Odelia hesitated before the door to Kennard’s rooms. If she didn’t talk to him about this now, she’d be too far away to do it later. She took a breath and knocked. She wasn’t even sure if he’d be there; they hadn’t planned to meet. How would she broach the subject? Why hadn’t she rehearsed it a few times on the way?
Just as she turned away, the door clicked.
Kennard beamed through the crack in the door, then threw it wide open. “Lia! I’d been looking for you. Conora said you were with Hortensia.” He stepped aside and motioned for her to come in.
“Yes, she wanted another set of hands for a few pieces.” Odelia tried to dismiss the nervous energy that crept upon her as she followed Kennard into his sitting room. It was unlikely that he was looking for her for the same reason she wanted to speak to him now, but she couldn’t help the flirty smile and warmth in her cheeks that came when she asked, “Why were you looking for me?”
“Father’s giving up on me and grooming Conora as my replacement,” he said nonchalantly.
She frowned. “Oh, I’m so sorry, Ken.”
He grinned and rubbed his hands together. “No need to worry about me. I have a plan.”
Already on edge, his excitement made her nearly giddy. “What do you need me to do?”
“Nothing. I’m going to talk to Father about doing more for the sake of appearances…serving while I can…that sort of thing—in more detail, of course.”
She gasped and grabbed his hands, stopping just shy of squealing. “You found a way to ask him without revealing anything?”
“I won’t go anywhere near the subject. We can keep fighting one another in peace.”
“Wonderful! So— Wait. If you don’t need a plan, and you don’t need me for your plan, why were you looking for me?”
“Well, I was looking for you earlier to help me form a plan, but then I found Bertina and Conora in the library, and they helped instead.”
The hairs on the back of her neck rose. “What did the three of you talk about?”
Kennard rubbed the back of his own neck—never a good sign—and paused before answering, “Keep in mind, I didn’t tell them anything about training.”
“Ken… What did you tell them?”
“With our good health, Bertina had already assumed we had Healed one another, and she and Conora had me cornered. I tried lying, but apparently, I’m terrible at it now.”
Odelia reeled. A bitter, acrid taste burned at her throat. She covered her mouth.
“You should have heard them interrogating me. They were relentless.”
“What have you done?” she asked in a low, hollow voice.
Kennard took her by the shoulders and stooped to meet her eye level. “They won’t say anything, Lia. They’re trying to help. It turns out that Bertina’s actually pretty protective of you, and I don’t think my sister is any more likely to turn on us than your brother.”
Odelia squeezed her eyes shut, stuffing down the raw sensation, the urge to go to pieces. “You knew I had everything at stake, and you told the first people who asked you?”
“I didn’t tell them the important part, just enough to make them stop prying.”
“But even that much put you dangerously close to it, didn’t it? How do you know you haven’t whetted their appetites for more?”
“Bertina asked me not to tell her how I injured myself and assured me that they wouldn’t tell anyone or ask any more about it. It was her idea to lead Father away from the notion.”
Odelia shook her head. “You have no idea what you’ve done.” Or what she’d almost done. Thinking of the conversation she’d wanted to have, of the secret she’d almost given him, only deepened the betrayal.
He squeezed her shoulders. “Lia. My father doesn’t know, and no one is going to tell him. If nothing else, Bertina and Conora taught me to be on my guard. I won’t let it happen a second time, and certainly not with someone who isn’t a friend.”
“Of course it won’t happen again,” Odelia said flatly.
Kennard gave a relieved smile and let her go. “I’m so glad you understand.”
“Because I’m leaving.” The words came without a second thought, cold and bitter.
His expression fell. “Leaving? What do you mean? Leaving where?”
“Eaund.”
“Owned what?”
“No, the grandrion of Eaund. Grandilady Wilmarie is supposed to hire me at her manor in some capacity.”
He furrowed his brows, his breathing heavy. “In some capacity? You’re leaving, and you don’t even know what for— I’ve never seen you speak with the grandilady, so where is this coming from?”
