“You’re rich; we get it,” Carys whispered into Bri’s ear, making her snort.

They sat on one side of the long dining table, Tem and Lina across from them and Darrow at the head. It felt strange not to have Delta there too, but at least she was finally healing.

Lina narrowed her eyes at Carys. Whether she had heard Carys or not, her eyes warned Carys to behave.

“Your home is beautiful,” Carys said louder, and Bri covered her mouth with her napkin to keep from laughing.

“Thank you,” Darrow said with a bow of his head. “It has been our family’s main residence for seven generations.”

“Main residence?” Bri asked, pushing her spiced rice around with her spoon.

The green witches at the palace had far superior cooking skills. She wondered if Darrow had instructed his witches to over-spice the food. She rubbed her turmeric-coated tongue along the roof of her mouth, trying to scrape off the flavor. Nothing from the decor to the food was created with a delicate hand. Clearly the Wystrons knew nothing of moderation.

“We have a beach house on the coast, a townhouse in Saxbridge, and a hunting cabin just outside Silver Sands.” Darrow set down his goblet and picked up a forkful of greens. “Though the one by Silver Sands was abandoned when the road into the High Mountain Court was blocked.” He looked at his son. “We should refurbish it now that the road is open again.”

Tem nodded. “It would be a fun project.”

“Fun?” Bri asked incredulously.

Lina leaned forward with a frown. “Not everyone delights in sharpening weapons and battle training.”

“But you do.” Bri held Lina’s gaze, her beautiful dark eyes painted with kohl and streaks of shimmering silver. “More fun than shopping for jewelry.” Bri leaned back in her chair and folded her arms. “I know a few thieves who would think the same.”

Lina blinked, the only indication that she understood Bri was speaking of Airev. Bri’s lips twisted into a smirk, knowing she flustered the Princess with the threat of revealing her secret.

“I think jewelry shopping is a splendid pastime for a future Queen,” Darrow said, pulling everyone’s focus back to him. “You work so hard on city planning and council meetings, receiving the people, and running an entire kingdom,” he huffed. “Why not enjoy a few pretty trinkets? You’ve earned a moment of enjoyment.”

“I haven’t earned anything yet,” Lina said, taking the smallest nibble of her bread.

Bri had to hold in her snicker at that dainty, minuscule bite. She was certain Airev didn’t eat with such manners.

“Soon, my dear.” Darrow took another sip from his goblet as servants came to take the half-eaten plates and replace them with servings of poached pears and honey-glazed nuts. “Your coronation is only a few weeks away—”