Page 19 of Legacy of the Heirs
“What happened in the lead-up to this?” asked Nyzaia, straight to the point. When Elisara and Kazaar shared a look, she rolled her eyes. Would this happen from here on out, with the pair consulting in their minds before sharing anything with the others? Kazaar never used to keep secrets from her.
“I trust Helena, Vigor, and Talia with what we”—Elisara nodded to Nyzaia and Kazaar—“know, but are you happy for them to be told?”
Nyzaia understood what Elisara was implying.
“I have already told Farid and Tajana,” she said plainly, and though Elisara’s brow furrowed, she said no more.
“We know who set the explosion,” said Kazaar, and a chorus of “who?” sounded across the room.
Elisara fiddled with the hem of her gown as she sat cross-legged on Kazaar’s bed with him perched on a chair beside her. She looked directly at Nyzaia when she said, “My mother and your father—”
“They were lovers,” Nyzaia finished.
“How did you know?” asked Kazaar.
“I saw the hidden room in his office while searching for the book to wake Elisara.”
“It is not just that, Nyzaia.” Elisara glanced at Kazaar, who nodded gently. “They also set the explosion.”
Nobody spoke then. What was anyone to say upon discovering two rulers of different realms had killed not only themselves but all the ruling families and their children, too? Nyzaia digested the information yet was unsurprised her father was the cause of her suffering. She was only crowned queen because of that explosion. She cared little about discovering he had a lover or even that it was the late Queen Vespera; Nyzaia cared only that, even in death, he had ruined her life, stripped away her freedom and taken the one good thing in her life. The Red Stones. He had stripped it all from Nyzaia despite forcing that life on her to begin with.
“Why?” asked Talia.
“There was a letter. We can retrieve it,” said Elisara. “They were trying to trigger the prophecy, but we do not know why.”
Nyzaia scoffed and rose abruptly, the bangles clinking against her wrists. “So, yet again, there are more secrets and mysteries to solve.”
“Nyzaia.” Kazaar rose to meet her.
“Don’t,” she snapped. “I am tired of knowing nothing of this life despite my sacrifices.”
“We have all lost someone or something, Nyzaia,” Elisara countered. A flash of power burned in Elisara’s eyes like it often did when she was angry. Nyzaia said nothing.
“I could retrieve the letter. Maybe fresh eyes would help?” Talia suggested.
“I can go with her,” offered Helena.
Nyzaia sighed but nodded.
“My guard, Farid, can escort you. He is outside.” Nyzaia opened the door for them and collided with Tajana for the second time that day.
“There you are,” Tajana said cheerfully, flicking her braid overone shoulder. “I’ve put the books in your chambers.” Tajana’s smile wavered as she peered into the room and at the people inside it.
“Where is Farid?” Nyzaia asked.
“Here,” called the deep voice of her guard, walking down the corridor. “There were reports of issues between Lord Israar and some servants.” Nyzaia groaned at the thought of running into the lord. “Tajana asked me to intervene,” he added, glancing oddly at the captain of the Guard.
“Now that you are here, could you escort Talia and Helena to my father’s office?” asked Nyzaia, stepping aside to allow the two women through. Tajana offered an awkward smile. She was never good with new people.
“You can stay with us,” Nyzaia began.
“It is okay, my love. I need to complete my usual inspection of the general guards’ quarters.” Tajana leaned in to kiss Nyzaia’s cheek, who accepted it, knowing Lord Israar was likely still in the courtyard if Farid had been with him moments ago. Nyzaia watched Tajana walk away.
“I would quite like to be alone,” called Elisara. “Would you mind guiding me back to my chambers and finding somewhere for Vigor?” she asked.
Nyzaia glanced back and nodded, noting the intent stare between Elisara and Kazaar before the Vala queen rose and left the room, taking Nyzaia’s hand.
***
