“I’m sorry,” she says, almost giggling. “It’s just, here you are, Mazus’s son, chastising me for not caring about the death and injury of my people. The irony is too great, Prince Hawthorne.” I’m not sure what to do, so I dazzle her with my best charming grin, once again returning to the role I’m most comfortable with. That sobers her. Her face settles into a mask of cool unfeeling once again. “I don’t take my people’s lives for granted. Yesterday’s attack was a tragedy—two guards died, and dozens were injured. I have misjudged you and insulted you. I apologize. Please, tell me what you would like in exchange for the information you uncovered on the Sons and Daughters.”

Now it’s my turn to be shocked into silence. I expected her to lose her temper, to castrate me, or use my blood to turn my organs inside out. At the very least, she should have knocked me to my knees again to remind me she’s still more powerful than me and demanded the information. Instead, she laughed, apologized, and moved on. I’m wary of what game she’s playing, but I tell myself I’m too unsettled to be anything but truthful, not wanting to examine the motivations behind my honesty with this alluring female.

“I told you what I want. A true friendship and alliance. I… chafe under my father’s rule,” I admit impulsively, immediately regretting the blunt honesty, but I have no choice but to continue. “I don’t agree with many of his actions. I’d like to help you uncover the plans of the Sons and Daughters.” I’m flying by the seat of my pants now, not entirely sure what words are coming out of my mouth. “In return, give me the chance to show you who I am, without my father’s reputation clouding your impression.” Her eyes narrow, and the cat returns to her side. “We’re nearly the same age,” I continue. “My father may seem undying, but he’s ancient, and I’m his only child. I will take the throne one day. Consider this opportunity the chance to lay real seeds for a better relationship with the future King of Velmara, and not the current one.”

I’ve practically laid myself bare, though I left out my desire to learn more about blood magic and my suspicions about my father. Silene’s going to kill me when she learns about this conversation. If Queen Laurel betrays me to my father, can I spin this as a ruse to get closer to her as he requested?

The Queen chews her lip, and I find the gesture… adorable. I shake my head, trying to clear thoughts of her appearance from my mind. This is not what I should be thinking about right now.