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Kallie forced the tears back that threatened to spill from the emotions the conversation with the women had stirred up. But no matter the mask she wore, the truth lingered beneath it.

Because of her, Fynn’s death had been misconstrued and twisted. Somewhere nearby, Graeson and, no doubt, the others were waiting. For what? She did not know. She had not told anyone she had seen the Pontian. She still did not know what to make of his presence or their conversation. All Kallie knew was that she needed to hold on for a little longer. She couldn’t let her guard down now, not with her father finally having arrived.

As the doors closed behind them, Tessa’s voice floated on the breeze. “Please excuse Princess Kalisandre. She’s still adjusting. You know . . . thetrauma.”

Myra wrapped her hand around Kallie’s, and Kallie straightened.

* * *

“And they believed it?”King Domitius asked.

“Yes,” Kallie said.

As Myra had predicted, Domitius was already waiting for Kallie in the queen’s quarters. Instead of staying in the castle, however, her father led her out of the castle. He was silent the entire walk until they neared the castle’s fence line. Now, the two of them walked along the edge of the castle’s property with Myra and Lundril, the Captain of Domitius’ personal guard, following in their wake. The others followed far enough behind to not hear their quiet conversation.

“Let us hope so,” King Domitius said with hands folded behind his back.

The fog had still not let up. The Frenzian sky was dark and dreary today like it was every day. Kallie didn’t think she would ever get used to the muted colors cast across the land. Even the influx of people in the castle halls and around the grounds did little to lighten the mood. Instead, the bright fabrics representing the kingdoms across Vaneria clashed against the dismal background. The icy blue of Ragolo, the forest greens and autumnal oranges of Borgania, and the sage green of Tetria were a stark contrast against the normal shades of red and black of the castle. It was as if the guests were trying to force life back into the kingdom, but the landscape was fighting against their efforts.

“Now, for your next task,” Domitius said.

Kallie’s gaze snapped to him. “Next task?”

He cocked a brow as he plucked a piece of lint from his collar. “Kalisandre, you are no longer in training. Everything you do must be calculated. Everything you say must serve a purpose.” He jerked to a stop, staring at her with a cold expression. “We are building our future. If you are not ready to do that, then speak now.”

Kallie wrung her hands behind her back. Taking in a deep breath, she rolled her shoulders back. “What do you need me to do?”

“That’s better.” He nodded and continued walking. “Now, before I tell you what I need you to do next, how are things developing with the young king?”

“Nicely,” Kallie said. For the most part, it wasn’t a lie either. Thus far, Rian had been receptive to her manipulations. Was he the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with? No, but her father wasn’t asking how her chemistry was with the Frenzian King, for that wasn’t the purpose of the arrangement.

“What have you gathered about the knowledge they keep?”

Kallie swallowed the lump in her throat and inhaled. “The king spends a lot of his time researching.”

“Researchingwhatexactly?” Domitius asked, stopping once again.

Kallie spun the ring around her finger behind her back as she shifted on her feet. “Myths, legends, old histories of the kingdom.”

“Like?” Domitius pressed, and enough irritation filled that single word that Kallie couldn’t help but stumble when she spoke.

“He, uhm—Rian’s been focusing heavily on the Frenzian histories. Many of the, uhm, texts are written in an old language that I do not know.”

Domitius said nothing, only raised a brow.

“There was a dragon though in one of the books.”

“Adragon?” Domitius asked, incredulous.

“Mhm.” Kallie nodded. “He seems to be searching for the reason behind their disappearance. I think . . . I think Rian believes they still exist.”

Domitius squinted up at the sky. Then with a huff, he continued walking. “So, the young king is interested in fairytales. Perhaps you and him are a perfect match after all. You also have been obsessed with those kinds of books since you were a child.”

Hurrying after him, Kallie blinked as her jaw dropped, but she snapped it shut before he noticed.

“Dragons,” her father chuckled. “How ridiculous. I suppose it is a good thing that we are getting rid of him in due time. Now, if it had been his brother who sat on the throne instead, perhaps we could have worked with him.” He flicked his hand in the air. “Sebastian is more . . . focused; his goals clear. He does not bother wasting his time with petty tales.” He brushed two fingers across his beard.

Then, a slow smile spread across his face, and the blood rushed from Kallie’s face, her stomach dropping. That look never meant anything good—not for her, at least.