Page 83 of Rise of the Vicious Princess

Charis considered her response carefully. “There are certainly those who have concerns, but the legitimate worries have been addressed in our negotiations and the rest are nothing but rumors and fearmongering.” Charis held Lady Channing’s gaze. “If it all comes down to worrying whether I can manage a power grab from the Montevallian prince, then either people will believe I’m capable, or they’ll see proof of it once he’s here.”

Leeya replaced the powder and reached for a bottle of fragrance as Lady Channing said, “That’s what I’ve always admired in you—absolute pragmatism. You understand that the stability of our kingdom is more important than appeasing those who think they know best but don’t have a full grasp of the situation. Leeya, I believe the princess would prefer the floramint fragrance instead.”

The maid hurried to exchange the green bottle she held for a purple one as Charis raised a brow at Lady Channing. “I didn’t realize you knew my favorite scent.”

The woman smiled. “It’s one of my favorites too, so I recognize it on you.”

“How observant.”

“We both know that’s one of my strengths,” said Lady Channing. “One of yours too. I wonder, have you encouraged the Farragin twins to change up their schedules and hire more guards?”

Charis stilled. “Why would they need to do that?”

“Because they’re next in line for the throne. My staff have passed along some rather nasty rumors about the plans of those displeased with the betrothal. If someone who is against the peace treaty managed to kill you, seers forbid—”

“If someone kills me, the treaty is dead.”

Lady Channing frowned. “No, we specifically worded it that one of their heirs must marry one of ours. It is understood to be you, of course, but should you die, the next heir would qualify.”

Charis locked eyes with Lady Channing. “Who asked for that wording?”

The woman’s eyes widened, and she looked slightly flustered. “Your Highness, I apologize. I had no idea you didn’t realize we’d taken out your name and used ‘the heir’ instead. It’s a smart move, and honestly I thought you had to have approved it because you’re always thinking so far ahead.”

“Who suggested we do that, Lady Channing?”

The woman swallowed. “Lord Thorsby.”

Thirty-One

CHARIS STOOD FACING Lady Channing, her eyes on the older woman’s face as her thoughts spun. Lord Thorsby, who’d come to Charis because the queen refused to follow his advice. Who was furious that the peace treaty meant his son’s death wouldn’t be avenged. Had he decided the Willowthorns should no longer rule and then prepared the way to put another heir on the throne without plunging the kingdom back into war? Or had he simply taken the most pragmatic approach in wording the treaty given the attempts on Charis’s life?

“Your Highness?” Lady Channing’s calm, quiet voice broke through Charis’s thoughts, and she focused on the woman again. A slight frown puckered Lady Channing’s brow, and her gaze was sharp.

“When did this discussion take place?” Charis asked.

Lady Channing shook her head. “I . . . We had several very long meetings to figure out the terms of the contract before sending it. I’m not certain at which meeting the wording was finalized.”

Charis cocked her head. “You remember my favorite scent, though I’ve never told it to you, but you can’t remember in which meeting the wording was finalized?”

Lady Channing’s mouth twisted. “The hazards of getting older.”

“Indeed.”

“Your Highness, if this upsets you, please call a council meeting. All of us would be happy to discuss the issue. I’m positive another council member will recall the exact chain of events.”

Charis found it hard to believe Lady Channing couldn’t remember the precise details of each treaty discussion. The woman had a mind as sharp as a sword and spent her time quietly observing and cataloging details. So why didn’t she want to share it with Charis? Was she trying to protect someone? If so, who? She’d already told Charis that Lord Thorsby had been the one to suggest the wording.

Unless Thorsby hadn’t come up with the idea on his own but had instead simply been doing his job—presenting all useful ideas gleaned from his individual conversations with each council member and working toward a consensus. Which could mean someone else had decided to ensure peace whether Charis was alive to fulfill the contract or not. If that someone was Lady Channing, why be the one to accidentally give Charis the information?

Maybe the woman really was struggling to remember the exact details because it hadn’t seemed momentous to her at the time.

“Your Highness!” Lady Everly bustled into the long corridor, looking slightly harried. “There you are. We are ready to serve dinner if it pleases you to join us.”

Charis began moving toward Lady Everly, and Lady Channing kept pace at her side while Elsbet fell into step behind them. Reuben waited at the doorway to join them. As they neared their hostess, Lady Channing said quietly, “I do know that Lord Thorsby had a long meeting with the Everlys before we began working on the treaty’s details. I gather they were none too happy with your decision to marry the enemy prince.”

Charis gave a slight nod of her head, the barest acknowledgment that she’d heard Lady Channing as the two of them reached Lady Everly, who quickly curtsied to Charis, her smile strained.

“Who is seated beside me?” Charis aimed the question at Lady Everly. Lady Channing paused briefly in the doorway between the corridor and the formal dining room and then moved forward as if their hostess’s answer meant nothing to her.

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