"Ah, I know! Maybe it's because of that rumor?" I interrupt before Calais can even speak. "About Eliana not being a miracle child after all? She is the Queen, but the King stays in my room all the time. Maybe… would you like me to force Cornelius to make love to her?"
He takes a deep breath and runs his fingers through his dark blue hair. I almost break my mask at his show of exasperation. Despite what I am saying and my actions, does he know? That my heart still yearns for him?
"Lyrica, why didn't you tell them that you are with me?" he asks instead.
"Unfortunately, I am not with you."
"You know what I mean," he says, his eyes flashing with anger.
I hide the pinch in my heart with an insulting chuckle. Afterwards, I cross my legs and lean my chin on my palm, letting him see my cleavage.
"Are you happy now, Calais? Now, that I am a concubine and Eliana is the Queen? You have reached your goal."
"I—"
