Emry recognized him vaguely from the training yard. Morian, she thought he was called. He always had a slight sneer to his mouth, as though he enjoyed ordering people around.

“What’s all this about?” Master Ambrosius demanded.

“ ’S none of your business, old man,” said a thick-necked guard with a piggish face.

Two guards seized Emry roughly by the shoulders, and she stumbled after them, a deep panic clanging in her chest.

What was going on?

The guards marched her to the throne room, no longer festooned with flower garlands and cheer. The shades were drawn, the fire a low and menacing hiss. The space seemed enormous, devoid as it was of courtiers.

Emry swallowed nervously, looking around the room. Were there always so many guards? And none of them looked the least bit friendly.

At the far end of the hall, King Uther sat on the dais, fingers pressed to his temples, looking as though he’d rather be in bed sleeping off last night’s drink. Lord Howell stood at his side. Strangest of all, Lady Elaine hovered just behind her father, looking pleased with herself.

“Your Majesty,” Emry said, bowing low. “You sent for me?”

“Well?” the king demanded, looking to Lord Howell. “Will someone tell me what’s going on?”

“Gladly, Your Majesty.” Lord Howell stepped forward, an accusing finger pointed straight at Emry as he said, “We have all been deceived by this wicked girl !”

The chamber went completely still. Emry’s heart froze.

“Girl?” King Uther stared haughtily down from his throne, peering skeptically at Emry.

“I saw her, Your Majesty!” said Lady Elaine. “She was at the ball last night! And she seemed on very intimate terms with the Duke of Cornwall!”

No. Emry wanted to scream. Or drop through the floor and disappear. She felt as though she might faint.

“Is this true?” demanded the king.

“No!” she protested. “I was only trying to learn if the duke posed Arthur any threat—”

“That is not what I meant!” growled the king. “And how dare you refer to His Royal Highness as ‘Arthur’?”

Emry blanched. “I’m sorry, Your Majesty,” she said. She looked up at them all, her voice shaking as she confessed, “Yes, I am a girl. But please, you have to let me explain. I came to court in my brother’s place—”

“See?” Lady Elaine insisted. “She admits to impersonating a courtier!”

Emry’s stomach twisted. “No!” she said. “Please, let me—”

“She lost her father in service to the crown,” accused Lord Howell. “And it’s clear she’s come seeking revenge against the royal family!”

The room felt like it was spinning. This couldn’t be happening. Surely, if she could only wake up, she’d be back in her bed, with the guard practicing noisily outside her window.

The king raised his hand for silence. “You have done well to discover this girl’s treachery,” he told Lady Elaine, and the girl preened. Emry had always known Lady Elaine was spiteful, but this was a new low. And then the king leveled a harsh glare in her direction. “And you,” he said, his voice cold and hard as ice.