Book 5: Dressed Like a Prince

Ingrid

After my dinner with Kaloni, I can’t sleep. If she were just a grieving queen, she wouldn’t need to get rid of me. She wouldn’t be sniffing around my loved ones like she was looking for a bruise to punch. No, I’m on the right fucking track, and she’s not going to chase me off of it.

I pull my lute into my lap and strum absently. My thoughts unravel into music notes, neat and straight on staves. Mother used the rejuvenation of Escuro to humiliate Candace because everyone was there. She didn’t organize it. She just capitalized on the opportunity. Maybe these people aren’t all here because some massive evil is happening. Maybe Kaloni is one part of a much bigger plan, and they’re just using the excuse to—

Knock. Knock, knock. Knock.

My head shoots up. Everyone should be asleep by now… and that sounds like the call-and-response from that drinking song Amval and I played.

I creep to the door. My stomach churns. My mark aches.