Page 229 of The Call of Crimson
Ayden looks like he wants to strangle them both.
“I am not fragile, Ayden.” I fight to keep my voice level and emotions in check. “Tell me.”
Ayden sighs, turning back to me. “I have a theory that the attack on Elijah was not a coincidence, but meant to punish you.”
“What makes you believe that?”
“Three people you care for were traveling to Prudia, and they were attacked just before crossing into the city closest to our border. I think it was meant to hurt you. Or to send a message.”
My heart nearly ceases beating in my chest at his theory. At how much it makes sense that I could be responsible for Elijah’s death. But there’s one problem.
“I’m not their target. Or… I haven’t been lately.”
“Then who is?” Aurelius asks.
I swallow, my throat tightening as I meet his gaze. With everything that happened since Darian and I pieced it together, I hadn’t gotten the opportunity to tell him.
“You,” I say, the word catching painfully in my throat. “Darian and I figured it out, but with everything that happened… I didn’t get the chance?—”
“It’s okay, Breyla,” Aurelius says calmly. “I can tell you didn’t mean to hide it from me.”
Relief floods my chest. The peace between us was something I didn’t want to risk breaking. I hadn’t meant to betray his trust, and he seems to know that.
“How did you figure it out?” Charlotte asks.
“When considering just the attacks involving poison, the pattern formed around Aurelius,” Darian explains. “The moment he joined me on the front, they followed him.”
“Assuming you are correct, why switch targets?” Lord Talon asks.
“Who says they have?” Lady Seris offers. “Princess Breyla hasn’t left the capital. Perhaps they’re both targets. Lord Aurelius has simply been more accessible.”
“I hadn’t considered that, but you’re right,” Darian agrees.
Silence settles over the table.
“You two have brought death to our kingdom,” the queen says, vitriol lacing every word.
“Might I remind you,” Aurelius drawls, “that it was not our decision to come here.”
“What’s done is done,” Ayden interjects, his tone flat with warning. “Mother, if you cannot contribute without spitting venom at my fiancée and brother, then perhaps you should find somewhere else to be.” Ayden levels her with a look that says it all. He’s as tired of her shit as the rest of us.
The queen wisely falls silent.
“Darian and Breyla will visit Prudia’s major cities,” Ayden announces. “They’ll investigate whether similar murders have been reported.”
“You just said she is a target, but you still think sending her outside the safety of the walls is wise?” Aurelius asks in disbelief.
“They will travel with extra protection,” Ayden says, clearly trying to appease him.
Darian and I scoff in unison.
“That is a command, General,” Ayden says, his eyes narrowing on us both.
“Fine,” Darian mutters. “But you know it will only slow us down.”
“So be it. That’s all for today.”
The room clears quickly until only Ayden and I remain.
