Back at the Justice Hall, the crowd had started to disperse. Prince Reuben looked around. He had been searching for Lara but was disappointed when he saw that she was gone. When did she leave? Why did she not wait for him? The question gnawed at him.
"Looking for someone, Brother?"
Reuben turned to find Prince Alderan at his side, a warm smile curling on his lips. His younger brother's eyes were sharp and observant, and he always knew more than he let on.
"I saw her leave with Peredur," Alderan added, watching the flicker of disappointment cross Reuben's face.
Before Reuben could respond, Alderan leaned in conspiratorially. "You can invite his family over," he suggested smoothly. "Then you can say whatever you want. You are now the crown prince, the heir to the throne."