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True to his word, George had her watched day and night. Her bodyguards were his men, but Ahnna also felt the increased scrutiny of the servants, and even Hazel seemed different. Watchful. Which was perhaps no shock, given the familiarity that George had always had with the maid.

Ahnna was desperate to warn Aren of the threat, but she did not dare try to write him a message, even in code. Didn’t dare seek out any of the Ithicanian spies in Verwyrd. The slightest misstep on her part had the power to bring down calamity on Ithicana, and for days, Ahnna abided by George’s will and sat still, rarely leaving her rooms, though her mind never ceased racing.

Of James, she saw nothing, and every time he came into her thoughts, Ahnna would bite her cheeks. Dig her nails deep into her palms. But all her self-punishment achieved was raw flesh and an even sorer heart, because there was no denying to herself that the wrong prince had left a mark on her soul that would never be erased.

William alone seemed blissfully unaware of the tension in the Sky Palace. Though she had no real interest in his occupations, Ahnna accepted every one of his invitations, dressing like a Harendellian lady and sitting in near silence while he filled her ears with chatter, all while she waited for the knife to fall. For George to reveal his false truth about Ithicana’s schemes and for Harendell to turn on them.

But the knife never fell.

So, knowing that Aren might well be digging himself a hole that would be his grave, Ahnna contrived a scheme to warn him. “Hazel, would you deliver this to Her Highness?”

The maid took the card, but then hesitated. “Is this prudent, my lady? It is my understanding that you two had cross words.”

“For which I hope to make amends.”

Silence stretched, then she said, “Yes, my lady.”

Hazel departed, and Ahnna paced back and forth across the room, her nerves making her palms sweat. When her maid finally returned, Ahnna nearly leapt out of her skin.

Hazel handed her the card, and opening it, Ahnna read:

I accept your apology. If we invite the jewelers to visit, they have time to prepare. Better to catch them out and take them for all they are worth. Dress for riding and be ready to leave the palace in an hour.

Virginia

P.S. Georgie and James will attend us. The former because I wish to cater to his taste and the latter because he will be honest if Georgie’s taste is tacky.

Hazel was watching her, so Ahnna gave her a smile. “I will make amends.”

Her maid sighed, then said, “Be wary, my lady. The Princess Virginia is not known to be forgiving, so this note causes me suspicion.”

“I am always wary, Hazel.”

But so far, her plan to warn her brother was working.