“I'm leaning toward an enchantment,” I said. “Mind control can be done with potions, but it's difficult to administer and isn't reliable.”
“Is this enough to prove the Chelli's innocence?” another knight asked.
The King grimaced. “It's hard to counter that evidence. Keep looking.”
“For what, Your Majesty?”
“Anything suspicious.” He waved them out. After they left, he turned to face me. “Whoever targeted Luvin, they did their research.”
“Yes.” I went to the little bed and pulled back the covers. “Not only is he a member of the kitchen staff, but his home is also accessible. At least, by a professional.” I went still.
The King caught it immediately. “A professional what?”
Wincing, I looked back at the King, flipping the covers back into place as I did. “Could be either a thief or an assassin. Both have the skills to scale a wall.”
“So,yourtype of professional.”
I met his stare. “Yes.”
“Why would an assassin enchant someone else to do their job?”
“A tool is a tool. You don't have to make the killing blow to be a killer. If this was the easiest way to do the job, they'd go with it. Honestly, it's brilliant. No one would suspect a Chelli, nor can Luvin point the finger at the true assassin.”
“So, we're in the wrong place. We should look in the Forgotten.”
I stiffened. “Not all assassins live in my district.”
“No, but you must admit there's a good portion of them there.”
“And how would you find the correct one? Shall we simply round up every resident? Or maybe we should search every home in the Forgotten? After all, if you live there, you must be up to no good.”
“Ru, I didn't mean to insult you,” the King gentled his tone. “It is simply the truth.”
I sighed and reminded myself who I was and who I was speaking to. “Yes, I know. But with nothing to go on, searching the Forgotten is useless.”
“Searching, yes, but you must know many people there. Surely, someone can help us?”
“You mean, you want me to find a rat?”
The King huffed heavily. “I've upset you, and now you're prickly. I understand. But can you, please, cut it the fuck out? I'm trying to find the person who wants me dead.”
“Fine. I'll ask around the Forgotten.” I headed for the door.
The King grabbed my hand and stopped me. “Ru.”
I looked up at him.
“Thank you.”
Closing my eyes on an exhale, I said, “You're welcome. I'll meet you back at the castle.”
“Wait. You're not going alone.”
“Yes, I am. No one will talk to me with you there.”
“I'm in disguise.”
“You're still a stranger. Go home, Your Majesty. I'll return in the morning.”
