Page 147 of Captive of Secrets and Storms

“It’s lovely,” I answer, all too aware that while Thea has been nothing but kind and attentive, I don’t know her well enough to share my true thoughts.

With time, that could change. But I have no plans of staying in this palace or Virendrell. I need to get back to Ferria. Wherever she is.

“You know, your presence here has caused quite a stir.” She drags the brush through my hair once more before setting it on the table and picking up a U-shaped hairpin.

“I know,” I say.

Thea coils a strand of hair and pins it to the crown of my head.

“I’ve gathered you don’t receive outsiders here often.”

She snorts. “That’s putting it lightly.”

She takes another strand and gives it the same treatment.

I study her reflection. The marks on my arms shift.

“What do you mean?” I ask.

Her eyes dart to the bedroom door before they lock with mine.

She pitches her voice low. “Virendrell hasn’t opened its borders for any visitors in almost fifty years.”

Since the Shadow War ended.

I frown.

Closing borders in the middle of a war makes sense, but now that the fighting is over, why not open them again? Especially to those with magic—those the Shadow King systematically works to annihilate.

Thea continues, “Many people here are wondering why Mayor Augustus would make an exception for your traveling party.”

Rian is why.

“I’m not sure, either,” I lie.

Thea pins two more strands to the lovely, thick updo. She leaves two pieces of hair on either side of my head, framing my face, then moves to the table and begins to open different vials and jars.

“Some say it’s because the mayor hopes his daughter will choose one of the men as a consort. She has been vocal about her desire to wed as of late.”

I choke on my saliva. “What?”

Thea turns, makeup brush in hand, and gives me a look that can only be described as pitying.

“I assumed you didn’t know,” she says softly.

Of course I didn’t know… How would I know that?

We’re only supposed to be in Virendrell until our ship is repaired. Rian and the others didn’t even want to come here.

I think of Iris…how she and the others have ventured into town together. How she gazes longingly at the Shadow Prince during dinner.

My stomach twists.

Gods…

Is that why Augustus allowed us to stay here despite knowing who Rian is?

“It is difficult for young people in Virendrell to find suitable partners,” Thea continues, dipping the brush into a tin filled with cream-colored powder and dabbing it over my forehead and cheeks. “Our population has become stagnant. Many citizens in Virendrell share blood. The number of bonded couples diminishes every year, as does their offspring.”