She was failing. The only thing she would succeed at wasdying.
Lora saw red. Who was Rhay to throw insults back at her? What did he know? She clenched her hand around the dagger. The handle felt hot against her skin.
“The onlyspecialthing about you is your bloodline,little Adel—”
Lora stormed forward with a yell, cutting him off. In a second, she was in front of him. Rhay’s eyes widened as she charged at him. Her skin was feverish. Her hand sweated as she held onto the dagger with all her strength. The air around her turned scorching. Rhay blocked her attack each time she tried to get to him before grabbing her arm and holding it still.
It was only when Rhay forced her hand in front of her face that she noticed that the dagger had changed. The blade, once simple iron, was now on fire. Hot air blew in her face as she locked eyes with Rhay, who lifted one eyebrow.
“Quite the party trick you got there, love,” Rhay said, breathing hard but smiling widely.
“I don’t—” she started, unsure of what she wanted to say, but then the noise of the door opening provoked them to action. Rhay quickly dropped his grip on her and moved back to his chair. Lora’s flames vanished in an instant. Before the door could fully open, Lora hastily hid the dagger under her jacket that lay on the ground.
Karwyn strode into the room. “Am I interrupting?”
Rhay took out a honey-coloured flask. “Well, of course. We’re in the middle of training.” He took a long sip before leaning back in his velvet chair. “But do tell, to what do we owe this surprise visit?”
Karwyn wrinkled his nose at the strong alcohol smell that drifted through the air. “I need to have a word with you about the event in Quarnian.” When Rhay didn’t move, Karwyn added, “In private.”
Maybe it was the rush of adrenaline, but Lora found herself saying, “You can’t talk in front offamily?”
Karwyn’s stare was a death threat, but Rhay eased the tension. “Just say it, Karwyn. I’m so comfy in this chair right now. Don’t make me move. I’m a much better advisor when I’m in a good mood.”
“Fine,” Karwyn said. “We have received word from King Tarnan. He claims Amira is not feeling mentally up to travelling and attending the event. He said he himself will stay behind and not attend. Your father thinks we should force her hand, otherwise my public image will receive a blow.”
Rhay sat up straighter. “And you’re asking me because…”
Karwyn huffed impatiently. “Because I am giving you a chance to finally prove your worth. And you can…judge Amira’s state much better.” He practically spit out his words.
“Right,” Rhay said. “I think it’s unwise to go against Tarnan’s recommendation. Letting her stay with him will show our good faith in our opponent.” Lora couldn’t figure out if Rhay was being truthful. “Plus, you’ll have your cousin by your side. You can still show your family spirit.”
“Loraine is not coming with us,” Karwyn replied curtly.
Rhay glanced between them. He had asked her before what had happened between them that had made Karwyn forbid her from attending Rhay’s parties. Lora had told him he needed to ask Karwyn himself, but she didn’t think Rhay had had the courage to do so. It was becoming clear to her that Rhay wasn’t acting—not to anyone but himself, at least. He was ignoring just how evil his so-called friend was.
“Well, that certainly would be a mistake,” Rhay said. “Not having your fiancée and your only relative with you? Let Lora come.”
Karwyn clenched his jaw, clearly displeased by Rhay’s suggestion. Lora didn’t know much about the event in Quarnian, but she knew it was an invitation from Queen Kaylanthea to celebrate the impending High King Contest. Karwyn had already held an event, now it was the Quarnian court’s turn. It would be good to learn more about the kingdom and the other royals.
“I will happily attend,” Lora said, faking pleasantries.
Karwyn frowned, but said, “Fine. So shall it be. Loraine, come with me. I will walk you back to your room.”
Rhay stood up. “I’ll go too, then.” As he made his way to the door, Karwyn following him, Lora used the distraction to pick up her jacket and the hidden dagger, holding onto the bundle of clothes in her arms.
When she reached the door, Rhay was already walking away in the distance.
“I want you to be on your best behaviour in Quarnian,” Karwyn said as he started walking.
The training session had given her newfound strength. Even being this close to Karwyn, she didn’t feel all that scared.Yet.
“Isn’tbest behaviourkind of subjective?” Lora asked. Karwyn’s cold gaze met hers. “I mean, as far as I recall, the contract didn’t really specify how I should behave, least of all in another kingdom.” She had him there. There was a flicker in his eyes that she recognised from their fight. She had thought it was pure rage then, but she might have been mistaken. Was itfear?
“Do I have to clear things up again, little cousin?” Karwyn asked, that flicker erased. “Do you need a rematch to jog your memory?” His eyes lingered on her neck. The urge to put her hand there protectively was strong. She could feel the dagger underneath the fabric in her hands. Would she be able to stab him if it came down to it?
“Seems like a hassle,” Lora replied. “You were lucky no one saw us last time, only Layken. Why make things complicated when we can come to an agreement?”
Karwyn didn’t immediately reply. After they’d walked by Nouis, who was carrying a heavy pile of documents and almost dropped them when he bowed, Karwyn said, “What did you have in mind?”
