“I live to serve Malovia.” My tone was blunt. I wasn’t sure why Elijah had invited me here, until I’d figured out he was using the opportunity to get information about the stones. No doubt he had a servant pegged to follow me around at this event. I had to be very careful about who I spoke to.
“I’m sorry about the humiliation you faced this morning. Emma’s betrayal is all over the news,” Gabby preened. She couldn’t wait to dig her claws in. “It’s such a sad thing when mates can’t be loyal, don’t you agree?”
I wouldn’t stand here and tolerate her talking shit about Emma. I walked away without giving an answer. I heard Elijah give a huff— it was exceptionally rude to turn your back on a royal without being dismissed— and yet I couldn’t care less about the implications.
As expected, there were a lot of eyes on me. Gossip about Emma’s infraction was clearly circling the room. I picked a glass of champagne from one of the servant trays and sipped at it, pretending to be unbothered.
I scanned the room of various Circle members. Lord Zlodia was speaking with Lord Boris on the other side of the room, appearing boisterous, though Lady Korva’s eyes narrowed as she looked at me. Her presence made me feel very unwelcome. I was hoping Lord Lucien would be here, but he was curiously absent… along with Lady Magdalina.
They’d snubbed Gabby and Elijah by not showing up. That was dangerous. And interesting. I didn’t know where else they might have gone.
I was only interested in the alicorn members of the Circle. They’d have information about the Court. I was also hoping to retrieve what I needed and get out of here before my mother showed up. I hadn’t told her about the stones, and for good reason. I wasn’t sure if she could keep the information from her sister.
Lord Radcliffe was an alicorn shifter, one of the oldest on the council. If anyone had knowledge on the Alicorn Court, it’d be him. I dared to slide beside him, to make small talk. “How are you, Lord Radcliffe?”
“Capable, young prince.” His voice was guffawed— like he was astonished I had the audacity to speak directly to him. “You’re looking rather peaky.”
I cleared my throat. “I actually wanted to ask for your guidance.”
“If you want my help with women, I’m afraid I’m lost for words.” Radcliffe took another drink of his champagne. “Keeping your mate in line is something I have no talent for.”
Irritation welled in my gut. “This isn’t about Emma. I was hoping you’d be able to clear up a bit of gossip for me.”
“Gossip? Do I look like a common chambermaid?” His tone was vastly insulted.
I hurried to rectify. “No, that isn’t what I’m asking. You see, this is a peculiar rumor… involving a secret court.”
Lord Radcliffe gaped at me. “I… I am not sure what you mean.”
He knew exactly what I meant. I went to speak again, until Lady Iris swept up and grabbed my arm.
“Prince Ethan, what a pleasure,” she said. “If you’d be so kind to escort me down to the gardens. I need fresh air.”
Lady Iris whisked me away before I could finish the conversation. Elijah’s eyes were on us as we left the parlor room, but Iris gave a polite incline of the head, and his attention turned away.
He trusted her. She’d fooled him, for now.
“Why are you doing this?” I whispered under my breath as we entered the gardens. “What is the Alicorn Court? Where are they?”
“Not here.” Lady Iris jerked her head to the side. I noticed a servant’s eyes on me as they pretended to rake up leaves. “You are dancing with fire asking the wrong questions in the wrong places.”
“Then what are the right questions?” We came to a stop underneath an alicorn statue, away from the ears of the servants. I stared into Lady Iris’ eyes, and tried to see the answers within.
“The Alicorn Court is a legend, a myth. One closely guarded by the alicorn Faction,” Lady Iris said. “It is kept secret by only the most trustworthy of our members.”
“What about Lord Radcliffe? You’re mated.”
Her mouth was pinched. “Lord Radcliffe might be my husband, but he is not among us.”
“Are you a part of the Court?” I asked. “If you are, you must know our quest. Help us.”
“I have given you as many clues as I can,” she said. “I’ve already overstepped the bounds of the Court by speaking to you in the first place.”
“If you hand us the stone, you won’t have to worry about being exposed.”
“It’s not that simple. There are others involved. If you want the alicorn stone, you must find the Alicorn Court first, and convince them to give it to you.”
“Then give us directions as to where it is, and we will.”
