Karrie stared at Damien’s back as he left. He’d just left. Left her alone with his best friend without a care in the world. Her plan was seeming more and more dubious by the second. How could she make him jealous if he wasn’t here to watch her cuddling with John?

“I’ll leave you two to catch up.” Her mother strolled out of the sitting area and headed back to her sewing room.

Karrie made a snap decision. She’d bring John in on her plan. He might make a better ally than a simple tool. She tugged the pull rope and a few seconds later when the servant knocked she ordered tea and a tray of snacks for them.

John stood awkwardly beside his trunk, obviously not certain what he should do. Karrie smiled. “Sit down, please, no need to worry about ceremony here.”

John slumped down on the sofa. “So what’s the deal with you and Damien?”

She stared at him. How did he know? “What do you mean?”

“I’m not blind. You couldn’t have looked more disappointed when he left.”

Karrie sat beside him. “I’m going to level with you and maybe you can help me.”

“I’m at your disposal, Princess.”

“I’m trying to convince Damien that he should marry me, but I’m not having much luck. He’s either not here or not interested when he is.” She sighed. “I was planning on using you to make him jealous. I don’t know how that can work since he won’t be here to see us together.”

“I’m afraid your plan is doomed. Damien’s already in love with another. I can’t think of anything that would convince him to move on.”

“I know. He’s fallen for Lane Thorn.”

John cocked his head. “Who’s Lane Thorn?”

“The archmage’s daughter. I thought you said you knew he was in love.”

“I do and he is, but I have no idea who Lane Thorn is. Damien has never mentioned her to me.”

Now Karrie was really confused. A rap on the door gave her a moment to think. She went and collected a tray from one of the servants. Damien did say Lane was just a job, but they’d looked so friendly. Karrie set the tray on the low table in front of the sofa and poured two cups of tea for her and John.

“If not Lane then who?”

“Lizzenwar. Damien’s been in love with her for as long as I can remember.”

Karrie blinked, more confused now than ever. “Isn’t that the name of his father’s sword?”

“It’s also the name of the spirit that lives in the sword. She’s been his friend and companion since Damien was old enough to be aware of other people. Lizzy—that’s what he calls her—comforted him when he fought with his father. Held him when he got hurt in training. He’s totally devoted to her.”

“How is that possible? She’s a sword! I’m competing with a sword!” Karrie wanted to pull her hair out. It wasn’t fair. When she’d thought Lane was Damien’s lady that was one thing, but a sword? She didn’t know what to do.

“You need to stop thinking about her as a sword,” John said in a soft, calm voice, like someone trying to soothe a horse in danger of bolting. “Damien told me about her once. Lizzy can bring him into her world. He described it as an endless night sky. In that place she’s as real as you or me.”

“You know Damien better than just about anyone. What do I do? I love him so much, but I can’t even get him to look at me that way.”

“I don’t know, Princess. I doubt there’s anyone or anything in the world that could change Damien’s feelings toward Lizzy.” John squeezed her shoulder. “He’s my best friend and when I see how happy he is anytime he mentions her…I don’t think I want to try and change his mind.”

Karrie sniffed. So much for making an ally out of John. Heaven’s mercy! She was competing with a sword.