Poison in Their Hearts

Daphne

From where Daphne sits in the little-­used parlor in the north part of Eldevale Castle, she has a perfect view of the main gate. All morning while she sips her tea, people have come and gone. A mail carriage, a produce wagon, several dozen courtiers on horseback off to shop on Wallfrost Street or hunt in the woods. Each time anyone approaches the gate, Daphne sits up straighter, but each time she slumps back again, disappointed.

Something s wrong, she says aloud, stirring her tea and tearing her gaze away from the gate just long enough to glance at Cliona and Violie. The three of them have been sitting around the small table by the window since breakfast, Cliona and Violie chatting and Daphne pretending to listen. If she were less distracted, she might find herself bemused at what fast friends Cliona and Violie have become despite how different they are ­Cliona the privileged Frivian lady secretly working for the rebellion her father is the head of, Violie a common-­born Bessemian maid who d been secretly working as a spy for Daphne s mother until her allegiances changed. If Daphne were less distracted, she might even be unnerved by their friendship. After all, not long ago, Daphne considered both girls her enemies.

Not anymore, but Daphne is far more accustomed to having enemies than friends, so the adjustment is taking some time.

That s what I ve been saying, Cliona answers with a sigh. But something tells me you aren t talking about King Bartholomew s plan to move the court to Notch Castle a month ahead of schedule.

That distracts Daphne for only a second before she shakes her head. The winter has been unseasonably warm, as I understand it. Perhaps he means to enjoy the weather better.

She looks out the window again as two armored guards ride through the gates. Alone.

Bea­triz should have been here by now. She should have been here two days ago, Daphne says.

It s been a week since Daphne used stardust to speak with her sister

Laura Sebastian