Author's Preface
I head into my study as soon as I make sure my duchess has been safely locked up in her room with two of my finest guards stationed just outside. I even made sure to appoint a lady-in-waiting for her. The one which looked as if she was about to pass out as soon as I had caught the little pickpocket right in the act, and heavens, I admit she was good, too good .
I was so lost in those pretty eyes that I almost didn’t notice it until I felt the slight tremble of her fingers as she pocketed the sapphire. My little thief had confidence issues, apparently.
I push through the large, intricately carved oak door into my study to find my seneschal already there, waiting for me. Jasver Creiffe, my loyal confidant and close friend, and also occasionally my spy. The man can find something from nothing. If there’s information to get, Jasver can find it.
“Darian. You’re late.” he frowns while folding his arms across his chest. Such a whiner.
“Relax, princess, no need to be so uptight all the time.” His frown deepens. “I was only making sure our bird was all nice and cozy in her new cage. Would be a shame if she flew away, right?”
He rolls his eyes, of course, before finally speaking up, “I got what you asked for.”
“Go ahead.” My voice remains neutral as I take a seat on the large sprawling couch and he takes one across from me.
“Her name is Vidalia, last name unknown. From what I’ve gathered, she’s just a normal thief from the streets who was hoping to score big tonight with The Heart of Dawn. No connections found to any other kingdoms we had disputes with recently—”
“Except Veyra…” I snort to myself.
“Except who?”
“Nothing, continue.”
“Well, as I was saying, she was acting independently, however, she did get help from someone inside the palace because tonight’s ball was impossible to infiltrate otherwise. I made sure of that. I just need a little more time to figure out who—”
“Oh, it’s the maid who I assigned as her lady-in-waiting,” I waved my arm through the air casually.
“You.. what now?” His jaw was hanging a little now.
“It’s not that serious, really. You need to cool down, princess.”
“If you call me princess one more time—”
“You’ll actually put on a tiara? Would I love to see that sight!”
“—I’ll burn this couch with you tied to it.”
“Always so cold, Jasver. Honestly, you’re hurting my feelings here,” I pause for a second, “Although, being tied, I don’t mind.. not sure about the couch burning part though.”
“Heavens above, when will you grow up?” he finally chortles, giving in.
“Now where’s the fun in that?” I flash him a grin.
“Also, there’s one more thing you need to know.” Jasver suddenly goes serious, and I straighten up too.
“What?”
“It’s about her past.”
Because of course no one with a normal past just picks up the life of a crook for fun and games, especially fake duchesses who steal the hearts of unruly princes.