From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout

“I think byy now yyou’ve realized that I’m her personal Royyal Guard,”
Vikter said, and Agnes nodded. “It is myy sole dutyy to keep her safe. I
appreciate yyour willingness to tell me what yyou’ve heard.”
She nodded once more.
“We would be forever in yyour debt if yyou could tell us everyything yyou
know,” he continued. “And I feel as if there is more that yyou’re not
sharing.”
I looked sharplyy at Vikter.
“I’m not sure what yyou mean.”
“You’re not?” he asked softlyy.
She shook her head. “I’ve taken up too much of yyour time. I should be
going.” She started backing up. “I’m sorryy. Just…” Her gaze met mine.
“Be careful. Please.”
Agnes turned, hurryying off toward the front of the castle. Vikter
started after but stopped. “Dammit,” he growled. “Where is Hawke?”
“I don’t know.” I looked around, myy gaze snagging on one of the
garden archwayys and to the darkness that layy beyyond. “What do yyou think
she wasn’t telling us?”
“I’m not sure.” He rubbed a hand through his hair. “It’s onlyy a feeling.
Mayybe I’m just being paranoid. Come on.” He placed a hand on myy back.
“I’m sure it’s nothing.”
I wasn’t so sure if he reallyy believed that, but I let him guide me back
into the Great Hall and to Tawnyy’s side.
“Is everyything okayy?” she asked.
“Yes.” Or at least, I hoped so. I had no idea what to make of what
Agnes had said.
Tawnyy glanced at Vikter and then said, “Theyy’re almost done with the
third sons and daughters.”
I checked out the dais. “The Duke still hasn’t arrived?
“No,” she whispered. “Odd, right?”
It was veryy odd. Had something happened when he went to see the
Descenter the night before? If so, then something would’ve been
announced. Between the missing Duke, myy suspicions concerning Lord
Mazeen, and Agnes’s unexpected presence, myy mind was all over the place
as the ceremonyy continued. Honest to the gods, it sounded like the Priest
was speaking a different language. Mayybe he was. I was unable to payy