around the table and sat down on the bench across from them. Iria still wore her smug expression, which Em decided to pretend she hadn’t noticed.
“How was the food?” Cas asked, gesturing to their empty plates.
“Very good, Your Highness, thank you,” Koldo said.
“They’ll be coming around with more, if you’re still hungry,” Cas said. “And dessert soon. I recommend the fig tarts. They’re delicious.”
Koldo perked up, his eyes scanning the room for the treats. Benito didn’t look at all impressed at the idea of dessert.
“I will be sure to get one,” Iria said. She fixed her gaze on Cas. “Congratulations on your marriage.”
“Thank you.”
“How wonderful that Lera and Vallos could finally be united.” Iria turned her smile from Cas to Em.
“Have you been?” Cas asked. “To Vallos?”
“I have,” Iria said. “A bit dreary, compared to here. Though not nearly as grim as Ruina.”
Em forced her expression to stay neutral. “I’ve never been to Ruina, but I’m sure you’re right.”
“Your Highness,” Iria said, glancing at Cas. “Do you mind if I dance with your wife?”
“If she would like,” he replied.
“I would love to,” Em said, lifting her skirts as she stood. She looped her arm through the girl’s and walked with her to the dance floor.
Iria put a light hand on her back and Em decided to let her lead. No need to antagonize her.
“Is it entirely necessary to have that look on your face?” Em asked through clenched teeth as they began to dance.
“What look?”
“Like you’ve figured something out and are delighted about it. You’re here to help me, remember?”
Iria chuckled. “I’m sorry. I’m just so amused. Emelina Flores as the princess of Lera. It’s ridiculous.” Her eyes slid to Cas, and Em glanced over as well. He was talking to the two other warriors, but he had one eye on them. “Though he seems thoroughly convinced.”
“Why wouldn’t he be? I told the warriors I could do it.”
“So you did. I bet against you. Lost a good bit of money, actually.”
“What a shame,” Em said drily. She looked at Benito and Koldo. “Do they both know about me?”
“Of course. They can be trusted.”
“I’ll decide that. You didn’t tell anyone else I’m here, did you?”
“No. Not even your own people. It’s strange to keep the Ruined in the dark about this plan, if you want to know my opinion.”
“I don’t. The less people know, the better.” The Ruined wouldn’t have faith in Em or her plan anyway. The looks on their faces would be that much better once they realized she’d succeeded.
“I heard you saved your prince from death on your wedding day. That was a stroke of luck, wasn’t it?”
“Yes, it was.” Em regarded Iria suspiciously. “Wasn’t it?”
“We had nothing to do with it. But we’re trying to find those hunters now, to see how organized the movement is. They may be helpful.”
“Do you have any news?”
“I saw Damian briefly before I left Olso. He’s helping the Ruined cross the border. We’ve succeeded in getting several through, safe and sound. They were on their way to see King Lucio when I left.”
“Why do they need to see the king?” Em asked.
“He’s very friendly, our king.”
She wasn’t going to get a straight answer about that, so Em filed it away to ask Damian about later. She didn’t trust the Olso king in the slightest. He’d agreed to help her because he wanted to seize control of Lera, but had done nothing to help the Ruined when they were being hunted and executed.
“Damian gave me a note to pass along to you,” Iria said.
“Not now,” she said, even though she desperately wanted to read it. “I don’t want them seeing you give me anything.”
“Fine. Would you stop squeezing my hand like that?” Iria asked. “I’m going to need it later.”
“Sorry,” Em muttered, loosening her grip. Breaking Iria’s hand would make a nice distraction, though. Em could break the hand, dart around Iria, and put her in a chokehold. Em was taller than the warrior, so she had a pretty good chance of being able to maintain the hold.
Em beat down the urge. The warriors were her partners. She didn’t need to kill them to keep herself safe.
“There’s no chance of you doing something stupid like killing the king too early, right?” Iria said, her expression growing serious. “I remember you having a bit of a temper.”
“I’m perfectly fine,” Em said. “We shouldn’t talk about this here. Come to my room tomorrow morning. Bring the note. I’ll have Aren come as well.”
“Fine. But