Eve came to meet Lyanna after fifteen minutes, wearing the same nervous and scared expression.
"Your Majesty," Eve said, curtseying. "You wanted to see me?"
Lyanna didn't bother with pleasantries.
"Drop the act. We're alone. Just be honest for once."
Eve's expression didn't change right away. She stayed like that for a few seconds, trying to see if this was another trap.
"I don't know what you mean," She said.
"You do," Lyanna replied. "The sweet, scared young vampire who was forced into courtship against her will? That's a performance. We both know it."
Eve looked for a moment. Then her vulnerable expression melted away, revealing a sharper look underneath.
"Well," Eve said, her voice calculating, and cold now. "That's refreshing. I was getting tired of pretending to be weak and helpless."
She sat down without being asked, crossing her legs.
"How long have you known?"
"Since the ball," Lyanna said and sat across from her.
