Page 78 of Of Masks and Fury

“And watch his reactions,” Lexie added. “If he tests you, you can test him right back, though in a delicate way. He might reveal something if he thinks he’s in control of the conversation.”

“Be careful with him, Isi,” Trew said, his voice soft but intense.

“I will.” I looked around at my friends. “Anything else?”

They paused before shaking their heads.

Lexie moved toward the door, gripping the handle. “Kerralyn needs to get back to the kitchens with the tray, and I’ve been assigned gown duty for the afternoon. We ladies take turns. I’m sure I have silk to press or whatever other task the head of household has come up with for me today.”

Kerralyn grimaced. “At least you get silk. I get grease and soap scum. I envy you.” She sighed. “My hands smell like the strong soap they use there no matter how much I scrub them after. And they’re all wrinkly.”

“Let’s hope this part of our lives is over soon,” Lexie said, her tone warm with affection. She opened the door to the sitting room and stepped through.

Kerralyn followed but paused at the threshold. “Be brilliant, Isi. You always are.”

Then they were gone, and the room felt emptier without them.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

ISI

We walked into the sitting area and Trew strode over to check the window. His bodyguard mask had slipped back into place, but there was no missing the tightness in his shoulders or the way his hand never strayed far from his sword hilt.

Someone knocked on the outer door, followed by Mae’s voice. “Your Highness? Your ladies and I are here to help you prepare for lunch.”

“Come in,” I called.

She entered with the others. They curtsied, their expressions carefully neutral.

I let them lead me into the bathing chamber, where I climbed into the bath Lexie had prepared and they washed my hair.

The ritual of preparing for lunch would be my armor. The pale blue gown, the darker blue stones at my throat, and the careful arrangement of my hair transformed me back into the princess I needed to be.

But underneath, I remained the woman who’d discovered her grandfather had torn open the veil between worlds. Whose mother had been murdered for secrets she’d carried to her grave.

When they finished, I studied myself in the mirror. The reflection showed a serene, composed young woman. Beautiful. Delicate. Exactly what Alfred would expect.

Pherin landed on my shoulder, eyeing my elaborate hairstyle with suspicion.Too pretty. Makes good target.

That’s the point,I sent back.

She ruffled her feathers as I strode into the sitting room.

Trew had positioned himself near the door. When our eyes met, I saw everything he couldn’t say aloud. Be careful. Stay sharp. I’m with you.

Another knock rang out, and one of the guards spoke through the panel. “Lord Alfred waits in the green parlor, Your Highness.”

“Thank you. Notify the kitchen staff,” I said. “I’ll join him shortly.”

I squared my shoulders and swept from my chambers with Trew falling into step behind me.

The walk to the parlor felt both too long and too short. My mind raced through everything I hoped to accomplish during this meeting.

The parlor doors stood open, revealing the lord standing near the fireplace. The flames gilded his silver hair and highlighted the sharp angles of his face. He’d dressed in a dark blue silk tunic with golden embroidery, along with dark pants and boots.

When he turned at my entrance, his smile appeared warm enough to be genuine yet controlled enough to maintain distance.

“Your Highness.” He bowed. “Thank you for agreeing to dine with me after such a harrowing night.”