Page 79 of The Court of Secrets
She glanced at her father, who cleared his throat. “Mai would like to learn more about Magaelor and believes, rightly so,” he said with a smile as infectious as his daughter’s, “the royal court is the best place to learn about the goings-on in the kingdoms, and learn skills she can use in the future.”
My eyebrows raised. “Many of the ladies who attend the Ruby Circle are wishing to find a suitable husband.”
She hesitated, looking at Nissa, then back at me. “I’m not looking for a marriage as of now.”
Her father didn’t fight it, and I couldn’t help but smile. “Good.”
Nissa turned, mouthingshe’s perfect, and I couldn’t help but agree. “Thank you, Lady Mai, and…”
“Lord Jackson,” Nissa said.
“You own the land past Ironwall,” I said, referring to the rural province where the prison stood. I remembered being told about him. He started off only owning a small pocket of land but had built it into something enviable. His father had not been a friend of my father’s. He was too kind.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Thank you for coming,” I said and stood. “I must retire, but please, enjoy the rest of the festivities.”
Nissa thanked them and sent them away before she returned to me. “You’re leaving so soon?”
“Yes, I have a headache,” I said quickly. “I’ll be going to my chambers. I’m sure you and Florence can manage here. You can announce Mai as being one of my ladies.”
“You’ll need to choose more than one.”
“The lady with the red hair and freckles, I liked her,” I said, remembering her as the only other memorable girl in the lineup. “Announce her too.”
“Lady Penelope.”
“Yes.”
“This will be the shortest Ruby Circle in history.” She laughed, keeping her voice low so others didn’t hear us. She was always good at being discreet.
“I’m sorry about Corbin.”
She ran her polished fingernail along the curve of her chin. “He’s playing games with me. He makes sure only to flirt when I can see him.” She rolled her eyes. “It doesn’t feel great, but I know he’s only doing it to make me jealous. He stupidly thinks it’ll win me back.”
“Win you back?”
“I told him I wasn’t interested in courting anymore, after you said you said yes to his proposing to me and he didn’t bother.”
“Well,” I smirked. “Good for you. Oh, the land and coin has been transferred to your name. I had the papers signed days ago. You should be notified any day now of the land ownership moving to you.”
Excitement curved her lips upward, balling her cheeks. “You’ve been too kind. I hope it wasn’t too much hassle persuading the lords to allow it.”
“With Lord Abor at my service and the others you have gathered secrets about, it wasn’t difficult at all. Of course, my sway can only go so far.” My eyes narrowed as I looked around the room. “I’m not the only one with a hold over them.”
Vahaga. But after tonight, he wouldn’t be able to hold anything over anyone again.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Blaise stepped out from the shadows of the dark passageway. He looked even more handsome in the clothes of a tradesperson. I pulled the hood of my traveling cloak over my head and gave him a defiant look. “You shouldn’t have come.”
“I wouldn’t miss this.”
I clicked my tongue. I knew why he was really coming. He was worried about me. “I can do it alone. I don’t need someone to hold my hand.”
“We’re partners now, love. I’m not looking after you. I’m joining you.”
I matched his step as we wound through the secret tunnels connecting under the castle and behind its walls. Rats scurried past our feet, and one touched my bare ankle. My skin crawled when I spotted a spider climbing down from a dull web. I turned my oil lamp from the walls, willing the crawlies and rats to hide in blackness so I could pretend they weren’t there, and shined the light onto Blaise. “I need to be the one to kill him.”
