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I could have sworn I heard Nancy growl before she said, “You’re not even that pretty.”

The tone she used wasn’t mean, it was more of a curious bewilderment. I knew I was no supermodel, but I wasn’t ugly by any stretch of imagination. With a full face of makeup, I passed for quite attractive.

When I looked around at the people I was surrounded by, I could see why she questioned his choice. Everyone here, other than the slaves or maids, was exquisite. Male and female alike.

While they were elite designer worthy beauties, I was maybe a high-end clearance rack.

I shrugged in answer. Lukas had told me why he chose me, but it was none of their business.

“You have a zit on your chin,” Nancy informed me.

Absentmindedly, my fingers reached for the small blemish. I peered up at her and then across the floor again. He was still watching and his eyes flickered.

“Can’t win ‘em all, I guess.” I gave her a lighthearted smile.

I asked Katarina, “Can you bring me some zit cream one of these days? I’d rather ask you than Lukas.”

She narrowed her eyes at her friend before turning to me, “Of course.”

Then she said, “You don’t need to be such a bitch, Nancy.”

Nancy rolled her eyes and left.

“Don’t mind her,” Katarina kindly said. “The only reason you’ve seen her in your hall is because she’s been trying to get Lukas to feed from her for ages and he refuses.”

Unexpected jealousy washed through me. “Really?”

“Yeah. A lot of girls do. He hasn’t taken anybody in a while though and he’s never looked at her twice, no matter what she does.”

The things the woman may have done to try to pique his interest were things I didn’t want to think about. I licked my lips and took a deep breath. “What about... you?”

My heart slammed against my ribs. There was no reason for me to feel possessive like this, and I felt like an idiot for even asking. It was none of my concern. I’d be leaving the first chance I got.

Her eyes widened. “Oh, no. No not him.” She flushed. “I have, um, somebody.”

“Oh yeah? Who?” I leaned forward.

A shy smile graced her lips. “One of the Kakians. He’s really sweet. He’s gonna take me to another Realm someday.” A wistful look covered her face.

“How will you do that? Where will you go?” Without thinking, I glanced over my shoulder. Could Lukas possibly hear us? He was still watching.

“Oh, I don’t know. We don’t get vacation time or retirement here.” She laughed.

“I could put in a good word for you.”

Her hand waved in the air. “Don’t worry about it. I’m just lucky I work in the palace.”

A million questions rose up, pressing against my lips and begging to be asked, but I didn’t want to pump her for information and risk our budding friendship. “Well, I’m glad you’re here.”

“You know, I could take you into the city and you could get your own zit cream. Or even a spell so you don’t get any more pimples. Maybe before your lunch with Queen Annalise?”

I stilled. “How do you know about that?” I hadn’t mentioned it to a soul.

“Word travels fast. You do realize, you’re the first human ever to get invited to hang out with her, right?”

CHAPTER 12

Cassia