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Clemencia gazed at me. “Would you like tea, my lady? I suspect that other lords and ladies ate together already, but I could go to the kitchens and request for breakfast to be sent.”

At the mention of food, my stomach rumbled. “That would be welcome. Perhaps a broth? I’m not feeling so well.”

Her forehead crinkled. “Still?”

“Yes. I’m afraid that I might miss the events of the day. Have they sent an itinerary to tell what the king has in mind for activities?”

She pointed to a letter on the table that I had not even noticed. As she prepared to walk to the kitchen, I picked up the letter and opened it. It did indeed include an itinerary for the day, which began with a promenade along the shoreline, followed by a tea. At the end of the itinerary, I found that the rebel fae who had attacked during the tourney would face off with a magical white bear and a feast would follow. I wrinkled my nose, happy to miss what would be a gruesome event, when someone knocked at the door.

The skin on my arms prickled. I didn’t wait for Clemencia to answer the door, but did so myself, hoping to find Roar.

Instead, two palace guards, each with white claws on the breasts of their blue uniforms, stood there.

“Lady Neve,” the Clawsguard on the right spoke, “the king has requested your presence.”

Nothing in the soldier’s face looked soft or welcoming.

“I—I’m ill.” I fought to control my breathing.

His eyes stayed firmly on me. “It’s a command, my lady. We are not to return without you. Get dressed. We will wait.”

I swallowed. “Does this have to do with the warden? Is he injured?”

“We cannot say, my lady. We were told to bring you to the king right away. Do hurry. We would not wish for you to be seen in a robe.”

“I’ll be right back.” I shut the door behind me and exhaled a shaky breath. I did not know why the king would want to see me, but the last time I’d been called to an audience with King Magnus, it had been less than delightful.

And why would he want me and not Roar?

“My lady? What did they want?” Clemencia poked her head into the room.

“The king wishes to see me.”

Her eyebrows knitted together, but she nodded, as if ready for anything. “I’ll go with you.”

“That would be welcome,” I said. “I need to change.”

“Perhaps the red silk with the—”

“No. I’ll wear something simple. I don’t need help either.” I required a moment alone to stifle my trembling arms. Something wasn’t right, but I had no option except to go to the king.

Maybe he’ll have answers.

In my room, I slipped from the robe and pulled on a simple dress of red. My hair held a bit of last night’s curl, and I’d had the foresight to remove my makeup last night, so while I did not look my best, at the very least no powders smudged my face. I was presentable, if underwhelming in appearance. Considering I was playing ill, that could work to my benefit.

The moment I left my room, Clemencia opened her mouth, probably to tell me I should put on rouge or something to bring life into my face. I shook my head. “The king wants me there in a hurry.”

Before she could protest, I opened the door to find the soldiers waiting. “I’m ready. Come Clemencia. We—”

“Only you.” The armed fae who had spoken before grunted. “The king wishes only to speak with you.”

“But I’m her lady-in-waiting.” Clemencia appeared at my side in an instant, looking indignant.

“And our orders come from the king. Come with us, Lady Neve.” The soldier guided me from the room, and when I turned back to catch Clem’s eyes, she looked like they’d slapped her.

“I’ll see you soon.” I tried to sound reassuring, even though my belly ached with dread.

“I’ll—have breakfast waiting on your return.” Clemencia spoke so softly I almost didn’t hear her.