Adina arrived at Jocelyn's quarters exactly at noon. The maid had barely finished announcing her before Jocelyn stepped out, her eyes sharp, lips pulled into a thin line. The smile from yesterday was gone, not that Adina was expecting it.

"You're late," she said, her lip curling into the thinnest smile. "I've been waiting."

Adina blinked, a little startled. She wasn't late. Jocelyn had said noon, and this was noon. Still, she didn't say a word but smiled with a polite nod. "Forgive my lateness, my lady," she said.

"Of course. It's only but a minute. Do come in." Jocelyn stepped aside, finally allowing her into her chambers.

The sitting room smelled faintly of bergamot and incense. She was led to the outer balcony where a table was already set, delicate tea cups, a silver teapot steaming gently, everything perfectly aligned like it had been staged for a portrait.

Adina forced the smile on her face to stay still.

"Come along, dear," Jocelyn said, motioning with her fingers. From outside the balcony, Adina could see nothing but the garden. She hadn't even realized Jocelyn's chambers gave direct access to the garden. Adina loved that garden…but she'll have to stop going there. Not when she knew Jocelyn was right above her, watching.

"Sit."

Adina nodded and slid into the chair, hands placed against her thighs. She couldn't wait to be done. As Jocelyn stepped forward to sit, she paused, her gaze falling to the scarf around Adina's neck.

"Why are you wearing that ugly thing? It doesn't suit you," she asked as she sat down.

Adina blinked, caught off guard, fingers twitched toward the scarf. "I just—"

She didn't get to comment on her words as Jocelyn leaned over and tugged the scarf off. She paused as the fabric loosened, revealing the purple mark that bloomed across Adina's neck and collarbone. Her brows raised, she glanced at Adina then leaned back, scoffing.

"I thought you'd be different," she said, shaking her head. "Thought you'd have more sense than that. Letting a man who hasn't even mated you officially leave his mark all over your body… shameful. But I suppose I shouldn't be surprised."

Adina swallowed hard, hands clenched into a tight fist but didn't reply.

Jocelyn called for a maid, and she came running immediately to serve the tea.

As the maid served, Jocelyn leaned back, "What pack are you from, girl?"

Adina forced her smile to stay still. "Crystal Moon."

Jocelyn's brows furrowed as she pondered over it. "Crystal Moon? Crystal Moon? Crystal—" she paused, "Oh, you're from the eastern part of the realm, is it?"

Adina nodded.

"Oh, that's the poorer part of the realm," she said dismissively. "Now, I understand better."

Jocelyn delicately stirred her tea, though it was already perfectly blended, her spoon clinking against porcelain. "You must have been… thrilled," she said, not looking at Adina, "to catch Thorne's attention. I imagine girls of your kind don't get such opportunities."

Adina's smile froze. "I'm afraid I don't understand what you mean, my lady."

Jocelyn nodded, taking a sip of the tea. "That's no trouble, dear." She dropped the cup back to the table.

"I see you've been visiting my sister quite a number of times recently." She paused for a beat. "Has anything happened with her that I'm not aware of?" She asked, coming out directly.

"I didn't realize my lady has been keeping a close watch on me," Adina said with a blank expression then suddenly she smiled. "Although, I'm sorry to let you down, but your sister has only found my company quite warm…that's the only reason I go to see her," she replied.

"Hmm."

So this was an ambush? Why exactly did a woman like Jocelyn feel the need to corner her in a way like this.

Jocelyn smiled back, her just as fake as Adina's. "I'm glad Thessara has people like you on her side…." She looked away for a second as though the memories were weighing on her, "You see, she had it really tough while growing up. It was much worse after the death of our dear parents. It's so unfortunate we grew apart, but I'm sure you've heard all about it by now." She looked at Adina now, "After all, you visit her so much, she must've said some of it to you."

Adina didn't take the bait. "She has mentioned a few things," she said lightly, picking up her cup, though she didn't drink from it. "But I'm sure there are parts only family would know."

Jocelyn's smile didn't move, but her eyes sharpened. "Of course she did…." Then she leaned closer like she was about to spill a secret. "Did she also tell you about what happened when she—"

The maid rushed in, head bowed, "Forgive my intrusion, my lady, but—your si—Lady Thessara is—," the girl barely got to finish her words before Thessara came barging in.

Jocelyn and Adina stood up, one shocked, one delighted. "You should've told me you would take the invite, Thessara. Don't you know crashing a good tea party like this is considered bad manners," Jocelyn chided, smiling.

Thessara didn't bother replying to Jocelyn, her gaze fell on Adina, she looked her through thoroughly, as though she were inspecting her body. Only when she was satisfied did she turn to face Jocelyn.

"I need her," she said bluntly.

Jocelyn smiled even wider, yet her eyes stayed sharper. "You'll have her once we're done with the tea," she replied stiffly.

Adina looked between the two sisters. "Actually…" she began.

"You'll stay until you're done, won't you, Future Queen of the realm? It's bad manners to abandon your host," Jocelyn interjected before she could complete her words.

"She'll only stay if she wants to, not because of your insolent tea—"

"Forgive me," Adina said loudly, knowing the two of them were about to start arguing again. Jocelyn looked at her, not a hint of a smile on her face.

"Forgive me, Lady Jocelyn, but I do need to leave. I promised to meet with His Majesty this noon, and the time is fast approaching. I also made prior arrangements with Thessara and will be helping her once I'm done with the king. I apologize for the trouble, but I know how kind and gracious you are, thus I know you won't object."

Jocelyn's eyes narrowed, "You made plans with His Majesty?" She asked, her voice sharp.

"I did," Adina replied calmly. The two of them stared at each other and then...

Jocelyn smiled, "Well, The king governs all that resides in the realm, and I don't dare defy his words. You're free to leave. We can…schedule our tea for some other time."

Adina gave a curt bow. "Thank you, Lady Jocelyn. I enjoyed the few minutes I was able to spend with you. If you don't mind, please excuse me," she said with a nod and stepped out onto the balcony.

Thessara and Jocelyn glared hard at each other before Thessara followed Adina's figure.

Once the two were out of her chambers, Jocelyn sat down, picked up her mug of tea, and sipped slowly. The bottle Freya had given her heavy in her satchel.

Adina inhaled the fresh air that didn't smell like incense, feeling the tension wash off her shoulders. She never ever wanted to be near Jocelyn ever again.

She heard Thessara's footsteps behind her and turned, "You didn't say you were coming."

Thessara gave her a deadpan expression, "Are you really meeting up with His Majesty?" she asked.

Adina looked away, "No, I'm not. I just—I needed an excuse, and using his name just felt right, but I know it was wrong."

Thessara stared at her for a while longer then shook her head in a way that said, 'What am I going to do with you.'

She stepped closer to Adina and patted her cheek. "You did well. Using Thorne as an excuse was good."

Adina turned so they could continue walking, but Thessara's grip was firmer. "Adina," she called. "Listen, I don't know what Jocelyn told you in there, but you know me better than you know her, and as Jocelyn's sister, I'm telling you to stay away from her."

Adina's brows furrowed. "Thessara—"

"Jocelyn's a snake. No! She's worse than a snake. In everything you do, as long as you stay in this palace, stay away from Jocelyn."