I pause, chewing the edge of my lip. If he’s playing a game, I’m certain I’ve already lost. But if he really doesn’t know what I am…

Maybe I can get out of this if I think faster. If I think simpler.

I need to be more like the Ophelia from my old world.

I tug at the fabric of my dress. “I love this dress, but I’m not afraid of losing it because I can walk straight over to one of those stalls and make a new one.” I find his silver eyes. “Maybe that’s the beauty of Infinity—we never have to lose the things we love.”

The brightness in his smile fades. “I can’t fault your logic. But perhaps there’s beauty to be found in loss, too.”

I immediately think of my family, and my emotions get the better of me. “There’s nothing beautiful about losing something you love.”

The prince stills. For all the time we’ve been having a conversation, he looks as if he didn’t truly see me until this moment. My sternum feels like it’s about to snap in half. Did I go too far? Say too much?

But instead of admonishing me for speaking out of turn, he gives a careful nod in resignation. “Then I suppose it’s a good thing we’ll never have to find out.”

I shift my feet, unsure if it’s okay to walk away. Unsure if I’m ready to.

“Your Highness,” a deep voice cuts in, and I turn to see a Resident wearing tailored off-white robes. His face is pinched, foxlike, and he has sharp features and cropped black hair. Folding his hands together, he bows low. “Forgive me for interrupting.”

“What is it, Vallis?” Caelan’s voice turns quickly regal, like what had thawed for a moment is once again frozen and stiff.

Vallis eyes me briefly before returning his attention to the prince. “I wondered if I might have a word. In private.”

“I’m here for a painting, not to hold court,” Caelan says smoothly. “Surely whatever you have to say can wait until the council meeting tonight.”

“I’m afraid not,” Vallis says nervously. “It’s about your brother, and his visit to the Capital.”

Caelan’s brow visibly twitches. “I see.”

Vallis glances at me, his irritation clear. “Perhaps your guest would be willing to wait in the carriage while—” he offers, but Prince Caelan waves him away.

“That won’t be necessary. You’ve been my adviser long enough for me to know that anything urgent won’t be wrapped up quickly. I’d rather not keep anyone waiting on my account.”

“And I’m sure your subjects appreciate such thoughtfulness, Your Highness,” Vallis replies.