No one knows about the letters.They’ve been finding their way into the palace or into my carriages without going through the royal postal system for a couple of weeks.I thought I was keeping them secret.
Benedict’s eyes skirt from me to the letter, his brow rising.“So this wasn’t the first one.You already know?”His tone is low, not a threat exactly.And not a warning either.More like a mildly irritated protectiveness.
“I…” I start.
Oh, fuck me.This isn’t good.The truth is, I never wanted to date Roman.I did it to piss Morrigan off.
Obviously.
And I saw an opportunity and thought I could use his contacts to my benefit.I figured it had been long enough since he was banished that it would look like it was my doing.It’s not like I expected the lords to get pissed enough to send me death threats.
I just wanted to do something better than Morrigan for once.She gets everything.She’s the heir; I’m just the spare in case something happens to her.I’m not important.
Not wanted.
Not needed.
Do you have any idea how much that shit can fuck a girl’s psyche up?It’s not like I stand a chance against her.Look at her… Total overachiever.Power seeping from every pore in her body.Born a queen.
I am, in essence, useless.
So, call a bitch crazy, but I took whatever opportunity I could find.But apparently, I’ve fucked up…
And sure, I probably shouldn’t have gone to visit Roman in Sangui City.Gods forbid anyone actually found out.But I was cornered and needed help.The plus side of seeing him get his comeuppance wasn’t too bad either.
Besides, it’s not like anyone noticed I’d left New Imperium, and it was only one night.
Benedict coughs, drawing my attention back to him.His eyes fall away from mine as he holds the letter out.
“It’s not the original,” I say.
He nods, solemn.“It’s a copy.”
I knew it.The writing isn’t in red.It’s in muted black, like a magician used replicating magic on it.But if that’s not the original…
“Benedict…Where is the original?”Idothreaten him with my tone.
“I’m sorry, Your Highness, but I had no choice,” his voice is now a whine.
I knead my temples.“Tell me you didn’t go to—” but I fall momentarily silent as she strolls into sight, right as her name reaches the tip of my tongue.
“—Daria?”I finish.
“This is your life we’re talking about,” Benedict says.
I snatch the letter out of his hands.I hope it gives him a paper cut and really hurts.“Is it?Or are you just worried about Morrigan’s wedding?”
His eyes widen like carriage wheels, he pouts and then touches my arm, completely ignoring my comment.“You must attend this evening.”
I grumble but he vanishes down the corridor knowing I’ll acquiesce.
I nearly leap out of my skin as I turn back to the door only to come face to face with Daria, who halts close enough I actually have to crane my neck to look up at her, and I’m tall.
“Daria,” I say, twitching and knowing full well I’m about to be scalded.
Daria is severe.Her features are sharp and angular.Like her sense of humour.Bracing, cutting, and only funny when you’re not on the receiving end of it.She is the only topic Morrigan and I actually agree on.The woman is as vicious as she is feral, but it’s what makes her good at her job.
“Your Highness,” she says, staring down the blade point of her nose at me.
