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“Ah, yes.” It was hard to tell if the king was interested without seeing him, but his tone was at least lighter than the one he usually used with Cali. “We remember.”

“Well, she’s recently been pursued by a man at court, and I wonder if perhaps you’d bless their union to marry immediately.”

I felt myself freeze, shocked by her words.

“Why immediately?” asked the king.

“U-um…”

There was a long pause. I fought the urge to go speak for her, to protect her.

“Is she with child, or…?” he pressed, and I felt mortification on Cali’s behalf.

“O-oh—no. No, sire, they’re just very eager to wed. And I know members of court must have their matches approved by you.”

“Quite right.” I heard the king sigh, heavily. “Well, of course, any family member of our knight is welcome at court, especially one as lovely as your cousin. We will have it taken care of.”

“Thank you, sire.”

I heard Cali’s footsteps, only halted by the word, “Muse.”

I held my breath, so I didn’t miss when the king said, “We’re very pleased with your performance this evening. Tell your maids to prepare your proper room beside us.”

“Yes, sire. Thank you.”

My stomach hurt suddenly, and I breathed deep in an attempt to relieve it. No matter what precautions I took, it seemed no one was safe from Cali’s charms. It was clear he was starting to forget about Vi, despite what he’d told me earlier. Next, he’d start liking Cali. And I wouldn’t let that happen, not while I was her squire.

Still, that wasn’t Cali’s concern. I slipped away from the door and sat on the bed, pretending I hadn’t heard a thing as she shut both doors behind her.

“Everything all right?” I asked.

“Have you noticed … how much the king looks like—” She looked back at the door, tightening her lips quickly, as if stopping herself from speaking treason. She shook her head and smiled. “He wants me in this adjoining room.”

“You’re too good at your job,” I said, trying to smile too. “He trusts you.”

“Well, that’s not very encouraging.”

“That he trusts you?”

Cali raised a brow. “The tone in which you said it.”

“My tone?”

“Could you not have congratulated me? You sound more like he’s just sentenced me to death.” Cali sighed, frowning as she looked me over. “I wish you weren’t so unhappy here, Beric.”

I’m happy to be your squire, I wanted to say. But then she would know I’d been listening in on her conversation. That she was getting rid of her cousin so we could … be together.

I laughed at my own thought, but I couldn’t explain that to her either. We weren’t going to be together. I was her squire. She expected me to go on as we’ve been, sans her cousin’s interference. To take care of her, protect her, make sure her daily activities moved smoothly. Because she was my knight, not … mine.

“I’m not joking, you know.” Cali took hold of my shoulders, and I crossed my arms so I wouldn’t touch her unnecessarily. “Your happiness is important to me.”

It was the sweetest thing I’d ever heard. I couldn’t even look at her, it felt so shamefully good to be cared for by this girl. I wanted to hold her, badly, so crossed my arms even tighter.

“Thank you, my lady,” was all I said, otherwise I was sure I would have said too much.

She was quiet for a moment. “I’ve never met a boy like you.”

I still didn’t look at her. Her words worried me, even with her hands rubbing my shoulders.