least Malren seemed to have no interest in my sister. Then I turned my attention to Vasso. “I believe you’re supposed to be in bed, Lord Vasso.”
He bowed his head. “I would never let anything happen to Princess Iris.”
“Thank you.” I placed a hand on his broad shoulder, and he gave me a warm smile.
“An honor, Your Majesty.”
“Come, Iris.” I placed my hands on her shoulders and steered her in front of me. “It’s time to let Lord Vasso rest. He’s still recovering.”
Iris wanted to talk about my magic, but I told her I needed to be alone to recover after the ordeal. With a dramatic sigh, she retreated to her room, and I returned to my own.
I stood by my window, my hand on the smooth stone surrounding it as I looked out into the garden below. I could see the area where Lasloe had been sitting, the candles still glowing like we might return to continue our meal at any moment. The ice bolts I’d created had long since melted, leaving no evidence of my magic, but enough people had seen me that I couldn’t pretend I hadn’t broken Talador law.
I suppressed a sigh. Breaking the law had saved Keane’s life, so it was worth it. If only I’d been able to capture Lord Malren too.
A knock at the door broke me from my reverie, and I looked up as Grimelda came into the room, bearing a tray with a steaming bowl of soup and a plate with thick slices of bread.
“I thought you might be hungry.” Her frizzy hair had strayed across her face, but she didn’t have a spare hand to brush it aside.
“Thank you, Grimelda. You’re very kind, but I really couldn’t.” My stomach lurched at the idea of food, the stress and anxiety tangling together to take up all the available space. “I can’t eat much when I have a lot on my mind, and I have many things to think about this evening.”
She stood still and looked at me like she was unsure what to do. “You should really try to eat, Your Majesty. You need to regain your strength.”
“Yes, you’re right,” I said, hoping she’d leave. “I’ll try to eat a little something once my nerves have calmed.”
“I’ll just put this here in case you’re hungry later.” She set the tray down on the desk nearby.
As the door closed behind her, I looked at the soup she’d left, wondering if I could force down a few mouthfuls. She was trying to be helpful, and I probably did need to eat something, but my stomach roiled at the smell of the soup. I picked up the bowl and opened my window to empty the contents into the courtyard below. Hopefully the birds and whatever vermin came out at night would clear away the evidence of my subterfuge.
I secured my window, locking it tight and folded my arms around my body like I was holding myself together. Blowing out a long breath, I closed my eyes. I wasn’t safe here. Dahlia’s plan had failed twice over—I was no closer to finding a husband, and Malren had nearly captured me for a second time. Worse, I was fairly certain Riala was involved now, and closer than I’d like. She had to be nearby to control the illusions, since Malren didn’t possess the ability himself. Illusion magic was Riala’s specialty, and no one did it better.
I chewed on my lip I debated what to do. Sit here like vulnerable prey and just wait to be killed or captured? Or return home an endanger my sisters? And what would I do with Iris? Selfishly, I wanted her nearby so I could ensure her safety, but that put her too close to Riala.
I sat on the edge of my bed. I had nowhere left to go—I was fast running out of options. I could go to Ilidan, perhaps. Rose wouldn’t turn me away, and I’d be safest with her than anywhere else in the kingdoms, but I was the future Queen of Talador. I couldn’t claim asylum in another kingdom, nor would I run away from the danger to my throne.
I gazed at the fire, but it didn’t hold any of the answers I needed. Tomorrow I would send a message to Dahlia telling her about the attack. She’d consult with Garon and they could tell me what they thought I should do next.
A knock sounded on my door, and instead of just calling for the person to