The Orphan Queen (The Orphan Queen #1)(21)

“I’m sure you wouldn’t.” He continued inquiring about my hobbies and favorite things—animals, seasons, paintings—until the next dance was announced and couples began assembling on the floor. “Ready?”

We set our wineglasses on a shelf, and once the dance began, I circled my questions around his job and habits and promise to show Melanie and me around the palace.

The song ended, but as James and I returned to our wine and settled into conversation, another tall figure approached.

“James. Lady Julianna.”

James flashed a pale smile and turned a fraction to include the newcomer. “Your Highness.”

I curtsied and murmured a greeting.

Prince Tobiah stood beside his bodyguard. The two were of similar height, both with lanky frames and hidden strength. But James stood with a fierceness the prince didn’t possess; he stood like someone ready for an attack at any moment.

“I was hoping I might beg a dance from Lady Julianna.” He offered his hand, palm up and fingers extended. The wool jacket he wore must have been stifling, but if he was uncomfortable, he didn’t show it; his expression remained somber. Bored.

James’s eyebrows arched up, but he stepped aside.

“I’d be honored, Your Highness.” I smiled at James once more before placing my hand in Tobiah’s.

A memory welled up, like blood from a thin cut, of standing on a ledge and watching my city burn. My hand in Tobiah’s.

Tobiah Pierce and me: this was why the Indigo Kingdom had won the One-Night War.





SEVEN


I SWALLOWED HARD and reminded myself where I was and when—and who I was pretending to be.

“Watch out,” James called as the opening chords played. “She’s a terrible dancer.”

I forced a chuckle and fell into step with the prince, in time with the tempo. “Your cousin is quite the gossip.” When his expression didn’t change, I urged lightness into my voice. No matter how I felt about him, I needed him to like me—Julianna. “He was just telling me about the time you chewed with your mouth open. I admit, I am horrified.”

“And I am horrified that a lady of your rank cannot dance.” Hints of a smile tugged at his mouth. “Unless James is simply spreading his disgusting lies again. Did he tell you I’m a poor swordsman? Because it isn’t true. He’s jealous, that’s all.”

“I have no idea what to believe at this point.” I let my smile fade and lowered my eyes. This was almost too easy. “Your Highness, I want to thank you again for your hospitality.”

“It’s nothing.” His tone fell bored again. “Were our situations reversed, I know your family would have taken me in as well.”

My family—birth and Ospreys alike—would have been clever enough to spot a spy, but I nodded. “I understand the Indigo Kingdom has been making efforts to mitigate the wraith’s effects.”

“It has. As part of the Wraith Alliance, we have Liadia’s research and construction plans for the barrier, as well as several other kingdoms’ work. Obviously, they’ve not been successful, but they have been educational. We’re confident that something will prove useful.”

Did he believe that? I couldn’t tell.

“Your Highness.” I pressed my lips together, glanced up, and met his eyes as we took slow, steady steps around each other. “I’d like to help. The wraith destroyed my home. I don’t want to see it destroy another.”

“That is incredibly brave of you.”

“I want to see the wraith stopped. I need to help.” The idea of spending more time with Tobiah and the Indigo Order made me need to vomit, actually, but this might be the fastest way to learn whether the Indigo Kingdom was drafting men from Aecor to fight in the wraithland.

And when I took back Aecor, I’d need to know if there was a way to protect my kingdom from the wraith, too.

Tobiah bowed his head. “I’ll see what I can do. Though do keep in mind we all hope you will be able to rest and recover from your journey. I’m sure you’re eager to see this stopped, but your health comes first.”

I made my voice raspy. “At least until the wraith arrives.”

“It won’t happen tomorrow.” He said it like a prince, like someone who’d never known uncertainty. Like he could command tomorrow to be wraith-free.

He’d never known the horror of seeing his people shoved into a courtyard to witness the execution of his blindfolded king and queen. His parents.

He’d never known the fear of the orphanage, with bigger children who stole food and bedding, and beat the younger ones for fun. And minders who didn’t care.

He’d never known hunger in a winter-frozen castle, trapped with other starving children.

The dance ended, and everyone applauded the musicians. I clapped as well, but my thoughts were far away.

“Are you well?” Tobiah studied my face. “You’ve gone pale.”

“It’s warm in here. I’d like to sit, if you don’t mind.”

There were chairs placed all around the ballroom, many with occupants already, but Tobiah led me to a seat under the orchestra’s balcony and helped me settle.

“May I get anything for you?”

Information. Lists. My kingdom.