“What do you mean?” Logan asked.

They had reached the end of the long table. The prince stepped close to him. “I wanted to give you a birthday present myself. I know you’ve got feelings for Serah and I respect that, but Logan, you’re a duke’s son. Tomorrow you’ll become one of the most powerful men in the realm, behind only the other dukes and my family. My father would love for you to marry Serah, and we both know why. If you marry her, you’ll set your family back from the throne for two generations.”

“Your Highness,” Logan said, awkward.

“No, it’s true. My father fears you, Logan. You are admired, respected, even held in awe here. That you’ve been gone half of every year hasn’t alienated you like my father hoped. Instead, it’s made you romantic. The hero off fighting for us on the borders, keeping the Khalidorans at bay. The king fears you, but I don’t, Logan. His spies look at you and they can’t believe that you are what you appear to be: a scholar, a fighter, and a loyal friend of the prince. They’re schemers, so they see schemes. I see a friend. There are those who would destroy your family, Logan, by any means, and they won’t tell me what they’re planning—but I won’t allow it. In fact, I’ll do all I can to stop it.” He looked down, grabbed a bit of fried plantain off a plate. “I’m here tonight to do a favor for my father. In return, he promised to give me whatever I ask. Whatever I ask.”

“That’s some favor,” Logan said.

The prince waved a hand. “King Stupid gave my mother’s favorite jewel to his mistress. I’m here to get it back. It doesn’t matter. You know my sister?”

“Of course.” Jenine was here somewhere. She was usually described as “sunny”: very pretty, and very fifteen.

“She’s smitten with you, Logan. She’s been in love with you for two years. Talks about you all the time.”

“You’re joking. I’ve barely exchanged two words with her.”

“So what,” the prince said. “She’s a great kid. She’s pretty, only getting prettier, and she has my mother’s intelligence—I know how important to you that is to you, my vituperative friend.”

“I’m not vituperative,” Logan said.

“See? I don’t even know if you are or not. I just grabbed the biggest word I know. But Jeni would.”

“What are you saying, Your Highness?”

“Jenine’s your birthday present, Logan. If you want her. Marry her. Just give me the word.”

Logan was stunned. “That’s, that’s quite the birthday present.”