Marna finished the last touches to Quilla’s hair and turned her to face the mirror. She had accentuated its natural wave to add a curl at the ends.


    There was only one explanation: Dyle took it. Had it been out of jealousy to deprive her of her last remaining reminder of Garet? Or had he taken it just so he had a connection to her? All she knew was, she wanted it back, and she would tear this Palace apart until she found him and took it back.


    “You took your time.” She walked over to the wine table. Marna had seen to it that the pitchers were full of the sweet wine. Quilla had told Marna to wait outside while she talked to Zandrue, so she had to pour a goblet herself.


    Quilla nodded. She’d been so agitated, she hadn’t even thought of asking Marna. There was a bell somewhere to summon her. Where had it gone? A quick look spotted the bell on the table in front of Zandrue and Rudiger. Guessing Quilla’s intentions, Zandrue picked it up and rang it.


    “I did as you asked. I went to the kitchens and got the wine. When I returned, you were asleep in your bed. I tried to wake you, but you wouldn’t wake. You had had a lot to drink, so I let you be. I left the wine in the salon here.”


    Quilla held back the anger she was feeling. “No, of course not.” That delay had allowed Dyle more time, but that wasn’t really Marna’s fault. Quilla reminded herself she needed to save her anger for those who actually deserved it.


    “You believe so?” Zandrue said.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    “Maybe twenty minutes?”


    Zandrue used the hand on his cheek to turn his face back to her, and she kissed him. She smiled broadly. “I always have good points.”


    Quilla sighed. “This is getting us nowhere.” She downed the rest of her wine and stood up. Getting drunk had been the stupidest thing she’d done in a long time, and she was already partway to doing it again. And it wasn’t even midday. She pushed past Marna and started to pace. “We need to find him. Find where he’s hiding and...I don’t know, except get my locket. Put a stop to whatever he’s planning, I suppose.”


    “One thing, Marna,” Zandrue said and the girl paused, “when you next see Ardon, could you let him know I’m eager to continue our conversation from earlier?”


    Or Dyle. Quilla shivered. She sat back down and buried her head in her hands. Gods, she didn’t need this right now. She just wanted to deal with Garet’s funeral, give him the recognition he deserved from this stupid family, then move on. She didn’t need Dyle complicating things. Part of her wanted to ignore him. Pretend he wasn’t there and get on with everything else. But that wouldn’t work. He would show up again, and she needed to be better prepared next time. Besides, she wanted her locket back.