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“Like?”
“His ability to rouse the common fae to action. To bring people together.”
I didn’t know Prince Vale well, and I had preconceived notions of him that weren’t flattering, but as more fae joined the prince and Luccan, I could tell that though the prince had made comments about not being social in front of me, he did enjoy the company of others. As they enjoyed his company.
“He does seem to cause a stir just being around others.”
“Just like I’ve been hearing that you have caused a stir in court, Lady Neve, more so than just this morning.” Lord Riis eyed me sidelong, amusement in the crinkled corners of his eyes. “It is quite refreshing.”
“I’m sure you often cause one, my lord, with a title like yours.”
He laughed. “I see my reputation precedes me.”
“It does.” I turned to him, hoping to keep most of the conversation off me. “I wonder . . . what secrets does a Lord of Tongues keep to himself? Is there such a thing? Or do you tell the king everything?”
“I serve House Aaberg.” He lifted an eyebrow. “Thus, my king is kept well informed of events in his kingdom. Others too.”
“What about your secrets, your dreams?”
He stopped and looked me over. “That’s rather forward.”
Better than him learning of me and catching me in a lie. I’d been careful so far, and skilled at hiding my truth, but this high lord might be able suss me out. In that case, I preferred to turn the tables and focus on him.
“Perhaps, but I’m at a disadvantage.” I shrugged. “Many people know who I am and where I come from. I know nothing of you, and you have the most interesting position.”
He looked me over, as if sizing me up. “I keep my own secrets. I’d advise you to do the same. Especially at this court.”
“And your dreams?” I pressed.
“Those I share only with ghosts.”
My breath caught.
He began to walk again. “Please, don’t apologize. I’ve come to terms with how my life has panned out.” He glanced up at the thrones the king and queen sat upon, taking in the male who controlled his life.
The king controlled my life, too. For now.
“So do you do anything besides what your duties to the Sacred Eight entail?” I tried to lighten the subject.
When Lord Riis turned back to me, his eyes were wide with amusement. “I own many businesses.”
“Of what sort?”
“Brothels, mostly. A few taverns too. And one ridiculously opulent bathhouse in the midlands.”
I cringed. This discussion was becoming more inappropriate by the second.
“I expect Lord Roar would not like me discussing my businesses with his intended.” He chuckled good-naturedly. “However, I must tell you that some of my earlier ventures in life have made me attuned to female fashions. Not to change the subject, but I couldn’t help but notice your hair pin? Where did you come across it?”
“Saga gifted it to me. The princess is quite generous.” I still had half a mind to return it. The piece looked too pretty, held too much value, but another part of me didn’t want to give it up. Not to mention, Saga probably wouldn’t accept it.
“She is, just like her mother,” Riis’s eyes flickered to my hair. “I wonder if she knew it was a Falk heirloom?”
I barely held in my gasp. If that was true, would I be in trouble? The Falk rulers were hated at court. What if others recognized it?
“How do you know?” My hand fluttered to my hair.
“I was not a lord when King Harald and Queen Revna ruled. Instead, I was a merchant, specializing in rare gems, fine perfumes, and other luxuries. The kinds that were usually only found in other kingdoms”
