Aria’s POV
"Harder questions," Ines repeated, setting down the training blade she'd been holding. "That sounds like Kael told you something he should have told you three days ago."
"He told me a few things," I said. "Including that he's known about me for six years. Long before the rejection."
Something flickered across Ines's face — not surprise, exactly. More like she'd been waiting to see if he'd admit it.
"You knew," I said, watching her closely. "Didn't you."
"I knew," Ines confirmed, no hesitation in it, which somehow made it worse. "I've served this kingdom long enough to know most of what Kael keeps close. That was one of the things he kept closest."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"Because it wasn't my secret to give away," Ines said. "That's not an excuse. It's simply the truth