“Queen Melaine summoned me after the dinner with Lord Jibiam and offered to help me find suitors at the court in Eaund.”
Kennard scoffed. “My mother doesn’t know the definition of helping. Why would you trust her?”
“I don’t, but I’m not in a position to refuse her, and Eaund has a very fine court.” After a short time there, she could find a reason to move on to Iverish quite easily if needed. In light of her future, it wasn’t the wisest plan, but it was an option.
His eyes grew wide as he raked his hands through his hair. “If you leave, you’ll put both of us at risk.”
Odelia put up her hands. “You think I don’t know that? Or perhaps you’re just upset because the consequences hit you as well this time.”
He sighed and hung his head. “I honestly didn’t think you were interested in marriage to anyone, or at least not the kind a nobleman needs, what with—”
“That’s not what we’re discussing now!” she snapped, shocking herself with how harshly it came out.
Kennard stared back pointedly.
“I’m sorry,” she said softly, “I can’t— You’re not entirely wrong, but you’re missing the point.”
“Which is?”
“I’ve been asked to leave.”
“And are willing to go, it would seem,” he said, defeat evident in his eyes and palpable in his voice.
Odelia clenched her fists. Great Giver, Kennard was thick today. “It’s not a matter of will. It’s a matter of means. Without a better offer, I have no means to refuse a queen.”
Hope lit up his eyes. “And if you had the means to stay?”
“I would never leave.”
He reached out and pulled her into a bear hug. “I can’t let you go. Just tell me what you need to stay.”
Odelia couldn’t breathe, and not just because Kennard was crushing her. Was he really willing to do what was needed? He’d broken her trust, but given another opportunity, could he be there for her?
She pulled away and took his hands in hers. “Being your friend isn’t enough to justify my presence here. I need something more…official.”
“Something more official…” His pensive scowl lightened into a bright smile. “It’s so obvious; I feel like a fool for not realizing it sooner…”
Odelia’s heart swelled. At a loss for words, she smiled back.
“I mean, Bertina and I just talked about this idea.”
Wait—what? “You did?”
“Well, it was originally her idea. We were speaking more in general terms, not about who I would choose, but you would be a perfect first choice. You’re intelligent, and I know you’d work hard.”
Odelia tilted her head. That was an odd way to put it, but sure. “Well, I can’t accept if you don’t ask me first.”
“Oh, right.” A touch of pink passed over his cheeks. “Ahem. Lia, would you do me the honor of becoming the first member of my retinue as my private secretary?”
“Yes!” Odelia smiled so hard it hurt. “Absolutely.” How could she possibly be happier? Kennard had asked her to be his— “Wait. Did you say, ‘secretary’?”
“Um, yes. What did you think I said?” He whispered, “I didn’t mumble, did I?”
Warmth crept up from her chest. How could she have gotten that so completely wrong? It was too late to tell him what she’d expected now. “No, you didn’t mumble. I’m just so excited to stay that I wasn’t listening very well.”
Ken had a small window of time in which to meet Father before the ambassador returned. If he missed that, he might not get another chance before Mother and Grandilady Wilmarie set more plans for Lia in motion. As soon as the door to Father’s study opened, Ken bounded in and bowed quickly.
Father nodded in acknowledgment. “In a hurry, Son?”
“As a matter of fact, yes. As you pointed out, my time is short, and I’d like to make the most of it.”
Father leaned back in his armchair, propped up his feet, and motioned for Ken to continue.
“Appearances matter at court, and right now, it appears that you have no confidence in me—I understand that you do, and I don’t object—but I want to improve the way I’m seen.”
Father yawned. “And how does this help you make the most of your time?”
“You don’t believe I can inherit, so let me serve our people now. Give me duties and responsibilities. Surely you have a project or two that you have no time for.”
“Anything else?”
“I can hire a retinue to follow me as well. Having staff of my own will give me allies and power to serve and represent you, and if I do live to inherit, I’ll have experienced people around me, as well as experience of my own.”
Ken waited as Father stared him down. He hadn’t had time to perfect his argument, and he was certain it showed.
