Page 24

“I am sure the king has his reasons.” Dropping the now petalless rose onto the ground, Phaia swept her hair behind her ear, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. “I’m sorry, Princess. I shouldn’t be bothering you two with this. You are our guests. It is nothing for you to worry about.”

Kallie halted, tugging Phaia and Myra to a stop with her. “Phaia, this is my home now. I am betrothed to your king.” She peered down her nose at the handmaiden. “The king’s concerns aremyconcerns.”

Phaia’s eyes grew wide, and her mouth fell open.

Kallie’s features softened as the corner of her lips tipped into a small smile. “I want this kingdom to flourish.” She reached for Phaia’s hand. “I want our people to thrive. I can only do that if I know what is going on.”

Phaia raised a hand to her chest. “Of course. I meant no offense, Princess.”

In the distance, bells chimed.

“I apologize, Kallie,” Myra said, interrupting. “I promised the seamstress I would help her with your wedding dress. As you know, we are on a tight timeline and—”

“By all means, Myra, go on your way,” Kallie interrupted.

Myra squeezed Kallie’s hand once, and with a small smile at Phaia, she headed back up the path to the castle.

“Shall we continue, Princess?” Phaia asked, twisting her hands behind her back.

The sun peaked out from the heavy clouds above them. It was midday, yet the temperature had barely warmed up. Still, Kallie would rather spend her time in the fog than in the darkness of the castle.

Kallie locked her arm around Phaia’s, pulling her closer. With their arms entwined, Kallie led them forward. “Now, Phaia, is there something I should know about?”

Phaia bit her lip, and Kallie sighed. She pulled at her gift with ease. She no longer wished to entertain secrets. “Phaia, tell me why King Rian is hiring new servants.”

Instantly, the words flowed from the servant’s mouth. “King Rian and Queen Mother believe there was a traitor among the staff.”

“A traitor?” Kallie asked, her ability still lacing her words.

“Yes, Princess. King Lothian’s death was unexpected. In the weeks leading up to his death, he was fine, healthy. Then, all of a sudden, he grew immensely ill, not just a cough or some other casual sickness but rather violently ill. He had been around no one who had demonstrated similar symptoms—or any symptoms for that matter. It was a complete shock, even to the healers.”

So, her father was correct. Rian and Tessa were investigating Lothian’s death.

“Do you mean to suggest that they believe the late king—may his soul rest in the Beneath—was poisoned?”

Phaia nodded. “And that one—or more—of the servants helped.”

“Hence, the staff changes,” Kallie mumbled.

And hence why Father wants me to choose a servant.

Phaia sighed. “Unfortunately, Your Highness.”

“Are you concerned about your position, Phaia?”

Phaia’s clouded eyes enlarged. “Me? Oh, no. I am one of King Rian’s new hires. He would not have put me in charge of your care if he did not trust me.”

Kallie nodded, smiling. Phaia was not one of Domitius’ spies then. But she could be one of Rian’s.

“Tell me about the king,” Kallie said.

An instant blush ran across Phaia’s face. “The king is very handsome, more handsome than the former king or his brother.”

Kallie held in her chuckle. The girl had a crush on the king. Howcute. No wonder she knew his likes and dislikes. It wasn’t from careful observation but rather infatuation.

“And?” Kallie prompted.

“He has a strong chin, gorgeous eyes.” Phaia’s gaze grew distant, her tone airy. “Hair the color of a burning sunrise over the horizon.”