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Guilt gnawed at me. My meddling had already changed so much—what if I was inviting disaster? But the thought of missing this opportunity… I steeled myself and met Anderic’s gaze.

“You’re in charge of the Elites, aren’t you?” I challenged. “Surely you can devise proper security measures. Last time, we were caught off guard. This time, we’ll be prepared.”

Anderic’s playful demeanor vanished, replaced by a steely resolve that sent a shiver down my spine. “I’ve already considered every possibility,” he said, his voice low and dangerous. “That’s precisely why I’m saying it’s not feasible.”

I crossed my arms, mirroring his posture. “So what do you want to do? Sit there like a coward?”

The words left my mouth before I could stop them. Shit.

The temperature in the room seemed to drop ten degrees.

Anderic’s blue eyes darkened to a stormy midnight sky, and I was sharply reminded why I’d always been terrified of him.

The dining hall fell silent, save for the silver cutlery on the ceramic plates of Sebastian and Noah as they continued to eat.

They grew up with Anderic; obviously, they weren’t scared of him harming them.

But that couldn’t be true for me, even with all these growing feelings between us.

Right? He was, after all, one of the reasons for my downfall in the past.

Even King Arnald seemed entertained, swirling his wine as he watched us with great interest.

Queen Felicia’s melodious voice broke the tension. “I believe both suggestions have merit,” she said smoothly. “We’ll proceed with the celebrations and ball as Rosalind and Ilyana suggested. Anderic, you’ll be in charge of security.”

Anderic’s eyes narrowed as I couldn’t hide the victorious smile that spread on my face. But it fell as soon as Queen Felicia continued.

“And Ilyana, you’ll assist Anderic with the security arrangements.”

Anderic’s face transformed, that infuriating smile returning in full force as he said smoothly, “It would be my pleasure to work alongside Lady Ilyana.”

“Your Majesty, I—I don’t know anything about security,” I protested weakly.

The queen’s kind eyes met mine, brooking no argument. “I trust you’re more than capable of helping Prince Anderic, my dear.”

As the conversation shifted, I sat back in my chair, my head aching. How was I going to survive working closely with Anderic?

I glanced across the table, only to find those golden eyes already fixed on me, a challenge dancing in their depths. His lips curved into a smile that was equal parts promise and something else I couldn’t pinpoint as he mouthed two words that made my stomach turn.

Game on.

I stared at Anderic, freaking out. Game on? What game? A chill ran down my spine as I considered the possibilities. Was he planning some twisted revenge for calling him a coward? For God’s sake. That was a mistake. I didn’t mean it. Or was it—

No. He wouldn’t. Not in front of everyone.

I paled as Anderic winked at me and turned to Her Majesty.

“Mother,” Anderic’s smooth voice cut through my spiraling thoughts. “I couldn’t help but notice that Lady Ilyana had left the palace. Perhaps we should formally invite her to stay with us again? It would certainly make our work on the security arrangements more… convenient.”

His sly smile made my stomach churn. I opened my mouth to protest, but Queen Felicia beat me to it.

“What an excellent suggestion, my dear,” she said, her lips curved into a subtle, knowing smile.

“Your Majesty, that’s really not necessary—” I began, but Anderic cut me off.

“Oh, but I insist,” he purred. “We’ll be working closely together. It only makes sense.”

I narrowed my eyes. “I’m perfectly capable of commuting, Your Highness. My current lodgings aren’t that far.”

“But think of the time we’d save,” he countered, leaning forward. “Every minute counts when planning such an important event.”

“I appreciate your concern,” I said through gritted teeth, “but I’m quite comfortable where I am.”

Lady Seraphina’s voice cut through the tension like honey-coated poison.

“I completely agree with Lady Ilyana. It wouldn’t be proper for her to reside in the palace.

Also, she shouldn’t have to uproot her life again.

” Her saccharine smile didn’t reach her eyes.

“Especially given her… delicate situation.”

See? Even this idiot can see my reasons.

But my triumph was short-lived as irritation flared in my chest even though I agreed with her. I knew exactly why she was agreeing with me, and it had nothing to do with my convenience.

“So what?” I snapped, surprising even myself with the venom in my voice.

“What of it?” Anderic added at the same time, his tone sharp enough to cut glass.

Seraphina shrank back, wilting under our combined glares.

The silence that followed was deafening, and I suddenly realized every person at the table was staring at me.

Sebastian had stopped eating by then, his knowing look boring into me, disapproval written all over his face as he sat with his arms crossed.

I could never fool him. He could always see through me.

I swallowed hard, avoiding his pointed stare. “Your Majesty,” I said, turning to Queen Felicia. “I apologize for my outburst. I truly don’t wish to move back to the palace, despite how that may have sounded.”

Queen Felicia’s lips curved into a small smile. “No need to apologize, my dear. If you’re content with your current living arrangements, there’s no need to change them. As you said, your lodgings aren’t far.”

Relief washed over me, but it was temporary.

For the remainder of the meal, I could feel Anderic’s intense gaze boring into me.

Sebastian, too, kept shooting me pointed looks, though for entirely different reasons.

Desperate to avoid their eyes, I found myself accidentally meeting Rosalind’s gaze.

She raised an eyebrow at me, her expression unreadable.

The day keeps getting worse.

I quickly looked away, focusing intently on my plate. The roasted duck suddenly looked far less appetizing as my stomach churned with anxiety.

Dinner wound to a close, the dessert plates were cleared, and I fantasized about escaping to my room. But fate, as usual, had other plans.

