Why did it matter? Loyalty among royals was hardly common. King Damir and Queen Ingir could hardly spare a glance at each other. The king’s lovers were openly paraded in the palace, and I had few doubts Ingir took her own.
Thane was different from his mother and father. He saved Roark, even saved Emi. Perhaps that was it. The prince had done so much to be different, to bring peace and safety to others, and this felt a great deal like she’d dug a knife in his spine.
“Are you going to tell me what has you so sour?” Emi heaved a rather theatrical sigh and perched one hip on the edge of the vanity where I finished dabbing a touch of kohl under my lashes.
“I’m not sour.”
She puffed out her lips. “I’m not sure you know the meaning of the word, then.”
“It’s nothing.”
“So there is something.” She nudged my shoulder and I clenched a fist. “Did something happen in the market? Did someone bother you? Tell me, and—”
“No.” I rose and turned my back on her.
“Lyra. What is it? If you’ve been disrespected again, I will make sure—”
“I saw you!”Dammit. I closed my eyes, wishing the words back onto my tongue. I let out a harsh breath. “I saw you, and…how could you?”
Emi’s face paled. “You mean, you saw me and—”
“The princess. Yes.” My blood heated. “He is your friend. He is her friend. How long? How long have you been at this?”
“Lyra.” Emi drew closer. “You don’t understand.”
“I may have lived a sheltered life, but I know what lovers look like, Stav Nightlark.”
Emi’s shoulders slumped. “Let me explain.”
She would not get the chance. A knock sounded on the door and without an invitation to enter, it swung open.
“I figured we are all such boon companions that you will not mind if I see you in whatever state of dress you are in.” The prince—as if he knew we were quarreling over him—entered, his back facing us. “But all the same, I will give you time to dress if you prefer. Tell me when you’re decent.”
At his side Yrsa snickered. “They’re dressed. Though both look rather somber.”
Roark followed behind them. As anticipated, a silky calm coated the anger lashing through my chest. He met my gaze from across the room. One corner of his lips twitched into a smirk.
Until he saw the state of his cousin.
Thane turned to Emi. “What has you out of sorts, Emi?”
“Nothing,” I insisted and took a step for the prince. This was not the sort of thing I wanted to face. Not now.
Prince Thane’s smile faded. “What is it?”
I looked away, arms folded over my chest.
“If ever you question whether Lyra will stand on your side, Thane, you need not wonder. She will.” Emi mimicked my stance and held my glare. “She feels I’ve betrayed you greatly.”
“What are you doing?” The words hissed through my teeth.
Roark came to my side, one brow lifted in a silent query.
Emi opened her arms. “She saw me and Yrsa, and I’m convinced she’s considering stabbing me—”
“I am not.”
“I think she might. All to protect your feelings, my prince.”
