“Mama—”

“Hush! I won’t listen to your feeble excuses. I came here to beseech the king to take action on this matter, he will not force the betrothal to happen. And you.” Her mother’s voice deepened with contempt. “You are a laughingstock. All this time, and you have accomplished nothing. Have you even tried to attract his highness?”

Pheresa opened her mouth to defend herself, but her mother raged on, not giving her a chance to speak.

“Making eyes at that freakish pagan before everyone! It sickened me so much I could not eat my dinner.”

“He is not a freak,” Pheresa said. “Dain is charming and he is the king’s new favorite.”

“You should be that! You! Can you not charm Verence, who melts at a smile?

Thod’s mercy, girl, I wonder if you have any of my blood in your veins.”