The Orphan Queen (The Orphan Queen #1)(72)

But I couldn’t deny that something had happened, and it was different. Dangerous. The wraith knew my name.

“Do you think of it often, my lady?” James asked.

“Too often.” I turned my back to the wraithland. The boys stood side by side, identical in their postures, and so similar in features that they might be mistaken for brothers. They were silhouetted by the brilliant lights shining through the terrace doors, through which I could see the sway and swell of dancers in glittery gowns and perfect black tailcoats. Around the door, mirrors hung on every opaque surface, reflecting starlight.

Out of habit, I shifted out of the way of the mirrors. The boys were already standing where they wouldn’t reflect.

“Is there something you wished to discuss?” I sipped my wine, hoping the alcohol would warm me.

“Go ahead, James.” The prince broke his stance to move toward the railing behind me.

Having him where I couldn’t see him made me wary. I adjusted my position so the prince filled the corner of my vision while I focused on James. “My lord?”

James’s shoulders dropped. “I feel it’s only fair to warn you. There’s been some concern regarding your residency documents.”

My heart stumbled. “Excuse me?”

The lieutenant nodded. “It seems a warehouse in Greenstone was recently robbed. The only items taken were ink and a few pieces of paper—paper with the Liadian watermark.”

I caught a glimpse of Melanie dancing inside. Her gown swirled, and the black lengths of her hair gleamed in the illumination. “Someone believes our documents are forged?” My voice was hoarse.

“No.” James shifted his weight. “Well, not yet. The police will search the warehouse for clues, while our records-keepers and secretaries make further inquiries into your past. They’ll also begin verifying your documentation against others. I’m sure there’s nothing to worry about, but I wouldn’t want anyone to catch you off guard.”

As if I hadn’t been caught off guard already. My documents were flawless; I’d gone over them and added the final details myself. But who would have known about the warehouse in Greenstone?

Black Knife.

Unease and disappointment tightened in my stomach. “Thank you.” I cleared my throat and sipped my wine. “What prompted this inquiry, if I may ask?”

James began. “Lady Ch—”

Tobiah cut him off with a lifted hand. He’d been staring westward so thoroughly I hadn’t realized he’d even been aware of the conversation. “I’m afraid we’re not at liberty to say. Regardless of the outcome, you’ll hear your accuser’s concerns when this is all over. For now, it’s probably best to keep the peace.”

When the prince turned away again, James mouthed, “Chey Chuter.”

Of course. That day in the ladies’ solar, when she’d counseled me about using my perceived unimportance, Chey hadn’t been offering advice. She’d been warning me that she knew I wasn’t who I claimed, and I’d been too foolish to understand it. She’d been playing games with me the whole time.

It didn’t matter. I’d figure out a way to call off the inquiry and reestablish my place here. We’d succeeded in our goals thus far, but I wanted to know more about their plans to stop the wraith. Having seen the wraithland firsthand, I might actually be able to help.

But first, I had to figure out how to tell them that the wraith was alive.

Alive. Aware. In pursuit.

“You’re shivering, my lady. I’m afraid we’ve kept you outside too long; I’d hate to undo all the recovery you’ve made from your illness.” James offered his arm, and the heat of his body warmed me. “Shall we go back inside? I believe you owe me a dance, and then one for Tobiah. He got jealous earlier.”

“James.” The prince’s tone was light. Friendly. Something shared with only his cousin.

“I’d be honored to dance with both of you, as long as Lady Meredith doesn’t mind.” I offered the prince my free arm, though I still held my wineglass with that hand. He took it from me and placed all our glasses on a table. After the smallest hesitation, he hooked his arm with mine.

Two boys at my sides: one as warm and genuine as a summer day, and the other as cold and deceptive as winter night.

James grinned at me. “What a scandal we’ll cause.”

“It wouldn’t be a ball if someone didn’t take it upon themselves to be wildly inappropriate.” I put on a smug smile and we strode back into the ballroom.





TWENTY-SEVEN


IN SPITE OF the promise—or threat—of a dance, the prince was called to attend his fiancée immediately, which left me alone with James.

“So much for our scandal.” I watched Tobiah’s stiffly retreating form for only a moment before I turned back to James and smiled. I could get a lot more information out of James without his cousin there to censor him.

James grinned and adjusted his collar against the warmth of the ballroom. “Shall we take the next dance? I’m willing to put my life into your hands for the honor of your continued company.”

I put on a coy smile. “The prince won’t mind if you’re not shadowing his every move?”

“He’ll no doubt be proud of feeling he’s shaken me, but have no worry: I can see him from here.” His eyes focused beyond me for a moment, and he offered a satisfied nod. “See? He’s just there, shadowing Lady Meredith’s every move.”