Chapter 26

Clara

Stealing the papers for Prince Marcus had been difficult and frightening. I was certain that I would be caught at any moment.

Spying on Prince Gideon and Nora was depressingly simple. I was Nora’s personal attendant. I was expected to be near her at all times. And because I was constantly at her side, I was also near Prince Gideon. And no one suspected anything was out of the ordinary.

I served them dinner every night. And when I was dismissed to go find my own meal, I hovered by the door.

Most of their conversations were perfectly mundane. Prince Gideon asked about Nora’s day. She told him about the etiquette lessons she was taking. She talked about the new hobbies she’d picked up.

Nora was trying to learn skills more appropriate for a noble woman than for a servant. I personally thought her flower arrangements and fine embroidery were as good as anything a noble woman could produce already. But Nora was determined to prove herself.

Nora asked Gideon about his day, too. I paid more attention to that, because I didn’t know what he did with his time. I only saw him when he was with Nora.

Gideon talked about training, his duties, and about the books he was reading. He gave Nora much more detail about the books than he did his training or any other duties. I guess he thought she’d find the books more interesting.

I dutifully kept mental notes on everything they said. Honestly, I was relieved. It was all just mundane, simple things. I couldn’t imagine any way Prince Marcus could do harm with a summary of Prince Gideon’s favorite adventure novel.

During the day, I spent my time at Nora’s side. I sat beside her while she read books on court procedure and the proper forms of address for various nobles. I helped her practice various greetings so that she would not embarrass herself when Prince Gideon introduced her to the other nobles.

So far, Nora had not been presented to the court or the king. Prince Gideon explained to her while I eavesdropped that he wanted her to have time to settle into her new life. He explained that court could be intimidating and complicated. As his mistress, there would be heavy expectations placed on her.

Nora thanked him profusely, and dedicated herself to becoming the perfect, proper mistress. I helped her study, and learned some new skills myself. I had no intentions of ever approaching any nobles or appearing in court. However, knowing the etiquette would make me a better servant. I would be able to hold a higher position, and I would be an asset to Nora as well.

I had no idea what use Prince Marcus could make of any of the information I’d gathered. Prince Gideon and Nora acted like any courting couple I had ever seen. Nora doted on her fated mate. Prince Gideon was sweet and attentive whenever they were together.

Maybe Prince Marcus was jealous. Nora was well known to be the most beautiful girl among the servants. She was kind and gentle and devoted. Anyone would be lucky to be her mate.

Meanwhile, Prince Marcus was stuck with me for a fated mate. I suppose I was pretty enough, but certainly I was no great beauty. And of course I was mute. The Second Lycan Prince had made it abundantly clear that he found me flawed and useless.

So it was possible that he was jealous of his brother. He might well be having me spy on Prince Gideon and Nora so that he could find some way to sabotage their relationship.

I longed to warn them of the danger I presented. The problem was, I knew that Prince Gideon would surely believe his brother and not me. He already saw me as an untrustworthy schemer. If I admitted that I was spying on him, that would only give him more reason not to trust anything I said.

I considered telling Nora. She would believe me. She was my best friend and she trusted me as much as I trusted her.

But Nora had so much to worry about, as she navigated her entrance into noble life. How could I add my worries on top of her own? It wouldn’t be right.

After several days of spying, I found a note in my room from Prince Marcus. He instructed me to meet him in the same gazebo as before. I took my slate and chalk.

I honestly considered leaving the slate just to be petty. If he wanted me to be his spy, maybe Prince Marcus should learn my signs.

I did not want to risk being dragged in front of the king, though. So I gathered the supplies I needed to inform on my best friend to the man who had rejected me and tried to have me killed for the crime of being imperfect.

This time, Prince Marcus did not make me wait. He was already in the gazebo. He had wine, again, and a book this time. I paused to read the title, but he caught me looking and tucked the book away under a nearby cushion. I wondered if he was embarrassed by what he was reading, and resolved to find out what it was.

“Well, there you are,” Prince Marcus said. “I must say, you’re prompt. I like that.”

I didn’t bother looking for the hidden insult in the compliment. I knew there had to be one. Prince Marcus hated me and wanted me dead. He was ashamed of having a flawed fated mate.

I wished he would stop with the games. My wolf twisted within me every time he made one of his little barbed compliments. She wanted our mate’s approval. She didn’t understand.

“So tell me everything,” Prince Marcus said. “You’ve been spying for days. I expect something good.”

I started to write a brief, simple summary. And then I decided that I should give Prince Marcus exactly what he asked for.

I wrote down every detail I could think of, careful not to smudge the tiny chalk letters. I filled the slate with writing and I had only covered the first night’s dinner.

Marcus leaned over and looked at the slate. He looked honestly baffled when I handed it over.

“Clever,” he muttered. “All right, enough of this. I’m not reading all these mundane domestic details. I’ll ask questions and you answer. Briefly.”

I shrugged and wiped off the slate. If I was careful how I answered, I could keep from giving Prince Marcus anything he could use against Nora.

“All right, then,” Prince Marcus said. “Has the woman been faithful to my brother?”

“Yes,” I wrote, underlining the word twice. Nora was a devoted mate.

“I see,” Prince Marcus said, sounding disappointed. “I would have expected her to take a lover. I know how you servants are.”

I glared at him. We were no more promiscuous than anyone else!

“Oh, don’t look so offended,” Prince Marcus said. “I’m speaking from experience here.”

“Nora isn’t like that,” I wrote. “Neither am I.”

In fact, I had never taken a lover. I wanted to wait for my fated mate. That felt like something of a waste now.

“I’m sure,” Prince Marcus said.

Neither one of us heard the footsteps approach, until we heard a voice.

“Are you bullying Nora’s maid again, Marcus?” Prince Gideon asked.