“You sure you don’t want something more extravagant?” Genevieve asks.
“Smaller is good practice for me,” I reply.
“Genevieve and Charlotte, you two go find the head maid and the groundskeeper. See what they can arrange for us. Sabina and I will go to the kitchens to ask about a celebration lunch,” Antonia directs.
“What’s this I hear about Anya returning?” Ludis asks as he strolls into the room.
My insides shrivel. This day keeps getting worse. With a heavy sigh, I turn to face him. “You realize this is a library? I know it’s new to you, but it’s a place for books and reading.”
He approaches the table with a confident smile. Like he owns the place. “Your insults haven’t gotten any better, dear sister.”
“What are you doing here?” I ask.
“I thought I’d see what the rest of the court was up to. The prince and his right-hand henchman left me behind with all you lovely ladies.”
Genevieve giggles and my stomach rolls. Then I remember she’s doing it on purpose. Well done.
He gives her a smile that makes my insides churn. “If I can be of assistance, please let me know. I’m at your disposal.”
Her cheeks actually turn pink, and she looks away shyly. She’s very, very convincing. I absolutely underestimated her. What else could she be hiding from me?
Antonia links her arm with mine. “Well, maybe you can help Charlotte and Genevieve with securing the greenhouse for ourgirls onlyluncheon? Sabina and I are working on the other details.”
“I’m happy to,” he says. “Shall we, ladies?”
Charlotte and Genevieve offer the warm smiles of practiced courtiers as they leave their seats to join him.
“We’ll catch up with you later,” Antonia calls as she leads me from the room. Nate follows, but keeps his distance. Still, Antonia keeps her voice low. “Are you alright?”
“Yes, I’m fine.”
“Did he hurt you?” she asks. “The enforcer?”
“Of course not. He was informing me about his journey. And reminding me we have to maintain our distance. If you and the ladies already noticed my infatuation with him, others surely have. We can’t be seen together.”
“So, you’ll have to be more careful,” she says.
“No. There’s nothing going on between us. I’m a married woman.”
“And the prince has plenty to hold over you,” she guesses.
“I’d rather not discuss either of them right now. They’re not here. I think we should enjoy that while we can.” I flash her a forced smile that I know she sees right through.
She nods. “Alright. Then to the kitchens.”
“You know Anya isn’t coming back, right?” I say.
“She will, eventually.”
“I don’t know. I’m not sure Caiden will release her. And what if she’s already dead?” My eyes widen in surprise as soon as the words leave my mouth.
“Why would she be dead?” Antonia asks.
“No reason. I’m just worried.” I bite down on my lip to prevent from saying any more. I might not get to be with Brevan, but I could protect his secret. Caiden had called Brevan’s sister a murderer, but what could a woman who’d been a captive since childhood actually do to harm anyone? And if she had, maybe it was while trying to escape. I couldn’t exactly blame her for that. It wasn’t like I was innocent.
“Try not to worry. Come on, there’s something I think you should see.”
Twenty-Six
