Page 36 of Legacy of the Heirs
“How do you know about the Sword of Sonos?” Elisara asked, frowning. Alvan hesitated.
“Larelle told me,” he admitted. Sadira exchanged a glance with Caellum, wondering how many others had shared the information they had all agreed to keep to themselves. Yet when nobody challenged, her question was answered.
“Vlad knows,” Elisara said.
“Olden, Larelle’s father-in-law, and her lady-in-waiting, Lillian, know,” said Alvan.
“Farid knows,” Nyzaia echoed before glancing across the table. “As does Tajana.” Tajana examined her feet.
“As does Talia,” Soren continued. Sadira raised her eyebrows until realising that Soren referenced the woman standing beside Tajana. Was Sadira the only person clueless about the conflict between Soren and the queen of Keres? She did not wish to raise it and derail the conversation. Everyone’s heads turned to Caellum and Sadira then. Caellum scoffed.
“It appears we are the only ones who have kept the promise to keep it amongst the rulers,” said Caellum.
“I do not believe that for a second,” Kazaar said, clenching his hands on the back of Elisara’s chair. The queen of Vala reached up and squeezed it, silencing him.
“You cannot work together if secrets remain between you all,” the Historian finally said, breathing heavily. “If you have foundanything—anythingthat might prove useful—I suggest you speak now.”
Sadira looked around the table. Perhaps she was the only one without secrets, although she trusted Caellum was honest, despite what the other rulers assumed. She caught Soren’s eye. It was no secret among them that Soren wished Caellum dead. Alvan cleared his throat.
“Larelle’s father had Riyas killed,” he stated, allowing the statement to hang in the air.
“Would she want people to know that?” Elisara asked, raising her eyebrows. Alvan looked at the queen of Vala; his face morphed with pain.
“She cares about what is best for Nerida, her people, and the kingdom. She is selfless. If airing all our secrets allows us to piece together the prophecy or some sort of plan, then she would want it known.” Sadira’s heart warmed at his devotion.
“How did she know that, Alvan?” Sadira asked softly, and Alvan peered down at his hands, cracking his knuckles.
“Something never sat right about how Riyas left, so we went to the docks a few weeks ago. The records indicated he was sent on a scouting mission upon King Adrianus’ request.” He looked up at the Historian. “On the Royal Maiden.”
The group lowered their eyes. The Royal Maiden was the vessel that was destroyed during its voyage to find the creatures.
“That is not all,” Alvan continued. “A hidden room is connected to the battle room in the Castle of Mera. In it, there is a large map of Novisia, surrounded by the Novisian Sea Border, and an Outer Border covered in scattered Xs.”
“What did they signify?” Kazaar asked from behind Elisara. Alvan shrugged and wiped his eyes again.
“We did not know, but the King kept other secrets. He had a portrait of each of the gods. Larelle could not understand why but deemed it unusual.” Nyzaia’s head whipped up.
“All four rulers?” she asked, and Alvan nodded. Hesitationflickered on Nyzaia’s face as she glanced at Tajana.
“It is safe to speak your mind, Nyzaia,” Sadira reassured her, trying to mediate like Larelle always did. Caellum stroked circles on the back of her hand, sending reassuring waves through her skin. Nyzaia looked at Soren.
“Is it?” Nyzaia asked Soren, who smirked. “Is it safe?”
“It has to be if we are to get anywhere,” Elisara said. “Why do you believe it is not?”
Nyzaia’s eyes flickered to Tajana and then back at Soren. Leaning forward, she sneered, “Becauseherspy told me to only trust the other heirs.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Nyzaia
Hatred burned bright within Nyzaia without Tajana by her side, who so often kept it from consuming her. Nyzaia’s eyes burned into her lover, who stared at the entrance, her eyes devoid of guilt as she stood by Soren’s side, her true queen. She did not spare Nyzaia a glance. When Soren smirked, flames flickered at Nyzaia’s fingertips and burned Elisara’s hand. Still, Elisara did not flinch; she allowed Nyzaia to burn her instead of the fallen queen, who was to blame for her lover’s betrayal. That was an easier pill to swallow than the truth of Tajana leading Nyzaia on for all these years and twisting the knife into her back.
“What do you mean,spy?” Kazaar asked from where he stood behind Elisara. Nyzaia recognised his tone; he spoke like the old commander of Keres, the man responsible for detecting spies like Isha and torturing people like Soren who dared to move against his realm. A part of Nyzaia warmed, knowing that despite his loyalties to Elisara, he had not forgotten where he came from.
“Isha,” Nyzaia hissed. The others around the table exchanged glances. Feet shifted behind her at the mention of Isha’s name. “When we last met in Garridon, Soren said she knew an Isha in Keres.” Nyzaia tore her gaze from Soren’s deep green eyes and peered at each person around the table in turn. “An Isha who was in secret communication with the king of Keres, whose last communication before he died said, ‘Ready to burn.’I do not believe it is a coincidence that shortly after, he and our parents died in an explosion. Isha told us to only trust the heirs.” Soren smirked at the tension unfolding as the group looked at her. TheHistorian leaned away and watched too. She swung on the back legs of her chair with her arms crossed. Although Tajana and Talia’s eyes remained on the hall’s entrance, Nyzaia noticed their hands shift as they touched the weapons at their sides.
“Well, do you see Sadira and I as true heirs? Or Caellum as an heir to a tainted throne? Because that will significantly change who you trust,” said Soren, smirking. Nyzaia glanced between Caellum and the two sisters.Who were they meant to trust?“Are you also accusing me of having set the explosion, Nyzaia? And using Isha to do it?” When Nyzaia glanced at Elisara and Kazaar, Soren added, “No, you are not.” She leaned forward, the front leg of her chair slamming against the stone, and pointed at Nyzaia. “Because youknowwho really set the explosion.”
