Page 87 of The Princess of Nothing
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
“Stop worrying,” Morganasaid, soothing me as we rode into Redwinter province, leaving behind the ruins and blizzards of Silverwinter. “No one has reason to doubt you.”
“What if the men in that tavern talk? Not the mercenaries, but the fisherman and labor workers who’d seen me?” I questioned, my mind racing. “I did give them some coins and told them they didn’t see me there, but you never know. It only takes one person to place me in Magaelor the night he died.” My chest tightened. “Why did I think I could get away with it?”
“You did the right thing,” she said. “Your father was a monster.”
“It’s regicide.”
“Yes.” We slowed from a canter to a trot. The snow dusted around us as we led the small army deeper into Niferum. “Which is why we have explained. The feral fae attacked you, which is why you never sent word, but you fought them and made it out alive. When you tried to come home, you were picked up by Berovian pirates who were sent to attack your father. Instead, they found the princess and took you to Xenos.” She paused for a second. “I will talk to the men in the tavern. People can be reasoned with. You asked for the mercenaries to come. We can talk with them once they arrive. I will always do the best by you.”
I knew she would. “It’s kind of perfect, but wait, how would they have known who I was?”
“Your portrait.”
“They’re Berovians.”
“They were shown your portrait along with your father’s, by king Xenos.”
I nodded. “What if they think Xenos had something to do with my father’s death? If they believe he sent pirates to attack us, then they’ll think him behind it. He also has the Ring of Immortalem. Adius knows it is missing. They won’t believe him if he says he took it from me.”
She pulled the reins to a stop. “Good. A war is already starting, Winter. Right now, it is us against them, and we’re only trying to save our own necks. A small lie to lead the kingdom to greatness is sometimes needed. We can’t stop what’s already unfolding. It’s time to break down the old and make space for the new. It began with Blaise. It will end with you. I’ve seen it coming for a long time.”
“Seen what?”
“A reckoning.” She chilled. “All young kings and queens.”
“All?” My mind flitted to Kiros. “Even in Berovia?”
“Yes.”
My question was halted when Adius rode to our side. “Your Majesty, I apologize for the intrusion, but we have word more of our men will be coming. It seems your plan of sending decoy ships to the ports worked, but Edgar’s forces are almost at the border.”
“Will our people make it in time?”
“They’re ahead, yes.” His eyes crowned with absolution. “Not all, but most will make it through. We have stationed soldiers at the village to wait for them, then guide them here.”
“Great. I will be traveling to Lepidus first. I have matters to discuss with King Blaise.”
“Do you need me to accompany you?”
I shook my head. “No need. I’m well protected there. You take our people and get them settled. They will be hungry after the journey. Blaise is having food sent in parcels. They should be there when you arrive.”
