Blue's [POV]

"An excuse?" he repeated.

"Yes," I said, nodding.

"Oh, silly me! What am I even saying? Why would Crown Prince Carey make an excuse to meet the Queen of Querencia? Perhaps because I am sick, I am assuming unnecessary things."

I had a feeling that he wanted to meet me for some reason.

But I could not figure out why. I needed to be careful dealing with him.

"Ah, is that so?" he chuckled. "But what if I say it actually was an excuse?"

'Pardon?'

"Ah, it appears the queen is ...