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one look at Zain can make me want to change the course of my career and devastate my family.
    The rage pouring out of the Queen Mother is palpable – so thick I can feel it wrap itself around me, uncomfortable as a blanket on a hot summer night. I can’t imagine what it must be like for Zol and Zain, at whom the heat is directed as sharp and focused as a laser.
    ‘We’ve already ruled out Zain as a suspect,’ says the King. ‘He volunteered for a truth serum test.’
    ‘I still don’t trust him in our Palace,’ the Queen Mother says.
    ‘Go back to your chambers, Mother. This is not your business.’
    I can hardly believe the King is talking to his mother that way. The Queen Mother rarely makes public appearances – and now I wonder if it’s her choice or a decision made for her. The Queen Mother scrunches her face into an even deeper frown, but she doesn’t protest except with a single ‘Pah!’
    I turn back to look at the Princess. She’s been still for so long; she’s like a waxwork statue and just as flawless.
What is wrong with you, Princess?
    A bony finger brushes my arm and I jump like I’ve been shocked with electricity.
The Queen Mother is touching me.
I fumble over my etiquette – I really never thought I would meet a member of the Royal family, ever! – and end up in a half-curtsey, half-bow that I’m sure pays no one any respect. The Queen Mother doesn’t seem to mind though, or she’s too polite to fuss. She says, ‘Ostanes, is this your grandaughter?’
    My grandad bows his head. ‘Yes, my lady.’
    ‘She is beautiful. So tall! That doesn’t come from your side of the family then.’ Her mouth is buried so deep in wrinkles it takes a moment to see that she is smiling. She leans in to my grandad. ‘I’m glad you’re here,’ she says. ‘The Kemis never fail us.’
    I stand stock-still, worried my grandad is going to explode. But instead he says simply, ‘Your Majesty,’ and bows stiffly. The Queen Mother tilts her head towards me to say goodbye, and walks through the wall out of the room.
    My arm tingles from where she touched me.
    Movement from the Princess draws my attention back again. I can’t seem to look away for too long – her presence is magnetic, compelling. Then, almost so subtly I miss it, her eyes flicker towards the mirror. She stares at herself for a moment before dropping her eyes again. She brings her hands up to her lips, then slides them gently to her throat, all the while staring demurely at her lap. Then she flicks her eyes up again.
    She smiles.
    She’s flirting with the mirror, and in that instant, I know the truth.
    ‘She’s in love with herself,’ I say in a voice barely louder than a whisper, and then I clasp my hands over my mouth.

CHAPTER SEVEN
    Samantha
    ‘ W HAT?’ HISSES ZOL.
    Suddenly everyone is craning for a better look. It’s clear that my theory is correct, even as I get squashed out to the edge of the circle. The Princess has risen and is standing by the mirror now, smiling and chatting to her reflection. She doesn’t look ill at all. In fact she looks . . . radiant.
    Renel clears his throat, trying to take back some control of the crowd. ‘Yes, yes, well done, Kemi.’ He glares at me. ‘Princess Evelyn was poisoned by a love potion we believe she made by her own hand.’
    Unbelievable. Love potions are dangerous – not to mention, illegal – and the original recipe was wiped from existence by Royal decree well over a century ago. Anyone who even writes out a new recipe in their private journals draws the attention of the Novaen secret service. Arjun thinks the fact that the Royal family has that power is scary and oppressive, but at least it keeps people safe – except for, I suppose, the Princess. I’m impressed. I didn’t think it was possible for Royals to mix their own potions. Their Talent is so strong, who knows what effect it would have on the ingredients.
    ‘Attention. Attention!’ Renel claps his hands. When no one