Page 75 of Curse of the Sun and Stars

Damia laughs, but Corrin’s frown deepens as Alastor withdraws his spell.

“Neat trick,” he says. “Well, I hope you enjoy our delicious, unpoisoned food.”

The fae fall on the table hungrily, obviously satisfied. Corrin, meanwhile, pours a glass of wine, then slinks up to me where I hover in the corner.

“A drink, Your Highness?” he murmurs.

My gaze falls on the cup he’s offering. Do I really want to have a foggy head in a viper’s nest like this?

Corrin chuckles, clearly guessing the direction of my thoughts.

“Of course, you’re wise to be cautious,” he says, taking a mouthful of the wine himself. “It must be hard to tell who your friends are these days.”

“And should I count you among them?” I ask him, trying to look unfazed. “My friends, that is?”

“Seems to me like you could use all the friends you can find,” Corrin says, his voice low. “Especially as your family has had such a run of bad luck recently. First, of course, there was that terrible business with your parents.” His eyes flick to Leon. The Nightmare Prince isn’t facing us, but I get the distinct impression he’s listening.

“And then all kinds of rumors flying around about your absence from the capital,” Corrin continues.

“And do you believe them?” I ask, trying to keep my voice neutral.

Corrin smiles. “I know better than to take things at face value, Your Highness. And I trust my gut and my instincts over any rumor that might happen to come my way. But you’re not doing yourself any favors with your choice of traveling companions…” He looks around at the fae. “Some might jump to the conclusion that you actually had something to do with the death of the king and queen, or that nasty attempt on the regent’s life last week.”

I blink at him. “The regent? You mean my aunt?” I ask.

“The late queen’s sister, yes. Apparently, an assassin tried to attack her in the night.” His eyes glint, like he’s just discovered something interesting. “But it doesn’t seem you knew anything about that.”

“No,” I say. The news is disturbing in more ways than one. Leon was right about someone there wanting me dead—wantingallthe Angevires out of the picture.

I look over to Leon now, and he turns to meet my gaze. But Corrin is still talking.

“Of course, if there was any way I could help Your Highness, friend to friend, you’d need only ask.”

I pull my eyes from Leon to turn toward the crime lord, taking in his shrewd eyes and the way shadows still dance about his feet.

“You’re obviously a savvy man, Mr. Wadestaff,” I say. “So I can’t help but ask what’s in it for you?”

He smiles. “A connection to the future queen, of course. That could be useful inmanyways.”

“I’m not queen yet,” I remind him.If I ever will be.

He doesn’t seem bothered. “Like I told you, Your Highness, I trust my gut and my instincts. And they tell me a smart man wouldn’t bet against you.”

It occurs to me that this man probably knowsexactlywhat the odds against me are, quite literally. He’s probably taking bets from everyone in town on what will happen next. What are the odds on me ever being crowned queen? Three to one? Ten to one? How bad would those odds get if they knew about my power? I shake the thought away. It won’t do me any good here. Instead, I focus on what good this new friendship might do for me.

I was going to find Will sooner or later, and Corrin likely has people on his payroll who could get me to Gullert without running into any clerics or royal soldiers. I could leave now and be there in a week, without having to waste another thought on Leon and whether he’ll keep his word.

I can still feel the fae prince watching me, like a tingling on my skin, and I suddenly wish I’d accepted the wine. It might make this decision easier.

Leon may be holding information back from me. He may be a smug, arrogant bastard with an unnerving penchant for violence. But he’s saved my life several times over and taught me things about myself I never imagined possible.

Corrin’s still smiling at me like a wolf baring its teeth. I might have doubts about Leon, but I have far more about this man. He’s a criminal by trade and could easily betray me to the people queuing up to get their hands on Trova’s heir.

No, I’m safer sticking with the fae for now.

“Thank you, Mr. Wadestaff,” I say sweetly. “If I think of anything you can assist me with, I’ll let you know.”

I see a touch of disappointment in Corrin’s eyes, but he bows and takes his leave. I eat before I’m tempted again by the wine, and I’m heading toward the food when I sense a familiar presence at my side.

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