Total pages in book: 152
Estimated words: 145704 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 729(@200wpm)___ 583(@250wpm)___ 486(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 145704 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 729(@200wpm)___ 583(@250wpm)___ 486(@300wpm)
“I think you can figure that one out.”
“I’d like to hear you say it.”
“Queen Neilina disagreed with King Barris’s call for peace. She wanted a different outcome, so she had one of her elemental casters summon Aoife. Princess Romeria was born this way.”
“I worried that King Eachann’s aspirations would be his downfall.” He finishes half his drink in a single gulp before topping it up again. “And is the elemental caster who broke that cardinal rule the one who travels with you now?”
“No. The one you are referring to came here to help.” The other one is already in your city.
“Help whom? Neilina?”
“She escaped Neilina. Of that, trust me, I am sure.” Tyree confirmed it.
“So, Mordain?”
“In a manner of speaking, perhaps. But also maybe us. The scribes believe there is a prophecy to end the blood curse, and it requires that Romeria and I work together.”
“The scribes.” Theon shakes his head. “Do they still dedicate their lives to deciphering meaning from delusion?”
“Apparently so.”
“In what way will you and the Ybarisan princess end the blood curse?”
“That remains to be seen. And while I have never subscribed to the prattling of seers, now that we know the fates’ designs are at play, it bodes well to heed their words. I would do anything to end this curse for all, you know that.”
Theon smooths a hand over his goatee. “And yet with each day come new reports of poisonings.”
“From what I’ve heard, the ones in Bellcross have all been false.”
“Aye. But people grow more fearful, waiting for the day they are not false.”
“And yet you haven’t announced support of Atticus’s decree.” I watch him closely.
“I haven’t. Not yet.” His brow furrows with worry.
“Because you know you can’t. Theon, it abolishes all laws that protect the mortals. You can imagine the abuse of power that will follow.”
“More than the abuse I’ve heard about? Do you think we are blind to what is happening in Kettling?” He sets his half-finished glass down. “Adley is still in Cirilea, maneuvering. He has all but declared his daughter Saoirse future queen.”
I snort. “Atticus would not be so stupid.”
“Was that a rhetorical question, Your Highness?” Abarrane asks.
Theon’s grim chuckles says he is thinking along the same lines as she is—yes, Atticus is, in fact, stupid enough to solidify his position by marrying that conniving creature. “I do not want to go down this dark path, but I do not see what other choice I have. Atticus sits on the Cirilean throne. It is his rule, not yours, that I must obey if I am to keep my lordship. And it’s not only Cirilea. Hordes of keepers are coming to my gate, demanding I address these distressing rumors. It won’t be long before they take matters into their own hands, and then what am I, except an impotent noble, unable to control his people?”
“You are in a difficult position. I appreciate that.”
“I know firsthand what it feels like to be targeted. Our tributaries haven’t left these walls in weeks. They’re afraid to eat or drink.” He swallows. “Did you know? About her blood?”
I could lie. Maybe I should. “I discovered it was toxic the night the daaknar attacked her, but I did not realize it was her blood that had poisoned my parents. Foolish in hindsight, but the priestess misled me to believe it to be deliquesced merth.”
“And yet you entrust another of these casters?” In his eyes, I see reproach.
“Not without reservations. But she is powerful, and I need her, so I will keep her close, for now.”
“And where is the princess?”
I hesitate. “Safe and out of sight, and not causing anyone harm. She has no intention of allowing her blood to be used as a weapon against Islor.”
“How can you be so certain? Come now, Zander.” He gives me a pitiful smile. “Do not tell me she didn’t realize what her blood could do when she crossed our borders. And we all know she was complicit in the attack that killed King Eachann and Queen Esma, despite that theater production in your court to convince us otherwise.”
“Also a necessity at the time.” I knew Theon would press me on this. “I will say this only once, and I say it because our long-standing friendship deserves the truth. The princess who left Ybaris had ill intentions. She deserved to die for her crimes and die she did.”
Theon’s eyebrows pop.
“The princess who travels with me now does so with a kind heart and no ill will toward Islor.” If only I could convince others to see what I see.
“And yet it may not matter. Atticus’s letter says there are countless vials of this poison in the hands of those who bear enough ill will to wreak havoc.”
“That is why we are heading for Venhorn. We believe they might still be there, and we’re hoping to stop them before too many vials reach the realm.”