The Ragpicker King (The Chronicles of Castellane, #2)

by Cassandra Clare

“Forget anything Jerrod or I may have said about the dangers of murdering Gremont,” Kel said, his voice low but surprisingly steady. “Go ahead and kill him.” Merren did not look surprised. He did, however, look relieved. “I’m so glad you said that.” He exhaled. “You see, I’ve already poisoned his wine.” —

Inside, the Prince is watching a red-haired girl read a book with the expression of a starving man staring at a plate of food.

“Are you in love with him?” he asked. “Because he is certainly in love with you.”