Father slowly smiled. “I’m glad you’re being sensible about this. I can have your first tasks readied over the next few days. I won’t stand for you not completing them, and I expect whoever you hire to pull their weight. I won’t be paying any of them until they prove themselves first.”
Ken clasped his hands together. “Thank you, Father, but you want me to find people to work for nothing?”
“No, you will pay the first month for whomever you hire.”
“Of course, gladly.” It would be worth every coin from his own allowance.
“Do you have a man in mind for your first hire?”
Ken chuckled nervously. “More of a woman, actually.”
Father pinched the bridge of his nose. “Please, tell me it isn’t the DiOrto girl.”
“Odelia has as much schooling as I do and works even harder. She’ll make a fine private secretary.”
“You allow her too close to you.”
“Perfect,” Ken said. “Then she’s already prepared for the job.”
Father looked at the tall clock near the door and scribbled onto a piece of paper on his desk. “I don’t have time to argue about this right now, but it’s your money to waste for the next month. When she isn’t up to the task, you can find someone else. Now, if that’s all?”
Ken bowed. “Thank you, Father.”
“Oh, and one last thing.”
“Yes?”
Father handed him the paper. “Before you start anything, take this to the captain of the guard.”
Back in the hall, Ken read the contents. It was an order to assign two guards to him indefinitely. He smiled. Father was still being protective, but if he wanted to assign personal guards, it must have been to compensate for other freedoms. Ken couldn’t wait to try them.
Lia ran up and took hold of his arm. “What did he say?” she whispered.
He grabbed her with his free hand and grinned. “When can you start, Mistress Secretary?”
Her eyes lit up, a vibrant green, even in the darkened hall. “Thank you so much. Now I just have to face the queen.”
“I could come with you.” He and Conora were immune to Mother’s Allure, and it didn’t seem fair to send Lia alone at such a disadvantage.
“Thank you, but I should probably tell her myself.” Lia stepped away. “I can’t have you fight all of my battles for me.”
“What if I don’t speak? With her influence, someone in the room needs a level head, or she might talk you into leaving again.”
Lia put a hand on her hip and narrowed her eyes. “All right, but please, don’t interfere unless her Allure gets the better of me.”
“Whatever you say.” He waved her forward. “Lead on.”
Mother’s rooms weren’t far, and to his surprise, they were invited into her sitting room without delay. He waited for Lia to enter first.
Mother’s voice trailed out of the room, oozing with charm, “Ah, Miss DiOrto, finished with your preparations already? I’m impressed.”
Lia curtsied shakily and walked deeper inside, out of his view from the doorway. “Thank you for your generosity, Your Majesty, but regretfully, I must decline your offer.”
“Don’t be foolish. Whatever is holding you back, I’m sure I can take care of it.” Mother coated her words in syrup, but Ken could hear the threatening edge underneath.
“I-I’ve been offered a position here at the Cedar Palace.”
“I have heard no such thing. What position, pray tell, would that be?”
Lia didn’t answer right away. Mother must have been forcing her Allure. Did he need to step in already?
“His Majesty is allowing Prince Kennard to appoint people to his service—”
Mother snickered. “That doesn’t include you. Finish preparing for Eaund. When Grandilady Wilmarie leaves, you will not keep her waiting.”
“But I’ve already been—”
“Clearly, you misunderstood. I am finished speaking to you. That was a dismissal. Go.”
Lia backed up and turned toward the door.
Time to intervene. Ken twirled his finger and pointed to the front of the room.
Her eyes widened, but she slowly pivoted back and faced Mother. She clenched the sides of her skirt, breathing deeply, though not yet speaking or moving forward.
Backing her up from the shadows wasn’t enough. She needed help. Ken stepped up beside Lia, urging her forward with a hand on her back. He mimicked the saccharine expression Mother used to force her Allure. “Mother, perhaps you should let Mistress Odelia finish speaking before you dismiss her.”
Mother huffed. “This is none of your concern, Kennard.”
“It is if you’re trying to send a member of my retinue packing. Did you think I wouldn’t notice her absence?”
