Cedric clicked his tongue. They had no right to claim what offended the Maker.
“If she is the lamb, why target her?” Cedric asked under his breath.
“Well, some civilians are starting to listen,” Jean continued. “The Silver Flame says the marriage will bring destruction to the kingdom.” He assessed the room with a brief sweep beforecontinuing. “The spy suspects they’ll try something at the engagement ball. Make a spectacle of it.”
Cedric’s jaw ticked. The image of the gardens surfaced unbidden—of the prince who drew close to Nin, his eyes fixed on her rosy lips. He knew Prince Rodrigue would attempt another kiss at the ball.
His fists clenched.
A boisterous song burst from the other end of the room, breaking through his thoughts. Cedric’s mouth pursed. This was not the time to be thinking such irrational and ridiculous things.
Concentrate.
“But would they truly act? Even with a patron behind them?” Cedric asked.
“It’s our only lead,” Jean answered with a shrug.
But something refused to settle in his twisting gut. The danger was too straightforward, the timing too convenient. Plots rarely revealed themselves this easily.
“Is there anything more?” Cedric asked.
Jean shook his head.
Cedric pinched the bridge of his nose and exhaled. “Then we find the patron.”
With that, he stood and left without another word, the tavern's bawdy songs and drunken laughter echoing behind him.
If the information proved true, the engagement ball would be an ideal opportunity to strike. There would be open courtyards, foreign dignitaries, and a sea of faces to disappear into. An assassination could be carried out, andthe criminal could slip away unnoticed before anyone realized what had gone wrong.
But why do it publicly? The other attempts had been concealed. Were they wanting to be pinned as the perpetrators?
Regardless, Cedric would not allow it.
Nin was in danger, and her safety was all that mattered. He would double the guard, alter patrol routes, and ensure every eye was trained on Nin. The Silver Flame may somehow breach the palace, but he would not allow them to get close.
He would protect her at all costs, or die trying.
Chapter thirteen
Trumpets blared, their sound rich and amplified by enchantments, as a herald announced each noble guest.
Nin stood with the royal family to personally greet each of them. Two lines of guards formed a path to the steps, where they stood before tall white doors veined with thin lines of gold. She lost track of how many curtsies and polite greetings she had uttered as more than a dozen carriages crunched over pale gravel.
“Her Serene Highness, Princess Adelina von Reventlow of Ehrenmark, attending in representation on behalf of their Majesties, the King and Queen of Ehrenmark!” the herald proclaimed when a golden carriage adorned with a raven emblem drew to a halt.
Princess Marianne’s cousin alighted with effortless grace. Adelina’s dazzling green eyes matched her mint gown sweeping over the steps. A soft, white feather perched in her chestnut hair curled into an immaculate updo. An array of matching jewels and pearls decorated her delicate neck and gloved hands. Attendants trailed after her, followed by her royal advisor andambassador, Otto Friedrich Dennhardt. He wore a pressed navy suit and a smile that Nin wasn’t prepared for.
From his portrait, she had thought him stiff and unapproachable, but his blue eyes were warmed by a kindness that disarmed her.
Adelina approached and curtsied. “Thank you for having me, Your Majesties. My parents regret their absence and send their warm regards. They have sent me on behalf of my family and Ehrenmark’s interests.”
The king nodded, “We understand they cannot abandon their duties and accept their regards, and their honorable representative.”
Adelina curtsied, then, turning to Nin, she added, “My dearest cousin! It is so wonderful to see you again. I was growing worried about the news of your illness. I would hate to think the pressures of your duties have become too burdensome for you.”
Nin fought the frown that tempted her lips. She didn’t like the subtle jab hidden in those words. She had thought Princess Marianne and Adelina were close, yet there was something malicious beneath Adelina’s tone she couldn’t quite put a name to.
The next morning, Cedric advised her to invite Princess Adelina to accompany her on a walk in the gardens.
