But Andreas was the reason we couldn’t drop the act. He’d kept spewing poison about Mal ever since the challenge. Gathering supporters. Planting seeds of doubt about Mal’s fitness to rule. Building a case that Mal had abandoned the kingdom and couldn’t be trusted.
We couldn’t accuse him outright. Couldn’t call him out without proof. Because if we did, the council would turn on Mal. Would see it as paranoia or weakness or desperation.
We had to play carefully. Wait for Andreas to make a mistake. Gather evidence of his treachery before we struck.
Which is why I was standing in the formal dining room right now, pouring water into Aurion’s goblet while he tried not to laugh at my servant act.
Asshole.
“More water, Your Majesty?” I asked with exaggerated deference.
His lips twitched. “Yes, thank you. You are too kind.”
I wanted to dump the entire pitcher over his head. Through the bond, I felt Mal’s amusement even though he wasn’t here yet. He was running late from some council meeting, which meant I had to endure this dinner without him.
And she was here.
Amaia sat at the long table with several other nobles, laughing at something one of them said. Her red hair was styled elaborately. Her dress was cut low enough to be borderline inappropriate. Her eyes kept darting to the empty seat at the head of the table.
Mal’s seat.
I tried to ignore her as I moved around the room, refilling goblets and pretending to be useful. Tried not to watch as she stood gracefully and walked to the table, settling herself in the seat next to Mal’s.
The seat where I should be sitting.
The seat reserved for his queen.
My hands clenched around the water pitcher. Through the bond, I felt Mal’s spike of irritation. He’d just entered the castle and was heading this way. Good. Maybe he’d tell her to move.
“You, human, come here.”
Amaia’s voice cut through the low conversation. Every head turned to look at me.
I tensed. Shared a look with Aurion across the room. He subtly shook his head. A warning. Don’t engage. Don’t react. Keep up the act.
“You, human. I am speaking to you.”
I walked over slowly. Kept my expression neutral even though I wanted to snarl. “Yes, my lady?”
“Water.” She held out her goblet without looking at me. Dismissed me with her tone.
I poured the water. Kept my hands steady through sheer force of will.
She took a sip. Set the goblet down. Then turned to look at me with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes.
“So you are the whore he is keeping in his rooms, are you not?”
The room went silent.
I was clenching my teeth so hard I feared I’d crack them. My hand tightened on the pitcher handle until my knuckles went white.
“What did you just call me?” My voice came out low. Dangerous.
Aurion looked alarmed. Half-rose from his seat.
Amaia’s smile widened. “Oh, did I offend you? I apologize. I should have said mistress. Though that implies a level of respectyou have not earned.” She waved her hand dismissively. “You are simply the human he brought back as a curiosity. A pet, perhaps. Certainly nothing of importance.”
“Amaia,” Aurion said sharply. “That is enough.”
