I would rather not speak of it.

I didn't sit by Kassian at lunch that day. Instead, I cram myself into the seat next to Rhoda before another lady can take it. The lady in question gives me an affronted look, but I ignore her. Just as I ignore the heat on the side of my face that is no doubt a result of the look Kassian must be giving me. He saw me stride with purpose into this seat. And he thankfully doesn't demand I join him at the front. Perhaps he can tell I need a little space.

Maybe that space will set everything to rights.

"You're not sitting with the king today?" Risana asks, eyeing the empty seat at Kallias's right.

"I want to sit with my friend. Is that a crime?"

She looks at me doubtfully. "Are you and Kassian fighting?"

"No." Before she can ask another question, I add, "I would rather not speak of it."

"Very well."

RIsana's manservant, Kaelan, trots over to her and places her napkin in her lap. He proceeds to do the same for me before another servant gets the chance.

"Thank you, Kaelan," I say.

"Of course, my lady."

Then he returns to stand by the wall, but I let my gaze linger on Kaelan a moment longer. He's staring at Risana. Not in the way an attentive servant would stare, waiting to be of some use. But in the way, a man stares at a woman he wants. I've noticed this before, and I still can't quite believe how blind to it Risana seems.

I tuck the thought away as I note the extra guards by every exit of the room. Good. Kassian still has his shadows cloaked about him, however, so whoever touched him at Dawson's isn't in the room with us now.

I turn my back, spot all five council members there. Kassian meets my gaze as I swivel back around.

Yes, not them, that looks says. But it could have been that they ordered someone to touch him. A whore or other member of the nobility not stationed at court. Someone who would never be suspect, because they're not involved. Until now. Until someone in Kassian's court offered them something they couldn't resist. Something to risk treason. Or perhaps they don't even know. Kassian was in disguise. They could have been paid simply to run into him.

To touch him. They'd think it an odd request. But given enough money, people won't ask questions.

"Where's Hanisa?" I ask as food is placed before me.

"Don't you spot her?" RIsana inclines her head farther down the table.

My eyes widen. I'd been looking for someone wearing purple, as that is what I'd worn yesterday. But Hanisa is wearing a cream-coloured gown that suits her skin tone nicely.

She's seated next to Lord Paulos.

"That must be going well, then."

"I daresay it is. She looks happy. Now you both have your beaus, and I'll be alone at the table forevermore."

"Nonsense," I say as I bring a spoon of broth up to my lips.

"You will find your love match, Risana. It's only a matter of time. What about Tristan?"

"He was engaged to Melita not long ago."

"So? He's not anymore."

"Doesn't matter. I don't think he's right for me. Didn't you see the way he would nag at Melita? I don't put up with that sort of thing."

"But he wouldn't nag you," I protest. "He'll adore you!"

"No. I don't think we're suited for each other."

"What about Damien? It is well known he likes ladies as well as lords."

"Courtiers are too drawn to him. I'd get jealous."

"But he'd never betray your trust, physically or otherwise."

"I would still get jealous."

"Then what of Kastien?" I ask.

She quirks a brow. "Are you just going through the names of everyone you know at court? Besides, I thought you might have something with Kastien—something on the side for when the king upsets you."

As if he can sense we're talking about him, Kastien looks up from farther down the table. He sees me watching him and smiles warmly.

"I take that back," Risana says. "I don't want anyone who is already smitten with you."

I grin, realizing she's left me the perfect opening. "What you need is to start paying attention to someone who is already smitten with you."

Risana looks around the room meaningfully. "Who?"

"He's not sitting at the tables. He's against the wall."

Her eyes zero in on the man instantly. "You mean Kaelan?"

"He is in love with you, Rhoda. You spend most of your time with him; surely you've noticed?"

She purses her lips in thought, as though replaying in her mind every moment she's ever shared with him. "He's my servant. A commoner."

So very true, and if it were me, that would mean the man is far beneath my notice. But this is Risana, and she isn't like me at all.

"I've never taken you for the kind of woman who would care for class distinctions, especially when you've said to yourself you don't need to marry for money or a title. Besides, your ranking system went for looks, manners, and personality. The title wasn't included. And Kaelan is a fifteen for you, RIsana. By your own designs, you really should have snatched him up already."

"I…" Her voice drifts off as she stares at Kaelan against the wall in a new light, a carefully considering look on her face.

"Just invite him to my ball. Get him something to wear. Tell him it's an honour for being so devoted to you all these years. You can have a night of no expectations, yet a moment to see him in a new light. You don't have to marry him to have some fun with him."

She looks unconvinced.

"If you don't invite him," I say. "I will."

She shoots me a glare before turning her focus to her food. But I can see I've planted a strong seed in her mind. She only needs time for it to grow.