Page 102 of Sworn to the Shadow Throne

“Thank you for the demonstrations… That itched abominably.”

Not allowing the minor choking incident to put me off filling my belly, I shrugged and kept eating. At least I would be a well-fed royal asset.

Reina studied me as I ate for a long moment then said, “There will be a dinner tonight. Several of Berian’s bannermen are concerned, so Owain has to put on a show of being the perfect regent. I want you there.”

I pointed at myself, incredulous. “Me?”

I did not want to attend some fancy noble dinner. I’d be an embarrassment at best, or worse, a liability.

Reina’s smile turned wolfish. “Hiding you after you’ve been discovered will only make us look guilty of something. If we show up with a grand magus of healing no one else knew about—especially one so young—it will only help strengthen Owain’s position.”

Which might help keep him alive.

The words were unspoken, but they lingered in the air between us nonetheless.

Reina said, “No one can avoid politics in the Tir, my dear. You need to know the players since they’re going to try to find out everything they can about you.”

“But I don’t know how to be a lady!” I protested, straightening in my seat.

“We’ve already begun your lessons.”

I subtly shifted my weight, hoping to appear more at ease beneath her intense scrutiny.

Probably not the proper way to sit either, Lunette.

Despite my personal feelings, her logic was sound. “I’ll go. But not because I care about strengthening Owain’s position. And not because I’m naïve enough to think I have a choice. I’ll go because I want the border raids to stop, and they’ll only get worse if the Tir is thrown into further disorder.”

“Not a lady, she says, and yet she understands what it takes most years to get about politics.” Reina’s face brightened, her eyes sparkling with a satisfied smile that showed she approved of my answer. “There is never a straight path to getting what we want—even when it seems like the solution is simple. Small things, like making ridiculous displays of people like you at fancy dinner parties, can make the right people say ‘yes’ when we need them to.”

I had the sinking feeling I was about to become her favorite project.

“Yet…you mentioned choice…” Reina took a considering sip of her tea, not giving a single hint that she was about to go on the attack. “Tell me honestly, Lunette. If Owain himself had ridden to Selmont and told you your king was dying…would you have refused his request for aid?”

I crossed my arms, not liking where this was headed.

She was right. I wouldn’t have refused because my ridiculous morality wouldn’t have let me. Because the ugly truth was that a man’s life did outweigh my temporary freedom.

“No,” I said eventually.

“Then let’s not pretend you were dragged here against your principles.” Reina nodded. “Yet I also won’t pretend that we haven’t greatly inconvenienced you. The crown owes you more than one debt. Thank you for saving my nephew.”

My ears popped again as she stood up, dismissing the ward preventing anyone from hearing us. She walked over to the small table where she’d placed the ornate wooden box and carried it over.

“Part of your disguise. They don’t need to know just how special you are.” Reina opened the box to reveal a white silk scarf covered with fine chains of delicate gold. “It will do for your ears, but unfortunately I don’t have an illusionist I trust enough to change your eyes.”

I really wasn’t getting out of this. “So, what’s my first lesson?”

“How to curtsy.” She laughed. “It will be a pleasure to watch them squirm trying to figure you out.”

I cleared my throat. “Will Ro—Owain be pretending not to know me?”

She whispered, “Best call him prince while we’re pretending, yes?”

I began to roll my eyes before I realized a guard was watching us intently. I’d completely forgotten they were there. “Noted.”

“He will. I would owe you a great deal more if you could keep a close eye on him for me.”

I’ve never been able to look away. But all I said was, “If you think it’s necessary.”