Page 70 of The Court of Secrets
“That’s why only the high priest and his priestesses go into the veil where the river is. You were sent there…” She shook her head, clicking her tongue as she did. “Because all reigning monarchs do. Kings before you all knew the truth, but Vahaga was gauging your reaction to meeting your supposed guide. He’d hoped your father would be the first to reach you.”
“That’s what I told him.”
“Finally.” She raised her eyebrows, pinching her lips together. “A sensible decision.”
My patience was wearing thin. “Why does he want me to kill Vahaga?”
“He said Vahaga is a threat to you and that one of you will be the cause of the other’s death.” She pulled a dagger from a sheath attached to her hip, widening my eyes. “Make sure you’re the one to do it first.”
“You want me to murder the high priest?”
“Yes, Winter. I want you to murder the high priest, then get the Sword of Impervius and stab it into the beating heart of the veil.”
“Why?”
“Because it will destroy the spirit realm.” A tear trickled down her cheek. “I have already said good-bye to my son. He wants to be at peace, and once I know you are safe and Vahaga is dead, I want you to let your brother free.”
Prickles of cold ran through my arms as I picked up the sharpened dagger. It had a ruby handle, and I was sure she’d taken from the royal collection. She unfastened the sheath and handed it to me too. “It has to be you. André was clear; one of you must cause the other’s death.”
“Why help me? I know you want to help André, but why help me?”
Her eyebrows furrowed. “I know I have been hard on you.”
I scoffed a laugh. “Understatement.”
“I’ve had to. We are royals, born to lead, and I’ve had to act out of duty, but I have always cared for you. You are my daughter. Now.” She clicked her tongue, turning her back toward me. “Let me know when it’s done, and don’t mess it up.”
I shot her a scathing look. “I didn’t with my father, and I won’t with Vahaga.”
She arched an eyebrow, turning slowly to face me. “What did you say?”
“You heard me. You keep thinking I’m not strong or know duty, but you have no idea what I’ve had to do to get where I am.”
The corner of her eye twitched. “Well then.” An air of composure returned to her features. “Get on with it.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Vahaga’s snakelike eyes latched onto me as I tried to move through the hallway. “Your Majesty.” His sly voice slithered through me.
My heart raced as he closed the gap between us, the corner of his lip curled up into a sneer.
“I’m so glad you survived the attack, at your own coronation too.” He shook his head. “I can’t possibly know how it feels to have one’s own people hate you. I’m so sorry.”
I ran cold. The snarky, bold Winter I had faced him with was gone. The man standing in front of me was dangerous. He’d taken secret meetings, Nissa had said, and now I knew he was the most likely enemy to have orchestrated the attack. He was lying to almost every person in Magaelor, keeping us using magic, fueling the spirit realm so it remains, and harnessing energy from poor souls like my brother. I was sure the only reason my brother had been able to get through or wasn’t drained completely was because my father had perhaps tried to take care of him. Even he loved my brother. But my brother was a good man and, even in death, was trying to do the right thing.
“I’m just glad my guards were there to intercede.”
His gaze darkened. “It seems there is always someone there to protect you.”
“I can protect myself.”
He leaned down to whisper in my ear. “We shall see.” He pulled away, entwining his hands over his stomach and resting them against his pristine white robes. The many rings on his fingers jangled together. “The treasonist swines have been caught. They will be executed this afternoon.” He paused, watching me carefully.
I made sure to give nothing away in my expression. “Good. Let them hang. Anyway, I have meetings I must attend. The Ruby Circle is coming up soon, as it was delayed. I want to prepare.”
“I won’t keep you then.” His expression relaxed. He strode away, and I smiled, letting him think I was preoccupying myself with traditions and meetings. I couldn’t have him suspecting where I was going. Adius would be waiting for me.
Looking at my reflection, I didn’t even recognize myself, let alone worry about anyone else seeing who I was. I was ready in disguise, wearing the outfit of a kitchen server with flour powdered onto my cheek and hay hanging on the threads at the edge of my skirt. I wore an old, battered cloak taken from one of the maids, and I pulled the hood over my knotted bun. Shadows from the hood cast my features into animosity.
