Page 65 of The Gilded Cage

Her skin looked exactly as it should.

Kiva’s relief was so intense that her knees wobbled, but she made herself return Stellan’s smile and say, “It’s an honor to meet you, Your Majesty.”

The king waved a hand in the air. “Please, we don’t stand on ceremony in this family.” He leaned in, a twinkle in his eyes. “Especially among ...friends.”

His gaze flicked from Kiva to Jaren, his emphasis prompting warmth to touch her cheeks. Gods, she hoped the Royal Council hadn’t spoken with Stellan, especially Councilwoman Zerra. Or Queen Ariana, since she’d also heard every word down in the tunnels. If one of them began another conversation aboutintentionsat dinner, Kiva might very well die of embarrassment.

“Why don’t you sit by me,” Stellan said, pulling the chair out for her. “I want to hear all about the extraordinary young woman who survived a decade in —”

“I was thinking we could tell Kiva and Tipp more about our family,” Jaren cut in smoothly. “Share some stories, let them get to know us a little better.”

Kiva sent him a grateful look, knowing he’d sensed her growing tension and had swiftly intervened.

“Family stories?” Caldon spoke up from where he sat next to Mirryn, a devious grin stretching across his face. He raised his goblet and tipped it toward Kiva. “You’re in for a treat, Sunshine. I have dirt on everyone at this table. Prepare to be entertained.”

“Caldon, dearest, I don’t think —” Ariana started, but was interrupted by the arrival of Naari and Captain Veris.

Kiva’s heart gave a panickedthumpas she again feared that someone had discovered her true outing that day, but then she saw that the guard and captain were in casual clothes, their stances relaxed.

“Sorry we’re late,” Naari said, taking the empty seat beside Caldon. “We were working drills with some of the new recruits.”

“How’re they looking?” Stellan asked.

Jaren nudged the stiff Kiva into the seat the king was still holding out for her. Once she was settled, he sat to her right, his father reclaimed the spot angled at the head of the table to her left, and —

Captain Veris took the seat directly opposite her.

Nerves prickled Kiva as the captain gave a quick nod — of greeting? Respect? She wasn’t sure. She made herself take a deep breath, calling to mind everything Jaren had said during the council meeting, how Veris remembered her from ten years ago, but Caldon hadn’t discovered anything incriminating in his investigation. To them she was only Kiva Meridan — her true identity remained safe.

“It’s a cocky lot this year,” the captain answered the king. “They’re good, and they know it. But we’ll whip them into shape.”

Kiva must have made an alarmed sound, because as everyone started to fill their plates, Jaren leaned in and said, “He’s talking figuratively. We don’t whip our guards.”

“No, we just make them run training drills over and over until their eyes bleed from sheer boredom,” Caldon said dryly, buttering a slice of bread.

“What are the three qualities that make a good Royal Guard?” Veris asked, looking around Naari at Caldon, his salt-and-pepper hair shining under the luminium chandelier.

“Oh, dear gods,” the rakish prince murmured, reaching for his wine. “I’m going to need something much stronger than this.”

“Discipline,” Veris said, ticking off his fingers. “Discipline. And discipline.”

“That’s only one thing,” Caldon said. “As I keep telling you.Every time you say it.”

“Maybe one day you’ll remember what it means,” Veris shot back.

“At least I can count to three,” Caldon mumbled, refilling his drink and gulping more down.

“All right, children, no fighting on family night,” Queen Ariana chided, though her eyes danced as she looked between Caldon and Veris, the latter of whom was older than she and therefore hardly considered a child.

But Kiva was stuck on the words she’d used.

Family night.

Feeling queasy, she reached for her own goblet, a light sniff revealing it to be mulled apple juice. She took a large sip just as Oriel bounced in his seat and turned to the captain.

“Uncle Veris —”

Kiva nearly spat out her juice.

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