“How was your Solstice and Abscission?” he asks as he seats himself at his desk.

“It was restful, thank you. Velmaran tradition only celebrates on the day of the Solstice itself, so we were pleasantly surprised to find we had two weeks to do nothing but relax, among other things,” I explain lazily, insinuating I had many affairs over the course of the holiday period. The mask of the charming and pleasure-seeking prince is firmly in place.

Krantz grins wide. “Excellent, excellent. I’ve heard rumors you’ve been seen rebuilding the merchant district. Why is that?” His gaze is cold and calculating, turning quickly from comradery to accusation.

Silene and Fionn stiffen beside me, but I keep my cool. “The Queen asked us directly for our assistance. Surely you can understand we were required to help her to maintain our cover.”

Krantz waves me off. “Yes, yes, of course. What do you think of Queen Laurel? Have you grown close to her?”

Even I can’t keep my brows from furrowing at this strange question. “I wouldn’t say that I’ve grown close to her, but I am attempting to maintain my position as an ambassador,” I say slowly, unsure what kind of answer he’s expecting. Krantz’s expression darkens for only a moment before he smiles again and changes the subject.

“And what was the palace like after our attack?” His eyes look predatory, and I carefully consider my words.

“It was somber, to be sure. We don’t interact with many who live there, but we attended a Solstice dinner with those who were displaced by the attack.” He hangs on my every word, manic interest in his eyes. “I must tell you, I fear you harmed your reputation by attacking citizens.” I say the words slowly, as if I’m just considering them now.

“And why is that?” His gaze is intense.

“Just the whispers at the palace. Many say you’re only interested in causing terror, that you don’t actually care about undermining Queen Laurel’s rule, since you’ve yet to attack her directly. I overheard servants just the other day saying you hadn’t attacked because you’re afraid of her.”

“I’m not afraid of that bitch,” he spits, though there’s also a twinge of excitement in his tone. It’s strange, and once again I find myself uneasy in his presence. “Of course we want to attack the palace and the Witch Queen directly. But we haven’t been able to get enough information about her habits to plan an effective attack. And the palace is hard to infiltrate unless there’s a public event.”

I pause, pretending to think hard about his conundrum. Then I break out into a massive grin. “Perhaps we can help with that.”