Page 10 of The Court of Secrets
“A man called Tommy. Has a good sense of humor.”
“Is he a lord’s son? A noble?”
“A servant.”
“Oh.” I didn’t mask my surprise. “That’s nice.”
“Servants, maids, the workers… They’re the best friends you can make.”
“Yes, and they know all the gossip.”
He gave me a look that made my stomach dip. I hated when he looked at me with disappointment. “Friendship isn’t how you can use that person.”
“I know.” I snapped.
Something in his gaze changed. I’d seen the look before. I could have sworn it was guilt hiding behind those golden eyes.
He sighed. “You’ve been stressed.” He rubbed my shoulder, rolling it back. I closed my eyes, enjoying the relief from the tension. “You’ve had a lot happen in the short time since we arrived.”
He stopped, and I saw why. People were piling into the room. “You should eat.”
I reached for one of the small triangular sandwiches. “Cucumber.” I scrunched my nose and placed the sandwich back on the platter. I found one with chicken liver and smiled. “Mmm.”
“Liver.” Cedric gave me a look. “You all desperately need a good cook.” He winked, then packed his plate with a variety of fruits—dates, plums, and chopped apple.
“We’re hiring, if you’re looking,” I joked.
“I’m a royal advisor, remember?”
“Ah, yes. I think if we keep going, I may kill the lords from shock by week’s end.”
“You should be careful though, Winter.” His expression darkened. “It’s fun, being back here and showing the lords and Vahaga up, but you can’t make an enemy of everyone.”
I cast my eyes downward at the thick oak table. “I know. I’m not going to push them too far. Not until I find leverage over them.”
The smell of mulled wine and ale wafted to us as the nobles began lunch. I looked down at them from our tall seats at the top table.
Cedric finished a slice of apple. “Speaking of leverage, have you thought any more about the Objects so the mer king doesn’t harm your people?”
“I have a year,” I explained. “I’m nervous about it, but I will find a way to get them together. One of them you can help me with.”
“Ah, yes. The Amulet of Viribus.”
“Perhaps you can bring it to me.”
He tilted his head. “I could after I go home after your coronation.”
“Don’t remind me of you leaving.”
“For now, keep the one you have safe. The Sword.”
I gave him a look. “It is safe.” Did he think I was going to lose one of the only two objects that could kill an immortal?
I think he could sense my aggravation because he looked away. “Do you know yet who will be attending your coronation?”
“Apart from the expected, no.”
“Have you considered the unexpected?”
