Ty glances curiously our way from his position, and when Rally signsmonthly curseto him, Ty only winces and turns aside like he’s relieved to escape some terrible fate.
“What am I meant to do then?” I demand.
“Chocolate,” my wingmate says immediately. “Send for chocolate.”
I can hardly argue with that remedy. “I’ll get it myself,” I say, and to her guards, “Escort the princess back if she comes out before I return.”
I start off toward the tents housing the temporary kitchens, and my nostrils are almost immediately invaded with the sting of fresh mint. My lip curls.
Does he bathe in the stuff?
“What is it, Lyken?” I say, not breaking my stride.
The overseer materializes beside me, an obsequious smile already pinned on his face.
“Forgive me, Your Majesty,” he says. “I did not mean to startle you.”
“Do I look startled?”
“Of course not, Your Majesty.”
I briefly consider excuses to drag him to The Pit and thrash him.
“I ask again,” I say with unmerited patience, “what is it?”
He steps chivalrously aside for a pair of servant girls passing by, and they hurry away, giggling to one another. “I’m afraid I was only on my way to see Princess Rosa. I was told she was taken to Bindley, and I was concerned, you see. The Lykens have long been friends to the Ilanthren crown, as I’m sure His Majesty already knows.”
“Yes,” I say, “just as I know your attentions have little to do with Rosa and more to do with her company.”
“I would never dare to presume—”
“Ah, but you would.”
I stop, forcing Lyken to do the same.
“You’re a schemer, Lyken,” I say, fixing him with a level stare. “I imagine it’s why the other overseers appointed you over the province neighboring the wyverns. It’s certainly why I’ve allowed you to continue in that position. Your eyes are sharp, and your mind even sharper.”
I take one step forward and allow my first form to make it so that the ground trembles between Lyken and me.
“Out of gratitude for protecting my queen,” I say, soft as a whisper, “I’ll warn you this once. No amount of scheming will win you my sister.”
The sycophantic mask he wears melts away, leaving the calculating creature I know lies beneath.
“Perhaps,” he says, “it’s Princess Rosa my sights are set on.”
“Perhaps. But should you not heed my warning, no amount of scheming will save you from me. Do you understand that, Lyken?”
For the briefest of seconds, I think he might smile, and I may have my excuse after all. In the end, though, he only bows.
“Understood, Your Majesty.”
And with that, he fades back into the shadows.
18
Though it’s hard to find fault with his concern, I’m admittedly relieved when Soren leaves with the physician. I don’t know that I’ve ever been so embarrassed.
In contrast, Princess Rosa, still in her undergarments, looks as comfortable as a queen holding court. She didn’t even try covering herself when we came in.
