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“No,” Claude responded.

“Hmm,” Lionel frowned, “still can’t show your face to your people, I see.”

“That is not the reason,” Claude said, a growl rumbling deep in his throat. “Only able-bodied citizens would be able to make the trek to the castle. I will not force my people to choose between their food and their safety.”

Dagmara didn’t know why Claude’s reasoning surprised her as much as it did. She never thought about who would or wouldn’t be able to pick up rations from the castle. Yet, Claude was already considering those with health ailments that couldn’t make the commitment. Claude was considering people that didn’t have money for a carriage and had to walk miles to reach the castle. He was considering people…like her.

“So only you will reap the benefits of Azurem’s food, I see,” Lionel said, his tone surprisingly jovial for the intensity of the conversation. “Hoarding it at the palace as you’ve been doing for the past decade.”

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Claude’s hands turn to fists.

Dagmara rose from her chair, unfortunately too quickly. Dizziness threatened to drag her back down, but she ignored the stars dancing in her vision. “I don’t believe this is the appropriate time for this conversation, Governor,” she said, “but if you must know, we plan on delivering food to each province and letting the governors handle the distribution from there.”

Lionel’s jaw seemed to drop from his mouth. “Delivering? So you two will make an appearance?” His eyes flashed with wonder as he looked to the king for confirmation.

Claude seemed unable to respond, his fist beginning to shake.

Dagmara took his hand in hers, relaxing his fist and forcing him to interlace his fingers with hers—also using him as a crutch in case her dizziness intensified. “We are still working through the details, Governor.”

If there was a way she could get to the capital of Sailonne and investigate Lionel under the guise of helping Ilusauri, she would do it. She had to find out more about the three Ilusaurian assassins who supposedly didn’t exist.

“O-Of course,” Lionel dipped his head. He glanced down at their intertwined hands. “We are abundantly gracious to you, Princess. You don’t know how much it means to the citizens to see their king in person. It has been far too long. Ilusauri is indebted to you.” With one last bow, Lionel excused himself, venturing into the crowd.

Dagmara tried to withdraw her hand, but Claude held onto her steadfast. “What was that for?” Claude said under his breath.

“I was helping you,” Dagmara replied. She yanked her hand from his grip and sat back down, exhaling.

It seemed like a century before the line finally ended. Afterward, performers arrived, taking the center of the floor and performing dances and acrobatics. Dessert was served, which Claude adamantly denied.

“If you wait for the caramel tarts, they have salt on them, hopefully shaved to your liking. My chefs seem to be confused by your Azuremi customs,” Claude said under his breath.

Dagmara shot him a confused expression. She accepted the chocolate tart, questioning Claude’s denial. “You don’t like dessert?”

“I don’t like eating near someone who tried to poison me,” he growled.

Dagmara nearly dropped the tart, shock rippling through her body. Did he think she was responsible for the poisoned wine the other day on the terrace? What happened to the facade they were putting on? He had seemed enraptured by her during their dance, and now he seemed upset with her. Was the dance all another illusion?

“Excuse me,” he said before dismissing himself. His tone was still on edge. What had happened to the king from earlier?

She watched Claude carefully. He maneuvered around a few guests, entranced by the dancers in the center of the room. Then he found Reon, the soldier from Celestaire.

Claude and the soldier spoke quickly, their bodies directly facing one another. It was not a conversation they wanted other people to be a part of. Then, Sabien came out of the crowd and joined them. With a wave of his hand, the king ushered them to follow. The trio disappeared under an alcove and into the hallway beyond.

Rising from her seat, Dagmara made a straight path to where the king, the captain, and the soldier disappeared. She dropped her uneaten dessert in the hands of a servant. There was something strange in the way the king and the soldier interacted…there was something more between them. And what did the king and the captain have to tell someone from Celestaire in secret?

She could sense instantly that Martine was on her tail. Dagmara wished the guard would give her space, but knew if she asked, it would only seem suspicious. She slipped into the alcove, dodging the watching eye of Madame Annette.

She could hear the trio’s footsteps receding down the corridor. She knew how to follow someone. Instantly tapping into her training, she slipped into the shadows, careful not to be caught. They were talking to one another in Ilusaurian, but they were too far away to hear. She continued to trail them, hearing Martine behind her, clearly not as skilled in quietly following someone. Then the trio disappeared into a room, closing the door behind them.

Dagmara dashed across the hall, pressing her ear against the wood, catching them in the middle of their conversation.

“Are they still in hiding?” Claude asked.

“Yes,” Reon replied. “Guardian Sora knows someone is onto her.”

Claude cursed under his breath. “But you know where she is?”

“Of course,” Reon replied before adding, “Your Majesty, your troops can’t proceed any further without raising more alarm. Let me handle it from here.”