Before Duke Edric Vantaris, spymaster to the royal family and master of shadow-bending, could send word to Kael, a faint chill ran down his spine.
He was being watched.
He turned.
The King stood there.
Edric immediately bowed and moved toward him, but the King was already walking ahead, dismissing his guards with a small motion of his hand. He led Edric into the darker corridor, away from the music, away from the glittering hall, away from the eyes of the court.
Behind them, Edric caught sight of the Chancellor and Ingrid watching the King leave with focused attention.
He and the Chancellor had never gotten along. Edric had never trusted the man, and he had no idea why the King did.
"Do you think my son liked that girl?" the King asked.
Edric lowered his head. Everyone had seen the Crown Prince's indifference tonight. Even House Caelvaris had been slighted.
"I believe His Highness is fatigued," Edric said carefully.
