Page 11 of The Fae Queen's Revenge

“I believe so,” the duke replied. “If you’ll forgive my temerity, I would like to ask that His Highness leave for the remainder of my report.”

The king’s lips thinned. “Denied. Do not test my patience.”

Duke Aony’s fist clenched at his side, but he was wise enough not to argue. “I’m afraid the messenger expressed repeated concern about Prince Ber, Your Majesty. Apparently, His Highness demanded a private audience with High King Toren and even ended up changing his plans to stay in the palace overnight.”

From the sly, sidelong glance the duke darted Ber’s way, the man expected this information to be a surprise. Which was why giving a semblance of the truth was always better than a full lie. Ryenil waved his hand again. “All part of the plan. How is it relevant?”

“I…” Finally, Aony was at a loss for words, but the blessed silence didn’t last nearly long enough. “The messenger implicated Prince Ber as the spy who might have stolen the missive.”

Ber laughed with every speck of humor he could summon from the ether. “A spy? Me, work with my bastard of a brother? I haven’t been in accord with the man since infancy, and for all I know, we fought in the womb. What possible reason would the messenger have to suggest such a ridiculous thing?”

The duke’s claim must have been fabricated, considering the way he floundered there, his mouth agape, as Ryenil’s expression darkened with anger. Since Tes’s so-called death, Ber’s plans had gone terribly awry, but for once, his well-laiddeception paid off. The king believed absolutely in the schism between the brothers, so Aony would need far more proof than he’d offered to convince Ryenil of the falsehood.

Even if that falsehood was the actual truth.

“I can’t imagine his reasoning,” Duke Aony finally managed.

A fatally weak counter.

“According to a different report I received, the messenger made no mention of that claim,” the king said in a clipped, dangerous tone.

Duke Aony paled. “Not…not in so many words, Your Majesty. But I thought the implication was clear from the way he spoke. I must have been mistaken. If you prefer, I will complete another session with the man to clarify.”

“I should have you placed in the cell beside him,” Ryenil said.

“Now, Father,” Ber interjected, offering a fake smile to Aony. “The duke appears to be a little jumpy and overzealous after his misstep with the princess. Also, I understand he has a younger sister preparing to debut in society. With so much on his mind, his attention to detail has surely slipped. Perhaps we ask too much of him.”

King Ryenil’s eyes narrowed on the duke. “A younger sister, you say? Put her on the list of potential wives to consider once you’re out of mourning.”

Aony could have been a statue, enchanted into solid stone by a wicked sorcerer. Though bile rose up Ber’s throat, he nodded in agreement. “An excellent thought, Father. It would be an honor to be aligned with House Aony. There are a few other ladies higher on the list, but depending on how things go, the duke’s sister might move to the top.”

The duke flinched, the message received—cross me, and I’ll take your sister.

This place truly was the worst.

Chapter 6

False Light

Working as Cairi’s assistant proved to be an interesting task, though it barely distracted Tes from the ever-present ache taking up permanent residence in her chest—physically and metaphorically. She’d barely weaned Speran, and her breasts still ached occasionally with the sad reminder that she’d had to leave her son behind. Each time one of her breasts brushed up against something as she worked, the twinge of pain made longing pinch her heart like one of the clamps holding the large glass globes steady.

The usual topics of conversation didn’t help. In the two days since Tes had become an apprentice, Cairi had slowly updated her on current events in Centoi. Although not noble, Cairi spent a fair amount of time quietly installing light globes in noble houses, and she’d overheard more than one alarming sentiment. And no few plots. The king might be enamored with Ber, but the nobility was largely wary of him in Tes’s absence.

It was flattering, really, to hear how upset most were at her death. Apparently, she was regarded as the soul of kindness—bordering on godly—for remaining gracious despite her father. They whispered of her strength in standing firm beside him, when she’d always assumed the populace found her weak. She’d never guessed how much they’d anticipated her eventual reign.

But would they accept her as the fierce woman who returned to get revenge on her treacherous husband? If they loved her for her temperance, they might hate her for shattering the illusion. A precious, virtuous princess didn’t stab a knife through her husband’s chest.

Shecertainlydidn’t usurp the king.

Yet that was inevitable, too. He’d gone too far with his actions toward High King Toren. If his thirst for power ruined the alliance between their kingdoms, the people would suffer, even the usually insulated nobles. Once the whole of it was revealed, Tes would have a great deal of support—initially. The question was whether her besmirched reputation would help or hinder beyond that point.

Sighing, Tes infused magic into another globe and tried to force the glum thought from her mind.

She hadn’t yet succeeded when Cairi hurried into the room. “The steward sent confirmation. We’ll be checking the palace light globes tonight.”

“I hope I’ll be able to provide adequate help,” Tes said.

Cairi smiled. “I’m sure all will be well.”

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