“What do you make of the Velmarans?” he asks with a twinkle in his eye.

“What do you mean? I’ve barely interacted with them. I couldn’t possibly provide an opinion,” I say as my cheeks heat. He only gives me a knowing smile.

“I’ve found them to be different from what I expected,” he offers. “The Prince in particular is not who he’s been depicted as. Much like yourself.” Now his eyes practically bore into my soul, and I squirm.

“Do you think his betrothal to Miss Kalmeera is political only?” I blurt out, absolutely horrified by the question.

Admon considers thoughtfully. “The Kalmeera family is powerful in Velmara, second only to the Vicants themselves. A marriage between the two families would have political benefits for both King Mazus and Prince Hawthorne. It’s certainly a carefully considered strategic match. Whether that means it’s not also an engagement founded in love and affection, I cannot say. The two of them seem very close, though I rarely see any public displays of affection between them. Why do you ask?” Once again, his eyes sparkle, and I have to turn my face away from his to hide my reddening cheeks.

“Only curious, is all. Like you said, they seem close, but the Prince is a shameless flirt, and that doesn’t seem to bother Silene.”

“I see,” is all he says, the words filled with too much knowing. “Laurel, may I give you some advice?”

“Of course.” Admon doesn’t need to ask to counsel me.