“Who are you? Show yourself,” she demanded.
“I am everywhere and nowhere. If you want to see me, come below, into the dark...” The last word was hissed out.
She reached for the door and yanked it open, but when she did, the hallway was empty. She stood there, panting for breath, waiting for the voice to mock her again, but she heard nothing. She closed the door again and paced to the other end of the room, massaging her temples. She’d been working herself too hard, and she was hearing things. That was all. Then the door opened, and Aristea nearly jumped out of her skin to see the captain standing in the doorway with a frown.
“Forgive my lateness, your majesty,” Captain Rosen said with a scooped bow.
Aristea pressed a hand to her chest as she tried to catch her breath. “It’s fine. I thought I heard someone speaking in the halls. Are you alone?”
Captain Rosen raised a skeptical brow. “I was…”
She opened her mouth to reply and then closed it again. The captain’s voice was deeper and gruffer than the melodic taunting voice she’d heard. It couldn’t have been her. But admitting out loud that she was hearing voices would make her look insane. Something that didn’t exactly instill confidence in a future ruler. On top of that, she was here to tease out information about Heinrich’s co-conspirators.
“I must have been hearing the wind.”
Captain Rosen looked concerned, but she didn’t press the issue. She walked over to her desk and offered Aristea a seat, which she took gratefully.
“Forgive my tardiness. We uncovered a new stardust den, and we were interrogating the men we captured.”
Then her hunch was right. Someone was still supplying the city.
“Did you find anything?” Aristea asked.
“I wish I had good news to share. But it feels as if we’re cutting the heads off a hydra.” Captain Rosen sighed. “Every time I take out a den, two more pop up. Is that why you came to see me?”
Aristea shook her head. The captain was direct and to the point. She wasn’t one for wordplay and subterfuge. It was a risk to play her cards, but Aristea reasoned it was better to be blunt. “I’ve come to the conclusion that Heinrich wasn’t the mastermind behind the stardust plot. I think either he might have been leaning on one of his friends, or they were pulling the strings.” She offered up her list, and Captain Rosen leaned forward to take it from her.
She silently scanned the list of names before setting it down again. “These are powerful men. I cannot simply arrest them without cause. It would incite unrest.”
“Believe me, I’m well aware. Is there anyone on this list who stands out among the rest?” Aristea asked as she studied Captain Rosen’s expression.
Captain Rosen tapped her fingers on the top of her desk as she considered the list.
“I cannot recall any connections to the names listed here. But I shall keep these names under advisement, and should any new developments emerge, I shall inform you straight away.”
It wasn’t what she’d hoped for, but Aristea tried not to show her disappointment on her face. “I thank you for your time, then.” Aristea began to stand.
“Though one name has come up that isn’t on your list,” Captain Rosen said.
Aristea turned to look at her. “Oh?”
Upon seeing the captain’s somber expression, Aristea sank back in her seat, and Captain Rosen folded her hands on top of her desk.
“As you’re aware, the men we’ve captured report receiving the stardust through an elven supplier. We were fortunate enough to catch one of these elves. And while he gave away little, Prince Mathias’ name did come up.”
Her stomach clenched. “Is my brother hurt or captured?”
“No.”
“Then that’s good news…”
“We don’t know much, but we learned he is no longer in the feral lands, and it appears he’s working with the elves. We have since received reports of him in the northern provinces. When members of the army tried to approach him, he fled and?—”
Her stomach sank. “Surely it was a mistake or some plot to sow discord?”
“He was seen by a former squad member of his who confirmed his identity. And he was also spotted in the home on the border of Duke Wagner’s territory.”
She didn’t add on the part that Duke Wagner’s father had famously introduced Heinrich’s father to elven mages who’d aided in his rebellion. The former duke had been executed, and his then-infant son had been spared and warded by the rival faction. But he might have sought revenge. She could see it all, but not Mathias. Sweet Mathias wouldn’t rally a rebellion. He was the family peacemaker. He wouldn’t attempt to rise against her. Unless the elves had gotten hold of him, put him under a spell...
