The Princess was speaking, and on the surface she was being at her most imperious. Sorrel suspected that underneath she was terrified. “You are far too disrespectful! I don’t care what you know, I am still your princess and I deserve your loyalty.” For a moment she regarded Mathilda with dispassion, wondering how best to proceed. Threaten her? Blackmail her? Reason with her? Sometimes I forget how young she is … Young in years, young in experience, yet bred at court amid distrust and vicious rivalry, understanding that she was no more than a precious jewel to be bartered. She knew enough to be suspicious and bitter, and to use people. Sorrel’s initial rage at what the Princess had done to Saker faded. Mathilda had been dealt wealth and position at birth, but no one had ever loved her enough to fight for her. Even Ryce’s defence had been half-hearted. “Milady, we both know things about the other that could ruin us. I have trusted you with my secret for over a year; now it’s up to you to trust me with yours.
