They nervously murmured among themselves, ready for the challenge.

“If you know the answer, feel free to just shout it out. Ready? When is it acceptable to put your hands on me without my permission?”

I stared at them all, stone-faced, daring a single one of them to laugh. They exchanged glances with one another, but it was only Hale who was brave enough to answer.

“Never,” he called out.

“That is correct. You’d all do well to remember that. Jack Ranger was let off easy, with nothing more than a punch to his face from my brother and the shame of his ejection. If another one of you attempts to touch me without my consent, you will be caned or worse. Are we clear?”

The room was still.

“I’ll take that as a yes.”

I walked away, hoping my words would linger after me. The game was over, and they couldn’t be left doubting that.

After lunch Dad was a little late getting into the office, which was rare. So I was alone when Lady Brice came knocking on the door.

“Your Highness,” she greeted. “Is your father not here yet?”

“No. Not sure what’s holding him up.”

“Hmm.” She tidied the stack of papers in her arms, thinking. “I really needed to speak with him.”

Lady Brice looked so young sometimes. She was much older than me, of course, but not quite Dad’s age. I never really knew what to make of her. Not that I disliked her or anything, but I always wondered why she was the only woman Dad worked with.

“Anything I could help you with?” I offered.

She looked down, thinking it over. “I’m not sure how widely he’d want to share this information, so I don’t think so. Sorry.”

I smiled, knowing she meant it. “No problem. Lady Brice, can I ask you a question? You’re very smart and kind. Why haven’t you ever married?”

She giggled a little. “I am married. To this job! It means a lot to me, and I’d rather do it well than seek out a spouse.”

I rolled my eyes. “Amen to that.”

“I know you understand. And the only people I ever get to see are the other advisers, and I don’t think I’d want to be in a relationship with any of them. So I’ll just keep working.”

I nodded. “I respect that. I think people assume women aren’t happy without a husband and children, but you seem quite satisfied.”

She shrugged. “I think about it. I might adopt one day. I do think motherhood is an honor. And not everyone does it well.”

The hint of bitterness in her tone made me think she was referring to her own mother, but I didn’t want to ask about specifics.

“I know. I’m fortunate to have such a wonderful one.”

She sighed, melting a little. “Your mom is a natural. In a way, she was like a second mother to me when I was younger, and I learned a lot from her.”

I squinted. “I didn’t realize you’d been around the palace that long.” I tried to remember if there was a time when I hadn’t seen her in the hallways, though I’d never paid much attention to the advisers until I hit thirteen and started working with Dad in earnest. Perhaps I simply didn’t notice.

“Yes, miss. I’ve been here almost as long as you,” she replied with a laugh. “Your parents are far too generous.”

Eighteen years was a long time to hold a position in the palace, especially as an adviser. Dad switched most people in and out every five to eight years based on recommendations and the mood of the country. What kept Lady Brice in her place for so long?

I studied her as she swept her hair over her shoulder and smiled. Had Dad let her stay because she was attractive? No. I felt guilty for even thinking Dad could be capable of being that shallow or selfish.

“Well, I’m sorry I can’t help you, but I’ll tell Dad you came by.”

“Thanks, Your Highness. It’s not terribly urgent, so there’s no rush. You have a good day.”

“You, too.”

She curtsied and left, and I watched the door long after she was gone, curious about this woman I’d apparently known all my life without realizing it. I shrugged it away, turning back to my papers. Between the Selection and work, there was no room in my head for Lady Brice.

CHAPTER 21

DINNER THAT NIGHT WAS PLEASANT because I could tell the boys had learned from Jack’s mistake. They all sat a little taller as I entered, nodding their heads as I passed, and I sensed that, once again, I’d regained control.

Dad looked a little calmer as well, though I could tell he hadn’t quite let go of all his worry. Ahren leaned across the table to give me a conspiratorial wink, and it was almost like this terrible thing had made life a little better.

Dad had suggested that I try to make conversation with the boys at dinner, but calling out over all those people felt rude. I didn’t think I could do that, at least not in a way that felt natural. I knew that, even with what I’d gone through, I was expected to get back out there. Instead of talking, I looked at my options. . . .

Of all the boys left, Ean struck me as the most intimidating. Not because he seemed violent in any way, but because of that constant pride and calmness that hung around him, like an earthquake couldn’t make him move if he didn’t want it to.

So maybe going out with him next would conquer a fear in some way. There was no way he was as impervious as he seemed. We’d simply need to do something in the open and make sure the photographers came.

As if he could read my thoughts, Ean looked up at me at that very second, and I turned away, pretending to be engrossed with my brother.

I noticed Kaden was reading a newspaper beneath the table.

“What’s that article about?” I asked.

He answered without looking away, like he was trying to finish his day’s work before the end of dinner. “A collection going around in an area in Midston. They’re raising money for a girl to go to art school. She’s talented, but she can’t afford to study on her own. She says . . . hold on. Here it is. ‘I come from a line of Threes. My family thinks it’s beneath me to study art, even though the castes no longer exist. It’s hard. I remind them that the queen was born a Five, and she’s brilliant. They won’t pay for my schooling, so I’m asking for help to pursue my dreams.’

“Look at the picture of her paintings. They aren’t bad.”

I grew up with a deep appreciation for art, and while her work wasn’t an aesthetic I particularly cared for, I could see she was talented.