Page 82 of Blood of the Fairest

"You're the best," I beam at him before turning back to the gals.

Ingrid and Anika are clearly not sure how to respond to the queen being so different from her reputation—but then I see Anika's dark eyes lock onto my hand as I adjust my veil.

Too late, I remember that's the fist I bruised punching one of the assholes in the alley.

Shit.

Eris is right. I'm not doing a great job of convincing anyone I'm the evil queen.

I see it the instant Anika makes the connection. Her head rears back a little, and she opens her mouth like she's about to say something.

Yet she pauses. "Your Majesty. My uncle said that for the time being, we'll act as ladies' maids for the princess. I was going to ask why you chose us…"

But now I know.

Those are the words she doesn't say out loud.

They're still clear from the way she relaxes, giving me the tiniest nod to tell me she gets it: I chose them because I've already met them.

"N-not that we're questioning your judgment! This is such an honor," Ingrid tacks on quickly, missing what's happening between the lines. The young woman shuffles anxiously. "My parents said that for years, the only woman in the castle has been Your Majesty—and of course, the princess is here, but they say she's only a bit younger than me and no one's seen her in years since she's kept in her room, so people aren't sure what she even looks like and⁠—"

"Perhaps you would like some tea to calm your nervous chatter," Merrick suggests, amused but stern. "This is the queen of Isenmere, not some gossipmonger in town."

Ingrid bows again. "Right, of course. Sorry, Your Majesty."

"Don't be," I laugh. "Actually, speaking of Princess Snow White, I would love it if you both met her today, after getting settled in. I'm sure Snow will be over the moon to greet you."

After all, I want her to have some solid allies for when I leave.

"I'd be honored to meet the princess," Anika agrees, looking over the courtyard again.

"Me too!" Ingrid chirps.

"Where is Snow White right now, anyway?" I ask Merrick. "I figured she would be out here first thing in the morning."

"She was. It seems she learned of the northerner boy locked in a guest room and has been speaking to him through the door all morning. If you dislike them interacting, I can separate them."

"Please don't," I say quickly. "The more friends for Snow, the better. What's the kid's name?"

"Hagen."

Wulf's low voice startles Ingrid. She steps halfway behind Anika as, for the first time, she seems to really notice the Huntsman towering behind me. Still, I notice her subtly checking out the big, rugged man.

I get it. Like I said, the guy is pure eye candy.

"Hagen," I repeat. "I'm sure he's going through a really hard time. If it seems like he's getting along with the princess and he doesn't pose any kind of danger to her⁠—"

"He would never harm an innocent girl," Wulf cuts in, adamant.

"If he did, even by accident, I suspect Snow White would wind up with a magically pledged companion of her own," Eris says from a shiny button on Merrick's clothes. "Northerners' beliefs are quite strict in that regard."

"It's settled, then." I smile at Merrick. "Could you let Hagen out and have him dine with Snow White, Anika, and Ingrid for lunch? And if you guys could maybe talk to the kid to see how he's coping, that would be great."

I was planning to join them to meet Snow White, but it's better to keep my distance if Hagen will be there. That kid will probably be uncomfortable as hell around me—but I bet he won't mind sharing a meal with three gorgeous ladies.

"Of course," Ingrid nods eagerly. Then she tilts her head. "If I may say so, Your Majesty… you're nothing at all as the rumors describe."

"Rumors!" Merrick scoffs. "Let's not speak to our queen about the spinnings of idle tongues. They'll soon see how lucky they are to have Queen Ver—ah, Reinhilde at the helm of this fair kingdom."