“That’s very generous of you,” Cleo said when Magnus stayed silent. This decision would be hers to make. “Yes, of course, we accept your kind offer. Much gratitude to you. However, we’ll need to be on our way at first light.”

“Certainly.” Lady Sophia beamed, then gestured for her servants to draw her carriage up. “Where are your trunks?”

“They’ll stay on the ship for now,” Magnus said. What little they’d managed to gather before leaving didn’t take up much room at all. “I brought my wife here to see the local shops, and to show her that Auranian dressmakers aren’t the only ones capable of creating magnificent gowns.”

His wife. That word, from his lips, always sent a shiver down her spine.

And she had to admit, he was very a good liar—nearly as good as she was.

“Very true.” Lady Sophia nodded enthusiastically. “Oh, what fun! I adore having honored guests at my villa!”

Oh, yes. What fun indeed.

• • •

Lady Sophia’s villa was much grander than Cleo had expected. It was every bit as large as most of the villas in the City of Gold, only the decor was much less elaborate. Whitewashed walls, sparse artwork, smooth unadorned floors. But quite comfortable.

And cozy. She’d forgotten how the cold outside could help one appreciate the warmth inside. It was a thought that never occurred to her in Auranos, where fireplaces were used only for decoration.

Soon they were ushered by servants into the dining room and seated at a long table.

“Hmm. I have missed the taste of kaana these last months,” Magnus said over dinner, his expression a bit stiff.

“My cook does wonders with it,” Lady Sophia said from the other end of the long table. “I’m sure your father would be pleased to know that we continue to include this official Limerian delicacy with most meals. What do you think of it, princess?”

Cleo looked down at the yellowish muck adorning her plate, sitting next to some overcooked chicken and limp asparagus. Limerian delicacy? Kaana tasted like slimy, rotting seaweed.

“Delicious,” she replied.

“How is your sister, Prince Magnus?” Lady Sophia asked as the servants refilled their goblets with peach nectar.

Magnus dabbed the corner of his mouth with his napkin. “Delightful, as always.”

“Still unbetrothed?”

His lips thinned. “You could say that.”

True. Elopements did not require a betrothal.

Cleo tried another mouthful of the disgusting kaana, forcing herself to swallow it down.

“My son, Bernardo, remains unmarried, believe it or not,” she said with a bright smile. “I will never give up on my dream of joining our families through marriage.”

“Nor will I, Lady Sophia.”

This woman amused Cleo deeply. She seemed completely oblivious to everything and everyone around her, yet entirely genuine in her comments and questions. Cleo needed more Lady Sophias in her life.

The woman’s expression then shifted as if a cloud had crossed her inner sunlight. “I want to offer my deepest condolences for your mother’s passing, your highness. Queen Althea was a dear friend for many years and, I know, a wonderful and devoted mother to you and Princess Lucia.”

Magnus nodded stiffly, focusing entirely on his plate. “Thank you for your kind words. She was certainly a special woman.”

Cleo watched him from across the table. Mention of the queen had brought a flicker of grief to his eyes, but it was restrained, just like everything else about him.

She still believed it had to have been the king who’d given Aron the order to kill the queen. Did Magnus believe that too? And, if so, had he confronted his father about this? If he had, nothing had resulted from it. She imagined only more lies had left the king’s lips to divert Magnus’s suspicions..

The king lied to get what he wanted, to anyone and everyone.

Cleo only lied to protect herself and those she cared about. And she’d continue to do so when needed, without shame or remorse.

Whatever it took to survive this. Her fight wasn’t over yet. Far from it.

• • •

“I certainly hope it’s not too unpleasant,” Lady Sophia said as she accompanied Cleo and Magnus to their bedchamber. The woman’s finely lined face was finally starting to show signs of worry, and she patted her salt-and-pepper hair nervously at the doorway. “If I’d known you were coming, I could have made much more suitable preparations.”

“No, it’s perfect.” Cleo grasped Lady Sophia’s hands and squeezed. “Thank you for your wonderful hospitality.”

“Any time, princess. Any time at all!” Lady Sophia beamed brightly. “Good night.”

“Good night.”

She closed the door, leaving them alone.

“This is absolutely ridiculous,” Magnus grumbled. “We shouldn’t even be here. We’re wasting precious time.”

“It’s snowing,” Cleo reminded him.

He glanced toward the window. “It’s always snowing in Limeros.”

“We’ll find Lucia tomorrow morning. Besides, I’m sure she and Alexius have also taken shelter for the night.”

“Yes, much gratitude for the reminder that my sister is somewhere alone with him.”

Was this jealousy? Or pure concern for her safety? Cleo wasn’t entirely sure.

“It’s getting late. Wouldn’t want to stand in the way of your beauty rest.” Magnus swept a glance across the room, stopping at the canopied bed. “The floor is all yours.”