My irritation at my sister forces words from my throat that would have otherwise stayed lodged there, mostly from my shock at seeing Samuel again.
“I wasn’t chosen for the King’s harem by some pitying fool, but by the King himself,” I say.
Leah’s good humor immediately sours and she glares at me. “You are lying.”
“I’m not,” I assure her. “You can ask anyone.” I wave my arm around. “And the reason I was introduced last is because I am one of the King’s favored.”
Normally, I wouldn’t flaunt that. I’m not even entirely sure if it’s true anymore. The King has been cold and distant to me lately. Despite Bethany’s words and reassurances that I am still the King’s favored, I have my doubts.
But Leah doesn’t need to know about those doubts.
She glares at me with open jealousy. Soon, though s
