LYRA

She approached slowly and I realized she was completely alone, no guards flanking her and no attendants hovering nearby. A queen walking unprotected through the castle at this hour was unusual enough to set off every warning instinct I possessed.

"Your Majesty, I was just—" I started, scrambling for an explanation that wouldn't immediately condemn me.

"Meeting with the assassin who wants my son dead," Seraphine finished calmly. "I know."

My hand went to the knife hidden in my sleeve, ...