Page 11 of The Court of Secrets
“I doubt Blaise will want to attend.”
He clenched his jaw. “Let’s hope not.”
I raised my eyebrows. Why was he suddenly so hell-bent on keeping Blaise away from me? Apart from obvious reasons… but he didn’t know about them.
“For now, let’s focus on getting you situated here.” He interrupted my thoughts. “You have the council meeting this afternoon, right?”
My stomach flipped. I lost my appetite. “Yes. It’s my first one.”
“Are you prepared?”
“Far from it.”
“Do you want me to go with you?”
I shook my head. “I think there’s only so much I can flaunt you before they try something. I don’t trust them.”
“Me either.”
“I forgot how packed this hall can get during lunch.” My gaze drifted along the people. I spotted her before she did me. Wandering through the double doors, she swept between tables with such grace, it almost looked like she was floating. Her eyes found mine, and she smiled.
“She’s Amara,” I told Cedric before she reached the table. “One of the court ambassadors from Niferum. I imagine she and Daric arrived today.”
Cedric stood, but anxiety guided his tone. He extended his hand. “I’m Cedric. It’s good to meet you, Amara.”
She looked him up and down. Confusion flitted her gaze. “The pleasure is mine.” Turning her attention to me, she dropped to her knee. She tucked her black strands with white highlights behind her pointed ears before she looked up and said, “Majesty, it is a pleasure. My condolences on the death of King Amos.”
“Thank you,” I muttered. I hadn’t gotten used to people speaking of my father’s death with sadness or pretending to be heartbroken when they mentioned his passing. I was to play the part of grieving daughter, not murderer, I reminded myself.
“Please, excuse my confusion. I didn’t expect to see another faery here.”
I licked my lips. “He’s a good friend.”
“I’m pleased to see more of us here.” She smiled. She had the grace not to mention him being a light fae, regarding them as both being just fae, which was what it should be. “If you don’t mind, Winter. May I discuss a matter with you?”
“Please, speak freely.” I smiled and took her hands as she rose. We hadn’t spent much time together, but she had been Jasper’s friend before he was killed. Because of me. Guilt dipped my stomach when I looked into her bright eyes. It was strange how a woman I knew so little had become one of the few constants at court. She reminded me of a time when André was alive. He had always flirted with her, even when it drove Florence insane.
“It’s better we speak alone.”
Cedric’s eyes narrowed. “Is everything okay?"
“It’s about King Blaise.”
My heart pounded. My muscles tightened, and I hoped Cedric wouldn’t notice. “Yes, uh, let’s take a walk. Cedric, do you mind?”
He grabbed one of the blackberry tarts. “Go ahead. Find me after.”
I stood, brushing the crumbs from the bodice of my dress as I did. I stepped down, and Amara took my hand. I noticed Cedric watching us carefully as we left.
We walked into the passageway, which was relatively empty, as everyone was enjoying their lunch or the court trials that continued despite my absence. We swept past the open windows, then turned left down a wide, marble corridor with large portraits of monarchs who had come before me. The occasional four-legged sofa sat dusty against the stone walls.
“When did you arrive?” I asked.
“One hour ago. Daric wanted to join us, but your high priest wanted to meet him beforehand.”
That couldn’t be good. “It’s okay. So what’s happened?”
“The king will be arriving in two days.”
