Had he somehow managed to escape his guards on the ship and slip into Ascor’s palace? Charmed his way in somehow? Victor could be lethally charming when he put his mind to it, hence his body count being so high. It didn’t really matter how those two met. The problem was, they had, they were in league with each other, and they were bound to be up to no good.
“Are they actually engaged?”
Tremon waffled a hand back and forth. “Not officially, not from what I gather. I spoke with Lord Victor’s retainer, and he claims there’s nothing in writing.”
“There’s that.” For what it was.
Tremon leaned in to add, “Here’s where it gets fucky. I spoke to several of Lord Victor’s staff, and no one seems to know how this happened. They’re also not sure how they ended up coming back here, as they were under firm orders to send Victor away for a year to sea. But they all obediently came back here on Lord Victor’s order and even they’re not sure as to why. I asked about Princess Valentina’s parents, how they felt about the engagement, and was met with shrugs. I’m not sure if they even know the princess is up here.”
“This situation is incredibly strange. I don’t like the sound of any of this.” I made a mental note to investigate further whena horrifying thought occurred. I blurted out, “Please tell me he didn’t actually bed her.”
“Well,theyclaim he hasn’t. But they also shared a ship cabin on the way up here, so…”
I crammed the rest of the muffin into my mouth, because at least the muffin brought me happiness and not more stress.
“Ah, I did nose my way around Lord Victor’s cronies, but I don’t think they were involved in the attack on you and Edwin. Everyone denied any knowledge of it, and some were worried they’d somehow be blamed since they’ve been on Lord Victor’s side before. I think it’ll take much more digging to get to the bottom of your attack.”
I groaned. I’d wanted a clear resolution to the attack, at the very least. Wonderful. Now I had fear of Edwin’s safety hanging like a sword over my head. With the way Tremon rattled off information, though… “What did you do, buy drinks for everyone?”
“They all needed it by the time the shitshow ended last night. I’ll submit the expenses to Edwin once he’s awake. I assume he still sleeps?”
“Yes, and don’t wake him. I did that too many times last night.”
Tremon’s expression turned sympathetic. “I’m sure you’re at your wit’s end. Rumor has it King Patrick was going to announce your new position as crown prince last night before Lord Victor waltzed in.”
“Vuheia smite him. I had a feeling but hoped I was wrong.”
“No, the paperwork for transferring the title to you has been done, from what I’m told. They were waiting on your agreement. No doubt they thought you wouldn’t tell them in public to go fuck themselves.”
“They’re wrong. I would have.” I let out a long sigh and tried not to feel overwhelmed. Rather failed. Fuck, I wasn’t sure whoI hated more right now, Victor or Valentina. I’d cheerfully attach ball and chain to both before tossing them into the deepest stretch of sea I could find. Ah, if only.
Tremon spread his free hand, the one not occupied by khavé. “What do you want me to do?”
“Slip poison into their foods.”
He gave me quite a look.
“What? It’s what I actually want done. Those two dead will do the world all sorts of favors.”
“I can’t disagree, but I’m not putting my neck on the line.”
“Spoilsport.” I tried to take his question more seriously. “I suspect Valentina is much like Victor—a problem child—so her parents are eager to off-load her on someone else.”
Knew that for a fact, actually.
“Dig into her more. See if I’m right. It might be the best way to sway my parents into dropping this whole idea of an engagement. The last thing we need is another Victor in-house. I want to know who actually let Victor off his naval vessel, too.”
“Understood. I’ll get on it.”
“Go sleep first.”
“Heh. I’ll sleep when I can.” Standing, Tremon gave me a bow before turning and leaving as quietly as he’d come.
Sipping more tea, I let the warmth soak into my mouth for a moment before swallowing. Tremon’s information wasn’t completely unexpected, but there were too many holes in the story. Men not knowing why they’d followed Victor’s orders? Were they telling the truth and magic of some kind was at play? Or had they been bought out? It made me think I was missing something, but something serious? Trivial? No way to know.
Another knock at the door and, this time, I’d bet it was Ramsey. “Enter!”
Sure enough, Ramsey entered, and while every greying hair was smoothed into place, the dark circles under his eyes told their own story. He, too, didn’t get much sleep last night.
