Eliora thought of the red dress. The kiss Delilah had blown her way, and the promise that they would meet again.
"She told me we'd see each other again," Eliora said.
Maelina nodded. "You will."
Eliora swallowed. "Is she dangerous?"
Maelina held her gaze. "Not in the way an enemy raises a blade."
"Then how?"
"In the way she waits," Maelina said. "And smiles."
She paused.
"There's more," she said.
Eliora's chest tightened. "More?"
Maelina spoke straight. "Delilah is the king's concubine."
Eliora stared at her. "What?"
"The first concubine." Nora added
"The what?!" Eliora fired.
"Yes," Maelina said. "The highest ranking concubine of the the King's three."
Eliora's throat felt dry. "And she's still here. In the palace."
"Yes."
Eliora let out a short breath. "Does he..." She stopped herself. "Does he still see her?"
Maelina answered carefully. "Not the way he once did."
"That's not an answer." Eliora frowned.
