I nod. “I get it. And if you think your plan will work . . .”
“Of course it will,” Thelia chirps. “I’mCorene’s best friend,
and best friends know these things. When she sees you mov-
ing on, she won’t be able to stop herself from doing something
rash.” She winks. “Like asking the King
not
to make her marry
Nul se Lan.”
“But how will she ever forgive me for flirting with someone
else? And with her cousin—her best friend?”
Thelia waves a hand like she’s clearing out a bad smell.
“That’s something to worry about later.”
PAR S I FA L
I don’t even knock before entering Corene’s room in North
Hall—an entire quarter of the castle, just for royals. She jolts
upright on her bed, scattering the fabric swatches piled in front
of her.
“Hello, Percy.”
I don’t bother with the formalities. “I saw you with him,”
I say, pouring myself a glass of wine from the decanter on the
table. “Last night. After the banquet.” I lean against the bed-
post, the stem of the glass balanced between my ring and pinky
fingers.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
I let loose a catlike smile—or my version of one. “You don’t
need to play games with me,” I say. “Bayled and I aren’t friends.
I won’t judge you for doing what’s best for you. Though I have
to ask: does Nul se Lan know about your secret engagement?”
26
