“Vampires aren’t real,” he says, as if it’s the most outlandish idea in the world.
“Well, what kind of animal do you know of that doesthat?” I purse my lips incredulously.
He shakes his head as if lost in a memory. “This was no animal.”
“Do you think it’s connected to the issue at the portal with those dead Guardians?”
“I have a sneaking suspicion it is.”
Mal, Max, and Zadyn catch up to us, and my attention snags on a flash of familiar maroon.
Déjà vu creeps over me as I stare at the underside of Mal’s cloak, visible beneath his arm. Gold stitching over shiny maroon silk. I wrack my brain, trying to figure out where I’ve seen that before. Noticing my distraction, Mal speaks, his voice dark as night and cold as ice.
“My lady, are you alright?”
I snap my eyes back up to him and force a smile. “Yes. I’m just distracted.”
He gives me a tight nod and snaps his reins. His horse picks up the pace, and I stare at his back the whole way back to the castle.
35
Empty-handed, we arrive back as the sun is setting, bathing the diamond castle in a sparkling orange glow. We each break off, retiring to our chambers to dress for the first night of King’s Fair.
I bring Igrid up to speed on the events of the last two days while she weaves a few thin braids throughout my unbound hair.
A soft knock sounds from the door. Marideth doesn’t bother to wait for a response before trudging in, wearing a gorgeous, if not scandalous, red dress with matching shoes dangling from her hand. She scuffles directly to my bed, turns, and falls back, stiff as a board.
“Kill me,” she drones, flopping her arms out beside her dramatically.
“What’s wrong with you?” I ask as Igrid begins to clip tiny silver cuffs into my braids.
“The honorableLady Wyneth”—her face contorts in a nasty expression—“will be in attendance at tonight’s party at the behest of her and Dover’s parents.” She heaves a loud sigh. “Ifyou have any trouble spotting her, she’ll be the wallflower in the corner, refusing to have any fun whatsoever.Doveris to escort her, as the engagement will be announced tonight in front of the entire court.”
“Which means you have to behave.”
“I don’t know what that word means,” she mumbles, gazing up at the canopy. I am quiet for a moment as I think.
“Have you talked to Sorscha about this? Maybe she could pull a few strings and have the engagement ended.”
Marideth shakes her head. “Her father doesn’t want to anger the nobles. Wyneth’s parents are rich as hell and big in the diamond trade. The king needs their support—he signed off on the match personally. Anyway, I came for a distraction. How’s your dra?—”
She cuts herself off, noticing Igrid’s presence. “Your puppy?” she finishes smoothly.
“It’s fine. Igrid knows about me.”
Marideth sits up and stares at her for a moment.
“She’s my friend,” I tell her. Mar slides off the bed and comes to stand beside Igrid, looking at her through the mirror.
“Well, any friend of Serena’s…” she mutters, toying with a strand of my hair.
“Pleased to meet you, my lady.” Igrid lowers her eyes in the mirror and curtsies.
“Oh, don’t do that,” Mar says, pulling her upright. “You’re among friends. My name is Marideth.”
“Hello, Marideth.” Igrid smiles brightly and moves over to the wardrobe as Mar continues idly fiddling with my braids.
“Quite a dress,” I nod to her.
