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I rolled my eyes. “I do say so, Emre.”
He chuckled before he turned serious again. “How are you really doing, Thimsal?”
My body tensed, and a smile tugged at my lips. “I’ve found my place.”
His beard bobbed up and down as he nodded. “I’m glad to hear it.”
His eyes told me he didn’t believe me, but he didn’t push the subject. Tactful as always, Emre changed the subject.
“What did you think of the show?”
I forced myself to relax and leaned against the railing. “It was beautiful. The Dryads were stunning.”
He nodded in agreement. “They were.”
“I don’t mean to be rude, but what are you doing here?”
“Accompanying Ambassador Hatice. The talks about the situation in Qarath have been…” He paused, and his eyes darted to Darith. “Tense. And she wanted someone she could trust.”
Emre would tell me everything I needed to know. I didn’t need to pry. But the attention of the crowd was on us, and I didn’t want to give them anything more to gossip about. Friendliness was one thing, but they could see too much familiarity as a sign of treason. Not taking advantage of the situation would be even worse.
“I see,” I said, keeping my voice light. “And how are the talks going?”
“They’re not.” Emre’s face was grim. “But we’re hoping that will change soon.”
I leaned forward. “I’m sure it will.”
The curtains opened again, and the Queen Mother entered our balcony. Her gaze lingered on me for a moment before she turned her attention to Emre.
I was worried he would make a scene, but he just bowed his head and said, “Your Majesty.”
It’s not that Emre was disrespectful, but he was a Werewolf, and Werewolves were not held in high regard in Manzimor.
Her eyes flicked to me before flicking back to Emre. “And you must be the ambassador’s brother.”
That surprised me. He never told me that. But then again, I never asked. Who would blabber on about such mundane things?
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Emre’s voice was polite, but there was an edge to it. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Emre glanced at me. His eyes were apologetic before he focused on the Queen Mother.
“Likewise,” she said, her voice cool. “I hope you’re finding our little party to your liking.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Again, the edge to his voice was clear. “It’s a lovely party.”
She inclined her head. “Your sister has been telling me about you.”
“Oh?” His eyebrow raised. “What has she told you?”
“That Princess Thimsal and you were once very close.”
Political pawns. That’s what we were. And she was trying to use that to her advantage.
“We are.” Emre looked at me. “We were coworkers, and we became friends.”
She pursed her lips. “And what about you, Princess Thimsal? What do you think of your former friend?”
I swallowed hard and glanced at Emre. I didn’t know what to say, but he just nodded encouragingly.
