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“I’m glad,” Jaren said, visibly relieved. “If Cal becomes too much, let me know, and I’ll have a word with him. I don’t want you feeling uncomfortable. Ever.”

His words warmed Kiva, but she brushed them aside and said, “I can handle your cousin.”

“I know you can,” Jaren said, and that warmed Kiva, too. “But the offer stands.”

Before she could repeat her sentiment, a male servant approached from the direction of the palace and bowed deeply to Jaren, handing over a note and scurrying away again.

Breaking the wax seal, Jaren skimmed the words before turning to Kiva, his expression unreadable.

“What?” she asked.

“My mother has invited you to brunch.”

Kiva blinked and repeated, “What?”

“And the Royal Council would like a word with me,” Jaren continued, refolding the note. “So it seems you’ll get to eat your weight in pastries while I have to sit in a stuffy underground room listening to a group of people who all think they know better than each other.”

Unable to curb her curiosity, Kiva asked, “You meet underground?”

“Security,” Jaren said. “Less chance of eavesdroppers when there are no windows.”

Kiva would have given anything to spy on that meeting, but she could think of no reason to convince Jaren to let her accompany him, especially with the queen’s invitation already extended. Forcing a smile, she said, “It’ll be a sacrifice, but I’ll see to my duty if you see to yours.”

Jaren’s mouth quirked. “So noble.” He then sighed, his goodwill fading. “I’d planned to take you to the stables and show you the grounds on horseback, but I guess it’ll have to wait. As you said — duty calls.”

CHAPTER SEVEN

Kiva barely had time to clean up and change clothes before a servant arrived to deliver her across to the western palace’s River Room. There she found Queen Ariana reclining on one of the comfortable couches, with Princess Mirryn sitting opposite her. Her trepidation grew at the sight of the princess, knowing that Mirryn could be caring and generous, but her mood could quickly turn cynical and biting.

“Kiva, darling, so wonderful you could join us,” Queen Ariana said, rising to greet her with a kiss on her cheek. Mirryn offered a chin dip, smoothing her wine-red dress and watching Kiva take a seat. Ariana also wore a gown, hers a navy blue with complicated beading, making Kiva feel significantly underdressed.

“Thank you for inviting me,” she said. “It’s an honor to be here.”

The queen smiled kindly. “No need to be so polite. You’re among friends.”

Kiva would have felt more comfortable in a pit of snakes, but she made herself return Ariana’s smile.

“I wasn’t sure what you’d like to eat, so I had the kitchen prepare a selection for us,” the queen said, moving toward the table that was near overflowing with food. “Let me get you a plate.”

Uncomfortable at the idea of the queen serving her, just like last night all over again, Kiva fidgeted as Ariana went about her task, humming quietly. There was something so gentle about the queen, soloving,that Kiva struggled anew to see her as the villain she’d envisioned for a decade. But she couldn’t afford to look at her differently. For all Kiva knew, this was some kind of act. The queen had years of experience learning all the airs and graces that came with her title. No matter how she appeared, there was no telling what lay beneath the caring façade.

An hour later, however, Kiva was having trouble remembering that she was in the company of her enemy, especially since the queen had spent the whole time sharing adorable stories from Jaren’s childhood.

“... and he’s been terrified of turtles ever since,” Ariana finished her latest tale.

Mirryn snickered into her tea. “It’s true,” she said. “I was there.”

“My fearless son,” Ariana said with clear affection. She looked at Kiva and added, “He’ll be horrified to know we shared that little piece of history with you.”

“My lips are sealed,” Kiva promised, her grin genuine.

“No, you should definitely use it to embarrass him sometime,” Mirryn stated. “It’ll do him good to be taken down a peg or two.”

Kiva considered the comment, curious how the princess could say that about her brother. If anything, it wasMirrynwho could use a good ego deflation.

“You must have some interesting stories about my son,” Ariana said to Kiva, refilling her dainty teacup. “Jaren has told us hardly anything about his time in Zalindov. How did you two meet? What was it like in there?”

All the delectable food Kiva had ingested during the last hour turned over in her stomach.