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“What are you two doing, hiding over here?” a masculine voice cut through, one I recognized. One that made me freeze in place. Was this when Prince Vale would mention last night?
“Brother!” Saga cried out. “Good of you to actually leave training and come to breakfast.”
“It appears I arrived too soon.” The prince came up to us and grinned as he pulled his sister into a sweet side-hug. The scent of cold and sweat and sandalwood rolled off him in waves, sending a delicious shiver down my spine. “I wish that we were already eating.”
“Oh, stop.” Saga beamed up at him and punched him playfully in the chest. “It is good for you to socialize with more people than Sir Caelo and those of your cabal.” She hissed the last word, as though it were a secret.
They broke apart, and the prince eyed me warily.
“She doesn’t gossip. Apparently, that’s all me and Sayyida,” Saga said with a flourish of her hand that made me snigger. “Vale has a little group of friends called the cabal. They fancy themselves real fae of history and current events.”
“Oh?” I asked, somewhat surprised. I’d only ever heard of Prince Vale described as a warrior. “And what do you do regarding those events?”
“Not much, and only my sister calls us that” the prince said with a shrug that looked a touch forced.
“Well that’s because you have no imagination!” Saga snorted. “Every group needs a name!”
“Anyway,” the prince took his sister in with amusement, “after talking to Caelo, I don’t need to socialize at all, dear sister. He talks enough for everyone in this room and fills my cup for listening.” Prince Vale caught my eye again. “Moving on to more important matters . . . Lady Neve, how are your injuries?”
I waited, but he said nothing else about me winding up in his quarters, so I nodded. “Thank you.”
His eyes flickered to my wings, which tightened beneath his gaze. Was he seeing if the balm he sent already worked? Should I mention it? Where was Roar?
“Oh, stars!” Saga craned her neck around her muscular brother. “Please, excuse me. Mother is calling.”
My heart stuttered. I felt safer with her by my side, but before I could stop the princess—as if that were possible—she flitted off to the queen. Prince Vale and I stood alone. Immediately, the air warmed. I swallowed and glanced away.
“So . . .” He started, seemingly at a loss too. “Are you enjoying your time at the palace?”
“I am.” No need to go into the bullying, the harem, and the attack. Or remind him of how I’d shown up in his room. But I did want to thank him for the balm. I found Roar in the crowd, made sure he was far away.
“I got your balm. And put it on my wings. Thank you for sending it.”
“I said I would.”
“Well, yes, but people do not always do as they say.”
“True.” Prince Vale inhaled and cast a glance around. “Listen, Lady Neve. About last night.”
I swallowed. It appeared I would not be avoiding this conversation. “Perhaps we should . . .?” I trailed off. Do what exactly? Leave the room? Moons, that would cause so much gossip and infuriate Roar.
“I’ll be brief,” he said quickly. “Last night, after you left, I went to look at the palace blueprints.”
“You . . . what?” That had not been what I was expecting.
“I just couldn’t let it go.” He paused. “It took a while to figure out because my wing has been remodeled, but wouldn’t you know, I found that when Frostveil was originally built, there would have been another hallway leading to the area where my chambers are now. In fact, a door would have been right where you said it was.”
“Ah, really?”
“Really.” He paused and studied me thoughtfully. “You are quite the mystery, Lady Neve. Parts of the palace that have remained stoutly closed to everyone, opened for you. For refuge, so you claimed.” The prince’s eyebrows drew together. “Might I ask why you felt unsafe?”
I wasn’t sure telling him the truth was wise. If anything, it might earn me more ire from the ladies who despised me. Again, I wasn’t sure what to say.
Before I could decide how to reply, Crown Prince Rhistel appeared at my side, making me jump.
“What have we here?” The heir smiled, snake-like. “Didn’t mean to surprise you, Lady Neve.”
I cleared my throat. A distraction was welcome, though I wished it wasn’t him. “I simply didn’t hear you.”
