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Dagmara was on the verge of breaking. Martine knew the truth.

“But I understand it may not be your choice. I mean, my entire life was given to protect you.”

Was that what Dagmara’s life was given for? To protect Magda? Dagmara was as much a guard as Martine was. And yet Dagmara was foolishly running around pretending to be a guardian.

Finding her courage, Dagmara responded, “I am not a placeholder, Martine.”

Martine closed her eyes briefly. “Of course not. Forgive me, Guardian.”

“And how about you and Pierre?” Dagmara changed the topic.

Martine’s cheeks reddened. “I don’t know what you mean.”

Dagmara smiled before patting the bed beside her. “Come tell me.”

Martine bit her lip before finally a smile broke out on her face, and she plopped down beside Dagmara, her professional demeanor breaking. “Where do I start?”

“Start at the beginning.”

“So…when Pierre and I were put opposite one another in guard training and I nearly killed him?”

Dagmara burst out laughing. “I’m sure that’s when he fell in love with you, so yes, start there.”

The days quickly passed, and shipments arrived from Azurem. Dagmara traveled to the other provinces with Claude, meeting more governors and feigning interest in political conversations. Every moment was exhausting, and she attempted to bury all feelings that erupted when Claude met her gaze or took her hand. It was all for show.

Then the wedding preparations began. Dagmara was fitted into Magdalena’s wedding gown, which Madame Annette noted was the wrong measurements. Her suspicious face did not help Dagmara’s anxiety. Tapestries were being hung around the castle, and chefs were preparing tastings for the menu. The castle seemed flooded with servants and higher security. Everywhere Dagmara went, she felt a dozen eyes on her.

Luckily, Dagmara received permission to send her mother another message from the Scribestone. Sabien met her in the library, and Martine waited by the door, out of earshot.

Sabien unlocked the case around the Scribestone casually. “Messaging Teos?” he mused.

“My mother,” Dagmara countered.

“Who is Teos anyway?”

“None of your business. Now, some privacy?”

Sabien nodded before stepping to the side, out of reach but remaining close.

Dagmara forced herself not to lunge toward the Scribestone. Magda had to have sent a letter by now. They were days away from the wedding, where was she?

One message from Bernadette Krol, Azurem.

Dagmara,

A slight earthquake caused a rift in the mountains and I sent a few knights to investigate. Otherwise, all in Azurem is well.

Can you ask Magda to reply to her mother? I let her leave the kingdom, and she can’t even respond to a single message.

Bernadette

A rift in the mountains? Like the rift in Nouchenne? Dagmara’s throat tightened. At least no one would get hurt if there were hounds there. The mountains were too remote, and no guardians would be going near the rift.

One message from Teos Zosia, Azurem.

I’m struggling more each day, but Bernadette said a shipment of medicine just arrived in Bergclow. Did you do it? Did you convince the Mad King?

Mael Revel and Lyam Desco weren’t reported to leave Azurem. As you remember, two assassins were killed. Suspicious? I agree.