“This has been the most entertaining dinner in a while.” Queen Felicia dabbed her lips with a napkin, her eyes twinkling. “I can’t remember the last time dinner was this… lively.”

King Arnald’s deep laugh rumbled through the hall. “Indeed, my dear. The company has been most stimulating.” His knowing gaze flickered between Anderic and me.

Oh, good. Even the king thinks this is amusing.

“Sebastian,” Queen Felicia turned to my brother, who was already looking at me pointedly. “Why don’t you stay the night? After all, your sister is staying the night here as well.”

My stomach dropped as Sebastian’s eyes found mine, that familiar stubborn set to his jaw promising nothing good.

“I would be honored, Your Majesty.” His voice was honey-sweet, but his eyes promised interrogation. “It’s been far too long since Lya and I had a proper talk.”

Translation: You’re not escaping this conversation, little sister.

* * *

I slumped onto the four-poster bed in the guest chamber, suddenly missing Laurel’s presence. If she were here, she’d be teasing me mercilessly about the whole dinner fiasco. After that disaster, I made a mad dash for freedom before Sebastian could corner me for his promised “talk.”

Maybe if I hide under these sheets long enough, he’ll forget all about it.

A sharp knock at the door shattered that foolish hope.

Damn. Of course, my rotten luck wouldn’t let me off that easily.

I burrowed deeper into the plush pillows, feigning sleep. The knocking persisted, growing more insistent with each rap.

Grumbling, I hauled myself off the bed and yanked open the door, a biting retort ready on my lips to defend myself. But instead of Sebastian’s disapproving frown, I found myself face-to-face with none other than Rosalind.

I leaned against the doorframe, crossing my arms. “What?”

Rosalind rolled her eyes. “Can I at least come inside?”

With an exaggerated sigh, I stepped aside, gesturing her in with a sweeping, mock-courtly bow.

I sprawled across the chaise lounge, the picture of nonchalance, while Rosalind perched primly on an armchair. The silence stretched, thick and uncomfortable for Rosalind. I was happy to sit in silence. I examined my nails, refusing to break first.

Finally, Rosalind cleared her throat. “I came here to say… I’m still suspicious of you.”

“Shocking,” I drawled.

She plowed on, “But I’m going to take a leap of faith and trust you. For now.”

I slow-clapped, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “Wow. How brave of you, Rosalind. Truly inspiring.”

“Could you be serious for once?” She snapped.

“Oh, but I am being serious,” I retorted. “Deadly serious. Now, what exactly do you want? I doubt you came here just to announce your magnanimous decision to grace me with your trust.”

Rosalind’s fingers twisted in her lap. “I want… to reconcile. And perhaps work together. On my father’s case.”

My eyebrows shot up so fast I was surprised they didn’t fly right off my face. “I’m sorry, what?”

“You heard me,” she said, lifting her chin. “It seemed like you wanted to reconcile with me and leave all the bitterness behind. I was just too stubborn to give you a chance. So, here I am, ready to accept the help you extended.”

I stared at Rosalind, thinking of all my options. She wanted to work together? On her father’s case? The same case that could implicate my own father if we dug too deep?

Not bloody likely.

I kept my face carefully neutral as I considered my response. I may have wanted to help Rosalind before, but that was purely to save my own hide and my family’s. Nothing more, nothing less. I wasn’t about to risk revealing my father’s involvement now.

“No, thanks,” I said, my voice cool and measured.

Rosalind’s eyes widened in confusion. “But… I thought you wanted to help me?”

I raised a hand, cutting off her protests. “I did want to help you, Rosalind. And I have. I united you with Noah and saved your father from execution. I’ve fulfilled my obligations. Don’t expect more from me.”

Her brow furrowed in confusion. “But—”

“Look,” I interrupted, softening my tone slightly. “I don’t have any animosity towards you. In fact, I’d like us to be friends again. Genuinely this time, no deceit.”

Rosalind nodded slowly, processing my words. “I… I suppose that’s understandable. And I do appreciate all the help you’ve given me so far, even if most of it was cleaning up your own mess to begin with.”

I narrowed my eyes at her, but she continued, “I’m glad we can be friends again. Genuinely this time.”

“Anyway,” I said, unable to resist a little jab, “I was your only friend to begin with. Not like you had many options.”

Rosalind scoffed, crossing her arms. “As if you had any friends before I arrived.”

Ouch. Straight for the jugular. But she wasn’t wrong. I’d been too mean, too focused on my own ambitions to forge any real friendships.

“Did you have to say it to my face?” I grumbled, but there was no real heat behind it.

Our eyes met, and suddenly we both burst out laughing. The tension in the room dissipated like morning mist under the sun.

As our laughter subsided, I decided to throw her a bone. That’s what friends do, right? “Since we’re friends again, let me give you some free advice.”

Rosalind leaned forward, curiosity sparking in her eyes. “Oh?”

“Stay away from Lord Callum if you see him.”

Her brow furrowed. “Why? What do you know about him?”

I smirked. “You don’t get full information. That’s why it’s free advice. Just trust me and stay away from him.”

Rosalind stood, smoothing out her skirts. “Fine. Since you’ve said so, I’ll trust you. I guess I’ll see you around.”

As she reached the door, she paused, glancing back over her shoulder. “Oh, and Ilyana?”

“What?”

A mischievous smile played on her lips. “I approve.”

I blinked, confused. “Of what?”

“Of you and the prince.”

Heat rushed to my face. “Get out!” I grabbed a pillow and hurled it at her, but she was already gone, her laughter echoing down the hallway.