Page 118 of What Lies Within Blood & Heirs

“There are seven. I think by now, he is striving to own one from each kingdom.” Alora didn’t miss the disgusted eye-roll, but it didn’t affect the gentle attention of Miwa’s hands in her hair.

Seven.Alora shook her head. “Who is queen?” There couldn’t be more than one. That was unheard of. And from what sheknew of heirs and the magic of each kingdom, the lands only bestowed gifts upon one monarch when the previous died—be that male or female. It was up to that kingdom’s magic to choose a worthy vessel. More than one queen would likely result in a bloodbath of bastards who thought themselves to be heirs. It’d be nothing short of a complete mess.

Miwa fell silent, face grim, before she finally murmured, “We lost Queen MiraBelle nearly sixty years ago … mere months before the High Queen took her life. The king has given no such title to any other since. Though their daughter, Princess Erissa, is expected to take that honor one day.” She deepened a long, slow breath. “Be careful of that one. She dines with foxes and wolves.”

“Isn’t this entire court filled with them?” Perhaps she shouldn’t have said anything, but Miwa appeared in a way that suggested her troubled agreement.

“Indeed… And you’d be wise to keep to observations alone. Even as a Dragon andespeciallyas a female. The males take little notice of dresses unless breasts are displayed. Otherwise, you can learn a great deal in your silence.” Miwa settled the hairbrush on the vanity before resting her palms on Alora’s shoulders and gently squeezing. “Now, let’s get you dressed. I want to show off these shoulders.”

Alora glanced at the mirror and studied the colors of gowns reflecting in it when Miwa’s palm brushed over her battle leathers and?—

She willed herself not to swallow. Willed the rising panic in her blood to settle but failed.

Because it wasn’t unmarked skin under those leathers.

That was a death mark beneath them.

‘Servants here gossip worse than a horde of mothers boasting of their sons,’Garrik had said.

“No,” Alora breathed, stiffening her spine as casually as she could.No, she couldn’t show her shoulders. Couldn’t show her death mark. Couldn’t risk Miwa seeing, couldn’t risk?—

“I …” What would she say?What could she do?

Miwa stepped closer, giving her an assessing, critical stare.

But before her maidservant could speak, Alora blurted, “Jade.Please find Lady Jade.” It was all she could think of before panicking again. “No—don’t call her that,” she countered, tightly. Her breaths sporadic, chest heaving. She imagined Jade being addressed as such would go over as well as that male calling herprincessin Alynthia’s tavern.

Stars.She must think her as utterly mad. Out of her mind, on the edge of insanity.

Like a pillar of stone within a storm, Miwa insisted, “Alora. Take a breath. What’s wrong?”

No, no, no!The roaring flames beneath her skin threatened to detonate. Her stomach hollowed out. If anyone found out who—whatshe was … if they informed the High King?—

“Jade,”Alora pleaded. “Please.Get her.”

Miwa’s concern rippled across her features before she held out her hands in a way to reassure her. “Yes, of course. Sit. Breathe. I’ll find her at once.” Through her unsettled vision, Alora watched Miwa, without hesitation, run to her door and rip it open. Only stopping when Thalon’s head snapped up, his monstrous arms crossed, as he leaned against the hallway and shoved her face close to his. “Where is the female named Jade?”

Thalon’s mouth formed a tight line.

“Where? Damn you!” she snarled and Thalon stiffened before he pointed up the hallway. Then she was running.

Alora fled to the door, gripping the threshold as she panted.

“Are you alright?” Thalon’s hands reached out to steady her, to grip her shoulders, but he hesitated, hovering there. Offering his warmth and protection if she needed it.

“She wanted to dress me.”

The alarm on his face morphed into something perplexed. “And that is … a problem?” He arched a brow.

“Yeah.” Alora tapped her battle leathers, her left upper arm twice. “Kind of.”

Glowing, golden eyes widened. Thalon cursed under his breath and reached for his sword, which wasn’t there. “I’ll find Garrik.” He half-stumbled backward and rushed down the hallway.

Jade strolled casually down the center at the same time, nearly missing a collision with Thalon’s shoulder as he passed by.

“What?” Jade sharply said in a way of greeting, still strolling as if Alora wasn’t in the middle of a panic. She probably didn’t know.

Alora gripped the fabric of Jade’s dress, said, “Shut up and get in here,” and pulled her inside with a harsh tug.

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