Capture the Crown (Gargoyle Queen #1) -Jennifer Estep Page 0,89

general story Leonidas had told about me earlier, but I put my own touches on it, polishing it into a better version the same way I would polish a necklace in Alvis’s workshop. I really could make jewelry, although my pieces were serviceable at best, since I didn’t have any metalstone magic.

The interest vanished from Corvina’s face. “Not even strong enough to put beauty glamours into your designs? Well, that makes them—and you—rather inferior.”

She probably thought her insult was so devastating that it would leave me in tears, perhaps even send me running from the table, but a low, mocking laugh erupted from my lips instead. Scores of people had called me far worse things than inferior. Corvina needed to up her viciousness if she wanted to wound me.

Corvina glared at me. Magic crackled in her eyes, reminding me that I needed to be just as careful of her as I did of Milo.

“Yes, well, I suppose that I am rather inferior when it comes to my magic,” I said in a diplomatic voice, trying to smooth things over. “Although I’ve never cared much about what other people think of me, as long as they buy my jewelry designs.”

“Then you’re a fool,” Emperia said. “Reputation can make—or break—you in an instant.”

“Oh, I doubt that Lady Armina is a fool,” Maeven murmured, finally joining the conversation. “She seems like the sort who has very surprising, unexpected depths.”

My heart froze, suddenly as cold as the mango-flavored ice I had eaten earlier. Had Maeven guessed my secret? Did she know who I really was?

I stared at the queen, who looked right back at me, an unreadable expression on her face. Somehow, I managed to keep my own features calm, even as the ice cracked off my heart, which started galloping around like a runaway Floresian stallion in my chest.

“Several jewelers have invaded Myrkvior in recent days, but none with such an interesting story as you, Lady Armina,” Maeven continued. “My earlier offer stands. You must make a piece for Delmira. I could also use a new trinket. After all, it is my birthday tomorrow.”

I bowed my head, staring at my crumpled napkin and desperately trying to gather my thoughts. “Of course, Your Majesty. I would be honored to make pieces for you and your daughter.”

I lifted my head and attempted to smile at Maeven, but my face must have betrayed my wariness, because Emperia and Corvina both snickered. They enjoyed watching the queen put me on the spot, because they knew what an extremely perilous place it was to be.

Maeven ignored their laughter, tossed her own napkin onto the table, and stood up.

Delmira shot to her feet, as did Leonidas. I followed suit, as did everyone else seated at this table and all the others around the room. Milo hesitated, as did Corvina and Emperia, but the three of them also rose, albeit far more slowly than everyone else.

“I have some work to attend to.” Maeven’s voice didn’t seem overly loud, but it still boomed through the throne room. “Thank you all for your kind sentiments and such a lovely birthday dinner. Please, stay and enjoy yourselves.”

Once again, her gaze locked with mine, and her lips puckered, as though she didn’t particularly like what she saw. Maeven stared at me a moment longer, then strode away.

The queen might be leaving, but strangely enough, I felt as though I were in more danger than ever before.

Chapter Eighteen

As soon as Maeven left, everyone in the throne room relaxed. The servants passed out more wine, and the nobles, merchants, and other guests started drinking, gossiping, and laughing. Everyone was taking the queen’s order to enjoy themselves to heart.

Milo didn’t even glance at his siblings. Instead, he and Corvina drifted away, talking to Emperia, who gestured for some other nobles to join them. Delmira and Leonidas both eyed the group, concern creasing their faces.

“I should go check on Mother.” Delmira paused, then her face brightened, as though the most wonderful idea had just occurred to her. “Leo, why don’t you escort Armina back to her chambers?”

She made the suggestion in a neutral tone, but her lips curved up into a sly smile. I bit back a groan at her trying to play matchmaker again. The last thing I needed to do was spend more time with Leonidas. He was my enemy just as much as Maeven was, something I desperately needed to remember, especially since he could do far more damage to me. The queen could only