He pushes further. “Laurel, the rebels—” Anger rises inside of me. His tendency to persist until someone gives him what he wants is annoying now that we’re no longer together.

“Thank you for your concern, Carex, but you should focus on your own duties. I’m still waiting for a report on how your Royal Guards allowed armed rebels into the palace. A lapse in security that resulted in death and injury.” Carex flinches, the barb landing as intended. “I would like to drink a cup of tea. If you’ll excuse me.” With that, I walk away.

The meeting concludes an hour later, and it’s finally time to get an update from the Velmaran ambassadors. I had to make up a story about what information Prince Hawthorne has about the rebellion since several advisors heard his initial comments in the throne room. Thankfully, I’d been able to convince them the Prince had heard nothing more than rumors in the pub and had used it as an excuse to meet with me. I return to my rooms to dress in my usual armor of makeup and a scandalous, dark dress before aerstepping to the apartment.

When I arrive, all three Velmarans are sitting near the fire, conversing with the practiced ease of longtime friends. I can’t help but smile at the roar of laughter that comes from the Prince after something Silene says. She smiles up at him and grabs his hand tightly before releasing it, her expression so light-hearted and genuine that I can tell there’s a real connection between them. And Hawthorne—the laughter makes his face radiant and unguarded in what I think might be a rare moment, reserved only for his best friend and his betrothed. They’ll make a happy couple when they’re married. I don’t understand the twinge in my gut I feel at that thought.

Fionn notices my presence first, a serious and watchful expression quickly consuming his face. He fears me more than the others. Silene and Prince Hawthorne turn to face me as well, plastering reserved and somewhat forced smiles onto their faces, no sign of the easiness from before. That too gives me a twinge of discomfort that I don’t know how to feel about. I look at them expectantly, jumping right into business to avoid the way their now-guarded expressions affect me.

“How did the meeting go?”

Silene takes the lead in debriefing me. “As expected. They knew who we were and were expecting us. You were right about Thorne being targeted in the pub. They knew exactly who he was that night.” I can’t help but smirk, feeling like I’ve won another game between the Prince and me. “We met a fae named Restin. I think he’s a leader here in Arberly.”

“You think or you know? With a name, you need to be sure.”