I’ll write a letter and threaten to expose this to his wife if he doesn’t accommodate my demands. Aurelia will know which room in the castle he’s staying in and could slip it under the door for me. The people of Khalessor will be hungry without food, while the royals party lavishly in the castle, causing resentment to fester.
“Excellent,” I reply, grabbing a quill and beginning to write. “Do you know his wife’s name?”
“Felicity,” Kaia replies. “He’s mentioned her to me a few times in passing.”
“Foul,” I comment under my breath. If a man is unmarried, he can do what he pleases, but to have a wife and spend that much on courtesans is revolting.
“I did try to extort the Master of Coin, but he told me that money was to pay off Thalvar,” Kaia explains.
“So I’ve been told. He covered Corovya in secret,” I reply, recounting the gossip I heard from Taryn. “Does that mean Corovya is in financial trouble?”
“It would appear so.”
“I wonder why…” I muse, setting down the quill and folding up the letter, sealing it with wax by spreading it across the seam with my thumb.
If I can find a way into Noctalis, then I can observe the highborns directly rather than relying on secondhand information. I can ask Wrath for an invitation, but he will likely find my request suspicious. If this is a sacred event, will the presence of a ‘human’ sully it?
“Any news of this rebellion I keep hearing of?” I ask her, moving to my next topic.
“No.” She shakes her head. “But all rumors are rooted in a bit of truth, so there must be something out there. We’re just not looking in the right place.”
That is excellent advice.
“You’re right.” I agree with her. “Where should I look?”
“If the tavern and the manor aren’t working, perhaps the castle? Or the gambling hall?” Kaia suggests.
“They’re more secretive than that,” I counter.
“Hmm…” Kaia hums beside me, tapping her pointer finger to her lips. “Have you ever tried wandering around alleys at night?”
“That’s an excellent way to get killed,” I deadpan.
She laughs. “Well, shady dealings happen in secretive spots.” Kaia is right. I need to gain access to covert places. “Is your web weaving around your target?” she asks curiously.
“Slowly,” I reply.
After destabilizing the North, Valentin can launch an advantageous attack when spring arrives. Maybe then, I’ll finally be free. If he wins the war, Valentin could conquer theentire continent, forcing the other monarchs to bend the knee.
All of this will be over soon.
Standing, I slip the letter into my sleeve and gather my things. “What time does Lord Cerian usually stop by?”
“Very late at night,” she replies. “Around the hollow hour.”
I nod. “Thank you.”
“See you.” Kaia winks as I leave.
Exiting out the back of the manor, I make my way back to the castle. It is about midday, meaning Aurelia is still around. The halls are significantly busier than I’ve ever seen them, many new faces passing by. My steps are brisk as I make my way to the kitchens, weaving through the crowd. Opening the door, I see Aurelia stirring a large pot of stew, while Bryn and the other girls work on cutting various pieces of freshly butchered meat.
“Hello, Princess, did you need anything?” Aurelia asks warmly.
“Stop by my room after your shift,” I tell her, taking a bowl of food with me.
“Of course.” She smiles, returning her attention to her work.
Heading back to my room, I kneel beside the hearth, stacking a few dry logs into the center. I close my eyes, trying to feel the magic around me as I open my palm. Inhaling a deep breath, I command, “Fire.”