“And what is her supposed role?”
“My private secretary.”
Mother pursed her lips and shook her head. “Your father will never approve the appointment.”
Ken shrugged. “Funny, that’s not what he told me a few minutes ago.”
“You’re lying. There isn’t a chance he’d have any confidence in someone like her.”
He couldn’t resist a smirk. “He doesn’t need to. As long as I pay the wages, he doesn’t care whom I hire.”
“Why are you wasting everyone’s time Kennard? You’ve convinced her to give up a good opportunity for a job she’s ill-equipped for.” She motioned to Lia. “The girl couldn’t even tell me herself, and she hasn’t spoken a word since you entered.”
“A conversation with you is hardly representative of her capabilities, especially when you’re using your Gift to your advantage.” Ken turned to Lia and whispered loudly, “You can jump in here if you’d like.”
Lia’s face grew bright red. “There wasn’t a pause, and I didn’t want to interrupt,” she said.
Ken smiled. “See? She was just being polite. She’ll do fine. So, unless you have more rude things to say, we have work to do.”
“Very well.” Mother shook her head and waved them off. As they turned to leave, she laughed.
Ken and Lia looked at each other. Her confused expression matched his thoughts.
“What’s so funny?” he asked.
Mother smirked. “I’m just picturing her in the court official’s uniform. I’m sure she’ll look lovely.”
The uniform looked much like the one the guards wore but with the colors reversed: a bright blue jacket with the Elgathan crest and long gray pants tucked into brown boots. Women rarely occupied such positions, so an alternate version did not exist as it did for the general palace staff. And with Lia’s small Vistan stature, a uniform meant for an Elgathan man would be huge.
Ken scowled. “When I asked if you wanted to be rude, that was meant to be sarcasm.”
“What? You didn’t think you could just give out a position without a proper uniform, did you?”
Lia stood up straighter. “Then it’s a good thing I know the best seamstress in the palace.”
Mother stopped laughing, her eyes bulging as she did a double-take.
Ken grinned and stifled a laugh of his own. “Oh, she is perfect for this job.”
Odelia examined herself in the workshop mirror and scowled. The jacket was somehow both boxy and lumpy on her. She sighed. “Well, it’s only appropriate that I look as stupid as I feel.”
Mom gave her a scolding stare. “Clothes are easy to fix, and I don’t want to hear you call yourself stupid. We both know that’s not remotely true.”
“He hasn’t even given me a ribbon of intent. Why did I think he’d jump straight to an engagement?”
“It’s normal to get carried away by excitement when the heart is involved. I forgot my manners more than a few times with your dad.”
“I forgot the entire tradition of courtship!”
Mom pulled the jacket off Odelia and turned it inside out. “He doesn’t know that, and with your new position, you’ll have plenty of time and opportunity to draw his attention properly.” She held out the garment for Odelia to put her arms through it.
“It’s a pity that the officials’ and guards’ uniforms aren’t switched. Valerzan has the eyes to pull off Elgathan blue near his face.” The color just made hers look muddy. Then again, the gray fabric pleated around her waist wouldn’t do much for her on top either.
“Your brother prefers to blend in anyway. And just be thankful it’s not yellow. At least blue looks nice with blonde.”
Odelia tugged at a strand of hair, comparing the gold hue to her jacket. Mom was right. It was a pleasing combination.
Mom circled Odelia, tucking the jacket and pinning it in place. She stepped back to examine her work, resting her index finger on her lips. She shook her head. “No, it’s still not right… Wait. Take it off.” Mom ducked into a cupboard and pulled out a sturdy bust bodice. “Try this underneath it.”
Odelia looked down at her current undergarment. Over her chemise, a strip of nettle cloth stretched across her back, widening into overlapping triangles at the front and ending in ribbons that wrapped completely around her to tie in the front. For added security, two more ribbons ties behind her neck. “What’s wrong with the one I’m wearing?”
“It’s worn-out. You have a nice figure under there. We want to show it off, not wrap it up like a bundle of fresh game.”
