Aside from the fact that he fell in love with someone else, became betrothed, then disposed of me like an old quill?“Such as?”
He scratched the back of his head and hesitated again. “Oriane, the wedding, his general demeanor. I’ve never seen him act this way. Not even with you. It’s like he’s…”
Why was I still partaking in this conversation? I shouldbe getting back to Hugo and Filip. “It’s like he’s what?” I asked, patience wearing thin.
“Not here,” he growled, shooting a look at the servants who were busying themselves further down the hallway.
Without warning, he grabbed my arm and dragged me into a tiny chamber, barely bigger than a cupboard, that smelled like lavender and looked like it was used to store linen.
“What’s gotten into you? Why do you have to be so secretive?” I demanded, pulling my arm back.
“Don’t you think it’s odd that, days ago, the princeling was besotted with you,” he said, turning to face me, “and now, he’s suddenly betrothed to Oriane?”
“The prince is known for his fleeting affections, what’s so strange about that?” My tone was indifferent, but talking about it felt like venturing into the ocean with an open wound.
“But engaged? And to Oriane? Don’t get me wrong, she’s more than easy on the eyes, and her tits are unreal, but Tarben’s never looked twice at her before.”
“Charming as always,” I muttered.
“I’d have thought you of all people would find it strange,” he accused.
Of course it was strange. It made about as much sense as a sea cucumber sprouting in the desert, but Tarben had made it very clear he didn’t want me, so what else was I supposed to do? “Apparently, it’s love,” I said, trying my best to sound bored.
“What he feels for Oriane isn’t love,” he dismissed. “It’s borderline obsession. He talks of nothing else. It’s disturbing.” To make his point, his face scrunched up in disgust.
I lifted a shoulder. “Perhaps that’s how people act when they’re in love.” Even as I said the words, I wasn’t totally convinced I believed them. But what did I know about love? Clearly nothing, based on my own sorry state of affairs.
He shook his head. “No. It’s not that. I’ve known Tarben allmy life. He’s not acting like himself.” He lowered his voice. “It’s like he’s been bewitched.”
My eyes widened at the implications of what he was suggesting. “Are you saying you think Oriane has him under an enchantment?”
“A love potion. It’s the only explanation. Believe me, I’ve thought of everything.”
My mind was reeling. Could it be true? I didn’t want to let myself hope, but itwouldexplain his actions. Of course, it would also present a whole new set of problems, the first of which being how we would free him from it. Allowing my mask of detachment to slip, I said, “If you’re right, what are you planning on doing about it?”
He frowned and his posture slumped. “I don’t know if there’s anything Icando. Do you have any ideas?”
As a matter of fact, I did. “Speak to Hugo. He might know something, and, even if he doesn’t, we may be able to find something about love potions in…” I caught myself before I mentioned the grimoire. Could he be trusted? “One of his black-market texts.”
“Excellent idea,” he grinned. “I knew you were more than just a pretty face.”
“Well, obviously,” I said. Together, we headed back towards Hugo’s quarters.
As we passed the guards at the door and entered the study, we discovered Filip cupping Hugo’s face. Their bodies were close, and Filip was whispering something while Hugo nodded. The instant they heard us enter the room, they jumped apart, wide-eyed and guilty.
“Oh!” I startled. Raising my palms, I slowly backed away. “Is this a bad time?”
“We were just talking,” said Filip, too quickly and too loudly for me to believe him.
“We can come back later?” I said, just as quickly. I shot a sideways glance at Magnus—he was making his way to the side table holding a crystal decanter set, its vessels half-filled with a dark amber liquid.
Hugo huffed and rolled his eyes. “Divine goddess, Filip, you don’t need to pretend.”
He shot me a defiant look and said, “Filip and I are lovers. We keep it secret because it would jeopardize his position in the Royal Guard. Can we trust you to be discreet?”
“Of course you can,” I said. Then, with a grin tugging at my lips I added, “I think you two are adorable, actually.”
Hugo rolled his eyes, but his shoulders visibly relaxed.
