Page 17 of A Court of Darkness and Dragons

“I know,” I said. “But Remy’s complicated. And he’s hurting. That makes him reckless. Sometimes… vindictive.”

She frowned. “You think he’s trying to use me to get back at you.”

I hesitated.

“Yes,” I admitted. “It’s possible. He’s unpredictable.”

Veyna shook her head slowly. “It’s not like that. We were talking. That’s it. About the squad. About court politics. He listened.” She gave a small, almost bashful shrug. “And besides… he already has a lover.”

That pulled me up short.

My mouth opened slightly. “He does?”

She nodded. “Didn’t say who. Just that it’s… complicated.”

I nodded slowly, absorbing that, the edges of my anger softening but not quite fading. “Good,” I said finally. “I’m glad he’s talking to someone. I just… I want you to be careful. He’s not cruel, but he’s erratic.”

Veyna looked down at her hands, her fingers twisting together in her lap. She didn’t argue, but her posture shifted. Closed off.

Something still felt off. Not wrong. Just… not right.

I stood, brushing a hand over her shoulder. “Get some rest,” I murmured. “You’ve had enough for one day.”

She nodded without looking at me.

I left the barracks; the door clicking behind me, and stepped back into the cool air.

The sun was just cresting over the stone towers as I made my way back to the Ascension Grounds. The squad was still gathered in a loose circle where I’d left them, their conversation as animated as ever. Tae was reenacting something with his hands—likely exaggerated—and Cordelle’s laugh rang loud enough to wake the dead. Ferrula smacked Jax in the chest with the back of her hand, and he gave her a long-suffering look like he didn’t love every second of it. Naia just leaned against a post, arms crossed, smiling like she’d already heard the story three times and still enjoyed it.

It felt… normal. Comforting in its own chaotic way.

I slowed, content to listen for a moment, soaking in their voices like sunlight after the storm.

Then I reached for Zander through our bond.

Hey, I said quietly, I just walked in on something between Remy and Veyna.

What kind of something? His response came fast.

It looked intimate, I admitted. But she assured me it wasn’t.

There was a beat of silence. And that bothers you?

There was a bite in his voice. Not jealousy. Caution. Or maybe both.

Only because I’m afraid Remy might use her to hurt me.

That silenced him.

I certainly wouldn’t put it past him, he said finally.

He seemed mad at me, I added, and not just because of our last interaction.

He’s the type to hold a grudge, Zander said grimly. Especially when he doesn’t win.

I just want to keep an eye on Veyna, I told him. Make sure she’s not being influenced by my grandfather.

You think there’s a chance she’ll betray you? he asked carefully.