True. Even with the jacket off, it flattened her. She unfastened the ties, then shimmied out of it and into the new band. This one extended a little farther down her rib cage. A series of gussets molded the top to her, and stiff rushes reinforced the fabric. Instead of pulling ribbons around her body, it was fastened with crisscrossing laces down the center of her bosom. As Mom tightened up the laces, Odelia reached in and adjusted her chest. She checked the mirror again and marveled at the improvement. “Wow. I’m sorry, Mom, but I don’t think I can give this back to you now.”
She laughed. “Then it’s a good thing I made it for you. It might not be as freeing during your more clandestine activities, but not strapping down your breasts will do wonders for the fit of your clothes.”
Odelia slipped the jacket back on. “If you had this already made, why didn’t you give it to me before?”
Mom resumed pinning. “I’d actually planned on taking a little longer to make it, but I rushed to finish when you told me you wanted to pursue the prince.”
Although Mom had more than enough work to do already, here she was, giving Odelia more than she’d ever asked for.
Odelia smiled, the edges of her vision watery. “Thank you, Mom. If I weren’t covered in pins, I’d hug you.”
One corner of her mouth lifted in a sly smile. “You can thank me by catching him.” She pivoted Odelia to face the mirror again, revealing a tight silhouette punctuated with tucks and darts. “And when I’m done with your clothes, he may just have to compete to catch you.”
Ken flipped a dagger in his hand, then flung it at a target across the room, missing the center by inches. With Val on duty as one of his new personal guards, he didn’t fear any unexpected visitors. Father had been as thrilled with the appointment as he had been with Lia’s, but the choice had been left to Ken. For balance, he paired Val with Herman, a veteran guard who, fortunately, did not object to his orders not to intrude.
Ken glanced at his sitting room clock. Lia should’ve been here twenty minutes ago. He picked up another dagger from the table beside him and readied his aim. As he let it fly, the door opened with a soft click. “Oh, good. You’re here. Now Herman can stop worrying,” he said, choosing another dagger and aiming.
Lia laughed. “Sorry I’m so late. Mom insisted on fixing the hem.”
Ken turned his head for a peek at the offending garment and froze.
She was wearing an official’s uniform, but she looked nothing like any official he’d ever seen. A knee-length skirt replaced the pants, flaring out over her hips just below the jacket, which had been heavily altered. It opened much lower at the neck than he remembered—he couldn’t normally see the lacy white neckline of a shirt underneath—and the tailoring tightly hugged curves that hadn’t existed yesterday. A silver-embroidered fox head glared from the cobalt jacket. Had the Elgathan crest always been so prominent in the center of the bosom—er, chest?
The knife slipped out of his hand, landing with a thunk, and he struggled to close his now gaping mouth. “It’s fine,” he squeaked. He cleared his throat. “It was clearly worth the effort.” Ken bent down to pick up the dagger, and heat rushed to his face. Did he really just say that? “I mean, Hortensia is an excellent seamstress.” Why couldn’t he shut up? This was Lia. He didn’t flirt with her. Good-natured ribbing, friendly banter, or gentle teasing, yes—but not flirting.
She smiled. “Yes, she really is. Are you done with target practice, or can I join you for a few rounds?”
“Sure, if you can throw in that…” He fumbled for the word for a moment, then gave up and gestured in a crude circle between them.
“Almost.” She unbuttoned the jacket, and his heart raced. Underneath, a blue vest clung as closely as the jacket had, but in a thinner fabric. Lace spilled out around the deep V formed by the vest, drawing his eyes back to her lovely pair of— Really? Where had she been hiding those? He couldn’t unsee them now.
Giver help him; the uniforms weren’t meant to invoke this kind of reaction.
Lia laid the jacket over a chair. “Much better. It looks like I’ll need to retrieve what you’ve thrown. Hold, please.”
“Yes, of course.” Ken waved her on. She walked past him and headed for the target, giving him a view of her shapely, rounded backside and shattering the last chance of returning to his innocuous image of her. He inhaled sharply. That just wasn’t fair.