Page 73 of A Dagger in the Ivy

Exiting my bedchamber, I nod to my sworn protector. “You can stay here, Sir Holden. Nadya has fallen asleep in my room, and I’d hate for her to be disturbed.”

He inclines his head. “Of course, Your Highness.”

The king’s plate is piled high when I enter the dining hall. I hedge my bets, assuming he won’t abandon his planned feast, and take the opportunity to confront him about the status of the trade deal.

“Good morning, Your Majesties.” I curtsey before I take my seat. “I hope all is well between the realms.”

The king gives me a sideways glance as he chews a roasted potato. “As well as can be expected.”

The queen sits so perfectly still, I would think she was a statue. A second goes by, and then it’s as if she’s only now realized I am sitting at the table. She gives me a closed-mouth smile, then returns to staring at her dish.

I return my attention to the king. “Does that mean Mersos has responded to your proposal?”

He takes a long swig of his wine. It’s as if he’s biding his time or trying to figure out how to answer. “Farvis,” he calls to his royal advisor, “have we any further word from Mersos?”

Farvis, who stands beside the king’s ward, steps forward. “No, your majesty. The last nightfeather to arrive from Mersos was ten days ago. And as you know, they stated they would consider the proposal and reply after deliberations.”

“I see.” I’m not sure I believe Farvis, but there’s no way I can prove he’s lying. At least, not at this moment.

The dining hall doors open, and I stiffen when Dante strolls in. His eyes flash when he spots me, and I can’t help but think of the heat of his hands on me when he held me on the ramparts. But then I remember he shot a crossbow in my direction, nearly making impact with my head, and my nostrils flare. I remind myself to suppress my rage, especially in front of the king and queen.

Dante takes a seat, only acknowledging the king and queen before pouring himself a mug of kahva.

I butter my roll, and Torbin’s absence reminds me that he’s left for his hunting excursion. His brashness in the woods still leaves a bitter taste in my mouth, so much that I can only finish half my roll before pushing my chair back from the table.

“Going so soon?” Dante’s voice has a slight teasing lilt to it.

“I have lessons.” I curtsey to the king and queen then make my way out to the hall. I only make it halfway down the corridor to the courtyard before Dante falls into step beside me.

I give him a sideways glance, continuing on my path. “Why are you following me?”

“I heard you have sword training today.”

How does he know that? “Have you taken to spying on me now?”

He ignores my question. “If you haven’t heard, I’m quite skilled with a sword myself. I thought perhaps I could step in to train with you.”

“Why do I feel like you’ve got an ulterior motive?”

He’s quiet for a minute as he walks alongside me. And then he breaks the silence. “Have you told the magister about your midnight excursions?”

“What?” I don’t mean for my voice to come out so harsh.

“Have you told him? Yes or no?”

“I… haven’t told anyone.” I drop my gaze. “I mean, Nadya knows that I sometimes… But no. He doesn’t know.”

“It might be wise to tell him.”

I clench my jaw as Dante’s words cut through the air like a whip, his suggestion hanging between us like a dark cloud. Tell the magister? The very thought sends a shiver down my spine, igniting a fierce resistance within me—a stubborn refusal to lay bare my vulnerabilities for all to see.

“I don’t see why I should.” My voice is edged with defiance as I meet his gaze head-on. “It’s none of his business.”

Dante’s expression remains impassive, his grey eyes flickering with a hint of something unreadable—a silent challenge that sets my nerves on edge. “He might understand the condition. Perhaps he could suggest something that might help you.”

I stop and turn to face him. “Or he could expose me to the king. And then what? He’ll think I’m mad and call off the wedding.”

“I know Ezra.” He dips his head a fraction of an inch. “He is a discreet man and would be trustworthy.”

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