Suddenly, a gardener emerged from behind a hedge and furtively apologized as he ran off. I felt very seen. The Prince watched closer, like he was finally seeing me for the first time in his life.
“I’m sorry, Sam,” Cyrus said.
Sameer didn’t answer him.
I lowered my voice to a venomous hiss. “Mr. Evergreen has apologized, Your Highness. What do you say?”
He clicked his tongue. “Absolutely nothing. He’sfuckingmy wife!”
I lit in fury. “I am not your wife! And you! You have beenfuckinganother woman since the moment I arrived to marry you! Since before! What audacity you possess to be surprised! I’m not your wife! I’m not your property!”
“How long?” he asked. “How long have you been sleeping with my dearest friend?”
“Oh, how long? You want to know how long? You don’t get to ask me that!” I said. “You don’t get to ask me anything! You’re not exactly Intended of the Year, are you?”
“No,” he said. He leaned smugly. “And any other man, fine. I understand your intention–an eye for an eye, yeah? But mybestfriend, Svana?” He bristled. “My best friend is an awfully low blow, do you not think?”
“Alow blow?”I gathered myself, ignoring the pure anger that boiled itself inside. “You think I amfuckingyour friend to get back at you? To even the score? Oh, sure! Sure! Becausethatis the only thing that makes sense, huh? The only reason I could want him over you?”
“Svana,” Cyrus urged. “Leave it alone.”
“I don't want to leave it alone,” I said. “I want him to know.” I addressed the Prince, “Tell me,my love, do you think I’m sleeping with Mr. Evergreen tohurtyou?”
“I do,” he replied.
“You’re such an idiot!” I screamed.
“Svana, stop it!” Cyrus said. “Sameer, I’m sorry.”
“I’m the idiot, am I?” Sam asked. “Did he tell you that Ipaidhim to take you on your rides?”
“Yes, he told me!”
“Good.” Sam grinned. “Then I suppose I don’t feel bad seeing as he’s clearly getting his money’s worth!”
Mr. Evergreen struck the Prince in the face, a solid punch. Sam stumbled backward, holding his nose as blood poured from it. It stained the pads of his finger and thumb.
“Willem!” I cried, catching his hand and bringing it to my chest. “Please. Please.”
“Willem?” Sam was confused. “Who in God’s name is Willem?”
“I…” I looked at my swordsman. “I said damn.”
Cyrus patted the air. “I think we’re all just very upset,” he said. “I think we’re all upset and we need to take a second to calm down.”
“Youhitme in my face,” Sam moaned, barely touching it. “You know that’s my best quality.”
“Your face is fine,” Cyrus said.
The Prince nodded. “It feels like it might bruise.”
Cyrus bent him at the waste, helping him lean over to drain the blood. Then picked up his handkerchief from the dirt and gave it back.
“Here,” he said.
There was a painful lull. Then someone was behind us with a soft metallic cling–my Lord Commander. There were several suits behind him.
“Elías?” I asked.
