“Father? Lady Lyssa Faeryn.” Melbourne introduced her.
“Pleased to meet you, young lady. Melbourne, give my apologies to Queen Elliandre and King Alois; I will not be joining them for lunch. Please close the door behind you, and we will not need Lady Lyssa’s companion,” he said, waving them both away. Melbourne was not the only one frowning.
“Please, come sit with me. We have a lot to speak of,” King Malachai invited, and she hesitated before joining him.
Her mind had not exaggerated the intense way he studied people, always looking as if he could see into one’s very soul. She had a feeling this was no idle chat. He would not speak to one of her “station in life” without very good reason.
“I owe you an apology for the wrong I did to you. Do not be startled, Alyssa Faeryn, but I kno
