"Quite right," I agreed. "I am always the last to detect a plot or to find the criminal."
She looked at me through half-closed eyes.
"Which means?"
I gave her back a look in kind. "Whatever you would."
She toyed with her rings a bit. "Why should I deliberately bring you and the Princess together?" she demanded.
"Why, indeed?" said I.
"You are of the Blood:—the Palace is open to you."
I raised my hand sharply in warning.
She glanced over my shoulder, toward the window, with a derisive smile. "True, the Princess might wonder how I knew."
I made no answer.