"There is no such thing as safe, Your Majesty," she continued. "Certainly not near you."
"Bella was not attacked by an outsider," Henry said.
Livia's eyes flew to his. He had not spoken as a man speculating. He had spoken as if he knew more than he had chosen to reveal. "You knew it was the princess?"
Henry stared at her. "What? What are you talking about?" he asked.
"Never mind," she said quickly. "Forget I said anything. It was nothing. Truly. Just foolishness."
"Livia?" Henry urged.
"Lady Bella did not ask me to say anything," Livia said.
Henry's gaze did not leave her face. "She believes the princess tried to kill her. Why?"
Livia drew in a slow breath and looked toward the carriage window, though there was little to see beyond the moving wall of guards and the occasional startled Londoner peering between them. This was precisely why secrets were dangerous. They never remained quietly where one left them.
"You do not think it is nonsense?" she asked.
