Why should it matter where the potion sits?
No one is going to find it.
I haven't used it, either. For three weeks now, I keep not using it.
I keep carrying it because leaving it anywhere feels worse. Like someone might find it and expose me as both a coward and a traitor.
"Torgan." Ma's voice cuts through the noise without rising at all. "You're brooding at your plate."
"I'm eating my plate."
Brynna snickers beside me.
"The food on my plate," I correct.
Ma is not impressed. "You're brooding first. Eat, Torgan. You can brood properly after I give you the news."
She sets down her knife. The table quiets.
"Parliament is in session in a fortnight, and the queen's delegation has requested me for the full term. All three months."
Pa grunts. It's the closest he comes to showing pride in front of us.
"Which means," Ma continues, "I cannot chaperone any wedding dress fittings in Starling Vale."
Her gaze lands on me.
"Any of them."
"Ma," I say.
"Ysolde's final fitting is this week. Then Brynna begins her dress. Then Saskia. Every fitting, every consultation, every collection." She picks up her knife again, pleased with herself. "You know the way. How many times have you been now? Twice?"
"Three," Brynna says helpfully.
"Three times," Ma repeats. "Practically a local. And that's only for one sister."
I shake my head. "I have duties."
"You have a season with no war and no border trouble," Pa says without looking up from his food. "Your mother and I are handling the trade negotiations. Escort your sisters."
I look down the table.
Every one of my sisters is suddenly fascinated by her venison. Every one except Mirelle, who looks straight at me with her chin raised.
I know that look.
Godsdammit.
"I want her too," Mirelle says. "The dressmaker. Lissy Sunfell. When it's my turn, I want her to make mine."
When it's my turn.
Mirelle is not engaged. Mirelle is not even courting anyone officially, not in a way brought before this family and this table. She is twenty years old and in love with a human she met at a ball three months ago.
The only people here who know how far it has gone are Mirelle, me, and probably Brynna, because those two share everything.
Including poor judgment in men.
