This presents new challenges. I won’t be able to hide my partnership with the Velmarans for much longer if the rumors of this spread. I carefully consider my next words. “Thank you for the information. I’d like to think over the best approach for investigating this. Let’s not worry about it during Abscission.” Hopefully that buys me some time to squash these rumors. He nods, looking like he wants to say more, but I cut him off. “Now, I should sit with the people.” I turn and walk away.

As I approach the buffet to fill my plate, Thorne leans against the wall next to it, arms crossed. Something about his posture is off, not giving off the usual vibes of effortless nonchalance. When I enter the buffet line, he follows behind me.

“Why is the Captain of your Royal Guard grabbing your wrist?” he asks icily, his eyes containing no trace of the flirting male I’m used to seeing. “I could see it from here. And he used your given name.” He clenches and unclenches his jaw. “Is everything okay?”

“Carex and I have… history. We used to—we were together. Lovers,” I joke. The muscle in Thorne’s jaw feathers. “He occasionally blurs the lines between advisor and monarch. He was informing me the guards spotted you at the tower during the attack. Descriptions made their way to him. We need to be careful.”

“Lovers?” he asks sharply, and his jaw clenches again.

I laugh. “I tell you that my advisors are warning me you’re involved with the rebels, and that’s what you focus on?”

“They can’t prove it, and as long as I’m not spotted again, it will pass. It was a brief sighting, and in a very confusing and highly emotional moment for them.” He waves as if this is trivial compared to his real question. “How long ago did your history end?” I study him for a moment, electricity sparking through me as I consider whether Thorne might be jealous. But surely he’s not. That seems like a stretch, especially for someone who flirts with everyone. And then I feel confused again, remembering that I chose not to pursue anything with him, and for good reason.

I roll my eyes to hide my conflicting emotions as I fill my plate with dish after dish. “A long time ago, Thorne. And it’s none of your business. He wanted more from me, but he couldn’t handle it. And I wasn’t ready for that commitment. He was afraid of me and still is. It never would have worked out. End of story.” I pause. “Why am I telling you this? It’s so not your business.” He only shrugs and winks. I sigh. Aethers, this situation is weird.