. Did I really just insult the Prince of War right in front of his brother? What is wrong with me?

But to my surprise—and relief—Caelan laughs freely. “I once called him a wilted blade with a mediocre tailor in front of the Capital Chancellors.” His eyes twinkle. “He choked on his wine. It was deeply satisfying.”

“I can imagine,” I reply, more amused than I should be. For some reason, talking to Caelan feels like talking to a friend. It’s easy. Maybe even disarming.

Which means I need to be careful.

We turn down another corridor, our footsteps synchronized against the glass tiles.

“I thought it was customary for a hosting prince to see their royal guests to the border?” I ask innocently.

“I’m sure my brother will survive the disappointment,” he replies. “I sent my guards with him, and my royal adviser to stand in my place.”

“It’s so quiet,” I remark. “I didn’t know a palace could feel so empty.”

Caelan stares ahead. “Sometimes I prefer it that way. The monotony of court life can be quite stifling, especially here.”

The admission rocks me. Is that why the human servants are in the basement like hibernating computers? Because he wanted to be alone?

I try not to picture the eyes left unblinking somewhere below us and bury my anger in the same mental hole where I hide my fear. “I think I should leave. I don’t want to intrude any more than I have.”

“Please, stay,” he says quickly, turning to look at me. “I’m enjoying the company.”

“But not the company of your Legion Guards?” I force a small smile.

“Don’t tell the others. Commander Kyas can be quite sensitive.”

My smile fades. If he had any idea he was being betrayed by the very soldier, he wouldn’t have sent him to the border with Prince Ettore, where they’d have time to continue plotting a way to overthrow the ruler of Victory.

I could never reveal what I know to Caelan without blowing my cover. But would I even want to?

I’ve seen War. I know what a court ruled by Prince Ettore looks like. Victory forces humans into servitude after taking their consciousness, but they aren’t being ripped to literal pieces by guards several times a day.