They left him for Wrath.
“Do you know what happened to her?” I ask hesitantly, putting our trust to the test. If Gottfried had a hand in killing my mother, then I am going to get to the bottom of it.
“No. All I know is that it was very sudden and unexpected,” he replies coldly. “She was incredibly beloved. Rykaris has truly never felt the same.”
There’s something Sebastian isn’t telling me. I can feel it—his previous caution exchanged for a warm willingness to help me escape. Why the change of heart so suddenly?
“Do you think they were in love?” I push him further.
Sebastian’s smile wanes. “Sometimes, royals do not get the luxury of marrying for love. You know this firsthand.”
I give him a slight chuckle. “Trust me, I know.” We turn the corner, stopping at the base of the castle stairs. “How long are you in town for?”
“Until Noctalis.”
I nod. “I’ll consider his offer.”
“Of course.” Sebastian bows, striding off.
I can’t leave Khalessor yet. If I do, I’ll lose all the progress I’ve made. Aurelia has already proven useful, gathering some gossip in the castle halls for me. Kaia is working on our new business venture. I’ve swayed many minds at the tavern, blending seamlessly among the townspeople.
I’m ready to take the kingdom down.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
I placea bubbling mug of ale on the table, sliding it toward a cloaked figure. Where I expect a coin in return, a thick black iron key stealthily glides in my direction. Reaching out, I pluck the key from the surface, wondering why someone would give it to me.
“To the back door of our new business. Figured you might not want to be seen going in the front,” a familiar, melodious voice says. “It’s located on the northwest side of town, next to the lodge.”
Tilting my head, I see beneath the hood a pair of dangerous brown eyes and freckled cheeks coming into view. Kaia. Surprise fills me. She followed through and didn’t steal my money. Though I’m unsure why she’s gone to such lengths to be stealthy.
“I’ll stop by as soon as I’m done.”
Kaia nods. “See you soon,” she says quietly, standing and quickly slipping from the tavern’s exit.
I turn to continue my work, trying my best to focus on serving the patrons, but my mind spins with the possibilities. I drop off more drinks, swapping full tankards for empty onesas soldiers and townspeople fill the tables around me. We’ve been busy; many northerners drink as a way to stave off the cold, warming their bodies from the inside before braving the snow.
As I wipe off a table, my gaze catches on someone as they enter: Gilead. He shakes the snow off his boots, walking to a small table in the corner of the tavern. He leans back in his chair, weary from a long day, still clad in armor.
“Anything to drink?” I ask with a smile, approaching him.
“Raelys?” His brows draw together at the sight of me. “What are you doing here?”
“Yes, I work at the Whispering Willow.” My tone is exasperated. “Why is everyone so surprised?”
“Have you looked around?” He huffs a laugh. “It isn’t the finest of establishments.”
“I like it.” I giggle, attempting to loosen his gruff and hard exterior. “So, what are you drinking?”
“Just an ale.” He slides a coin for me to take.
Grabbing his drink, I return to the table and slide him the tankard. “Here you go.”
“Thank you.” Gilead takes it. “And Raelys?”
“Yes?” I whirl, turning back to face him.
“Sorry for almost killing you in the gardens,” he says abashedly.
