Page 88 of In Rising Tides

The gown she wore from the ceremony had even been replaced with a gauzy top that covered much of her body. It rippled in the current that bobbed through the room.

“You called for me,” Nerida muttered, studying Lyra.

There was an uncomfortable power radiating from Nerida, and Lyra had to force herself to hold eye contact.

“Drystan said I could have guests,” Lyra shrugged, and Nerida stared quizzically at her youngest sister’s unruly hair.

Nerida’s hair was pulled back very tightly into a bun, and it tugged at the delicate skin around her warm brown eyes.

“Why me?”

Lyra frowned and twisted her hands in front of her. “You seemed—upset—at the ceremony.”

Nerida blinked. “As did you.”

“I think it was the only normal response to something like that.” Lyra looked down at her hands.

She couldn’t figure out how to get what she wanted from this conversation.

Nerida was more practiced with this courtly maneuvering than she was.

“Given how much time you spent away, I am sure it did come as quite a shock.”

Her sister’s delicate phrasing had a laugh bubbling out of Lyra.

“That’s one way to put it. But let’s be frank—I was kidnapped.”

Nerida moved deliberately towards Lyra’s window and peeked outside.

“Yes, well. Rumor has it you enjoyed your time.” Nerida’s manicured brow rose. “Learned many things.”

There was no way for Nerida to have learned about her personaltutoringwith Wilder, but it didn’t stop Lyra from feeling her cheeks heat.

Nerida was probably referencing what was discussed in the council meeting, that is, if Ishmael discussed such things with his wife.

“Are you included in the inner workings of council meetings?”

Nerida jerked her chin down. “Ishmael often shares when he wants a different perspective.”

“How fortunate for you.”

A twitch of Nerida’s lips was her only response.

“I’ve heard what has changed in my absence. But I’m curious to learn how.”

Nerida’s eyes scanned Lyra’s face as if she were searching for something.

“No, you’re not,” Nerida shook her head. “In fact, I’ve heard things about you, baby sister. Powerful things.”

Lyra’s heart fluttered in her chest. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

She was right to be intimidated by Nerida.

Nerida saw way more than she let on.

“The council didn’t ask the right questions,” she sighed. “It’s not why the Prince wanted to keep you on land, but why would the High King agree?”

Her words sent a shiver down Lyra’s spine, but she locked her muscles into place to keep from wiggling.