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She doesn’t like the elf transferring his life vow to her any more than I cared to have it attached to me. If something happens to him, his death will forever be on her conscience.

She adds, “But I ask you, protect me as a friend—not because you feel obligated. And do not do anything foolish.”

Audra casts a nervous look at Pranmore, and Lawrence continues his pacing.

We’re all uneasy, and each for different reasons.

It’s going to be a long night.

* * *

For a celebratory feast,the mood is very somber. Tables have been set up along the walls of the great hall, leaving the center of the room open. The air is tense, and High Vale nobles mill about, dressed in all manner of finery, looking wary of the situation.

Augmirian’s personal guards stand at the back of the room like statues, just behind the long royal table. Gleaming swords adorn their hips, but they’re likely for show. We all know the High Vales have no need for weapons.

King Algernon sits beside Camellia in a place of honor, looking livid. His daughter has effectively tied his hands. As Caldenbauer’s ruler, he could easily strip Augmirian’s title to make him pay for his underhanded plotting, but that would only hurt Camellia.

The king has little choice but to endure the celebration.

We pause outside the entrance, waiting to be formally introduced to the room. We decided the order upon our arrival, but I do not like it. Ahead of me, Clover is on Lawrence’s arm. Audra waits with me, and Bartholomew escorts Lady Ellaine. Audra slipped Pranmore inside earlier since the elf holds no title, and therefore requires no introduction. He waits with Lyredon.

However, it’s difficult for him to blend in with the crowd, and I spot him right away. When he gives me an uneasy wave, I nod.

Camellia’s eyes latch onto Clover immediately, and fire flares in their blue depths. Her pretty mouth twists in a sneer, and then her attention falls on me. I stay impassive, letting on nothing.

Hundreds of heads lower for Lawrence and Clover as they make their way into the room, showing formal reverence to the kingdom’s crown prince. Clover is lovely on his arm, dressed in a ballgown in deep teal, several shades darker than her eyes. Her hair is up today, making her seem older and less spritely.

They look good together.

Jealousy stirs in my gut, but I fight it. If I’d walked in with Clover, it would have likely sent Camellia into a rage.

“Lady Audra Laviet, escorted by Commander Henrik Solbane,” a man announces to the room when it’s our turn to enter.

Audra and I make our way through the hall, gathering unwanted attention. It’s unusual for an elf and a human to attend an event together, even if the duke has yoked himself to our princess. People whisper as we pass, but I couldn’t care less how they feel about Audra and me.

My attention is focused on our traitorous princess.

We arrive at the table just as Bartholomew and Lady Ellaine are announced.

“You two look cozy,” Camellia remarks to Lawrence as he settles into his seat next to Clover.

“We’ve always been cozy, haven’t we, Clover?” Lawrence says.

Clover makes a noise of affirmation, looking grateful she wasn’t seated next to the princess.

“Clover,” Camellia says icily. “Yesterday, they said you were ill. You seem to have made a full recovery.”

“Pranmore cured whatever it was that ailed me,” Clover answers, not sounding quite as confident as usual. A death threat will do that to a girl.

“Thank goodness for Woodmores.” Camellia’s eyes flick to me. Audra and I have been seated directly across from the princess. “Do you know what caused the illness?”

Clover shakes her head. “We believe I ate something that didn’t agree with me.”

“Well, I’m so glad you’re feeling better. You may join the other ladies now.”

The women sit at the next table over, segregated from the rest of the party. They watch the scene eagerly, perhaps waiting to see what Clover will say.

But Clover says nothing. Instead, she nods. But as she rises, Lawrence clasps hold of her hand. “Clover is here as my personal guest for the evening—not as one of your ladies.”