Page 65 of The Court of Secrets
“There were five men,” he replied, his jaw sharp as he stared ahead, poised for an attack as if someone could jump out from behind the honey blossom bushes. “Their plan, as far as we could tell, was to attack you as the coronation ended, from the side of the red carpet.”
I gulped. “They were Magaelor’s men,” I stated. “Edgar’s? Hired assassins from one of my enemies?”
He shook his head. “Monarchists. Someone had helped them inside. We are still investigating who was a part of the plot.”
“If they were monarchists, then why would they try to kill me? Their monarch?”
He hesitated. “They were under the impression you had committed regicide.”
Every hair on my body stood on end. The fear swallowing my expression must have been apparent. I exhaled the breath I’d been holding, forcing as normal of a look as I could. “Why would they think that?”
“They were loyal to your father. Someone had told them you were behind his death.”
“How do they think I supposedly killed him?” I asked. “Considering I was a kingdom away.”
“I came straight here after the initial…” He paused, staring at his battered knuckles. “Questioning. I’m sure their unfounded accusations will be brought to light.”
My heart pounded, and bile bit up my throat. “It’s a surprise they would think it.” I clasped my fingers together. “If I could have a moment, Adius. Please, go arrange your men.”
“We are securing the area. The house is being searched. If you can stay in this area, in view, until the threat is stabilized.”
I nodded. “Of course.”
He walked away, and it took everything in me not to collapse into a hyperventilating mess. Someone had helped from the inside, and those men said they’d been told I was behind my father’s death, which means someone knew. Someone in the castle. Whoever it was wanted me dead. If the truth came out without proof, if wouldn’t be enough. If they had evidence, however, I’d lose a lot more than my crown.
After a few minutes of pacing and calming my breathing, I hurried to the entrance of the house. “Adius,” I called.
He turned from where he was, grouped with four guards.
“I need to go back to the castle.”
“We can’t have you go back there until we’ve secured it and found the culprit.”
I hated to do it, but I didn’t have time to argue. “Adius, it wasn’t a request. It’s an order by your queen. Return me to the castle now.”
“We can’t.”
My eyes widened. “Did you not hear me? It’s an order.”
“My job is to keep you safe. If you have me let go for not obeying your orders, then so be it, but you will not be leaving this manor until the threat is secured, Your Majesty.”
I took a step back. Shock stunned me. The final carriage growled to a stop. I didn’t notice him at first, as I was still staring at Adius, until he spoke.
“Love?”
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
With the house and gardens finally secured, I walked with some privacy. Blaise was at my side, the only one apart from Morgana who knew the truth of how I had acquired the throne so soon.
“You shouldn’t have come.” I paused. “But I don’t hate that you did.”
A ghost of a smile etched on his lips. “I told you before, I’m not going anywhere.”
“We still need to keep our distance, until the curse over you is broken, but right now…” I closed my eyes for a moment, finding comfort in the blackness. “You’re the only one I can trust.” Since Morgana was locked away and not herself, it was true.
“My spies reported the men are being kept in the dungeons, and the lords and Vahaga are pushing for a swift execution.”
“I’m sure it’s one of them. They hate me enough and have the resources to have found out.”
