Page 20 of The Alien's Vicious Starflash Manor

Her smile falters slightly, the mask of court perfection cracking just enough to show something darker beneath. “No, it isn’t.”

“Then what is it?”

She glances over her shoulder, the movement so deliberately casual it can only be calculated. After all our cycles together, I recognize her theatrics. She’s setting the stage, building tension before delivering her blow. “Prince Jonyk is planning a reception. Five days of celebration for the renewal of the peace treaty with the firelords.”

The words slam into me with the force of an out-of-control meteor, but I force myself to remain still, to keep my fingers relaxed on the armrests instead of digging into them. “How very diplomatic of him.”

“He expects you to attend.” Uanna’s eyes narrow, and I see a flash of the ruthless courtier beneath her pristine exterior. “All the noble houses must be represented, after all.”

Plus, I arranged to have some of his favorite nobles slaughtered. He has to suspect as much, even if he can’t yet prove it. I’m sure he wants the chance to interrogate me himself.

“When?” The word comes out rougher than intended, and I clear my throat, buying time to steady my voice. “When is this reception to be held?”

“At the end of this moon-cycle.” Her gaze fixes on my face with an intensity that makes my skin prickle. She’s searching for any reaction, any tell that might betray my thoughts. “During the next double full moon.”

I do some quick date-checking.

That’s a single ten-day from now.

The timing couldn’t be worse if Jonyk had planned it specifically to expose me—which, I realize with a chill that has nothing to do with my powers, he may well have done.

Ice crawls through my veins, colder than anything I would consciously conjure.

The timing couldn’t be worse.

“Your lordship,” Cyan cuts in, her tone oddly gentle, “your core temperature is dropping rapidly.”

I realize I’ve lost control of the environmental systems, frost spreading across the command console beneath my hands. With effort, I pull the cold back inside myself.

“Problems with your ship?” Uanna asks, too innocently.

“Nothing Cyan can’t handle.” I wave a hand dismissively—I can be dramatic too, after all. “She’s far more advanced than the primitive systems at court.”

“Aww, you say the sweetest things,” Cyan coos, though there’s an undertone of concern in her voice that only I would recognize.

Uanna’s lips thin at the AI’s interruption. “The prince was quite insistent on your attendance. He mentioned something about questioning your loyalty to the court.”

And there it is. The threat beneath the invitation. Miss this reception, and Jonyk will have all the excuse he needs to move against me.

Unsurprising, of course, given how many Ice Court nobles died in my ballroom just a few days ago.

“How thoughtful of His Highness to include me in the celebrations.” I keep my voice level through sheer force of will. “Please convey my gratitude for the invitation.”

“Since you’re heading home, I presume you’ve acquired the sister. Is that true?”

I consider lying, but Uanna would see right through it. She’ll learn the truth soon enough, anyway. “Yes.”

She taps one finger against her lower lip. “And you plan to present them both at court?”

“Perhaps.” The word comes out clipped, wary.

“Well then.” Her smile widens fractionally. “They’ll need proper attire, of course. Court fashion is so... particular. I could send my lady’s maid. And my seamstress. They’re quite skilled at preparing newcomers for their debut.”

The offer catches me off guard. Uanna never does anything without ulterior motives, but I can’t afford to refuse help I desperately need. “That would be appreciated.”

She inclines her head, and I resist the urge to demand she tell me what game she’s playing. Better to wait and watch. Learn her intentions before revealing my own hand.

“Before I go...” Uanna’s voice turns hesitant in a way that immediately puts me on guard. She’s never hesitant unless she’s playing at something. “There’s more you should know about Jonyk’s so-calledpeace summit.”

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