Visions of Malesh and Melania flashed before my eyes, followed by Eamon’s broad grin and Riordan’s knowing smirk.
I couldn’t just turn them over to my father and the Crimson Enclave.
My heart hammered against my ribs as I considered my options. I could lie, feed him something inconsequential that would appease my father. But what would happen when he discovered the deception?
The blade pressed deeper, not enough to break skin, but enough to remind me of my vulnerability.
I tugged on the hand covering my mouth. “If you scream or try to draw attention to yourself, I’ll cut that bastard from your belly without even thinking twice. Do we understand each other?”
Fear coiled tight in my chest, but I managed a sharp nod. Slowly, he withdrew his palm, and my tongue darted out, wetting my lips.
“Well?” the man demanded, his hot breath against my ear.
Knowledge of the rebels seemed like the logical choice. Every kingdom had enemies, so it felt safe enough to share.
“There are rebels working against the Unseelie Crown.”
A low, throaty laugh rumbled against my back, making me freeze.
“Do you think this is a game, little girl? We know about the rebels. Who do you think orchestrated everything?”
Right. The Crimson Enclave had been the prime suspect from the outset. I’d somehow forgotten that in my panic.
I swallowed hard. “Tell my father the council cannot agree on how to handle the rebels. Ryker’s position is weakening. Some councilors are actively working against him.”
It wasn’t a complete lie. They had debated the best course of action, and Fallon was sowing seeds of discord among the members, but Ryker’s authority was far from diminishing.
“You’ve told me nothing I don’t already know,” he growled.
“Your source inside the palace is going to betray you.” The words spilled from my mouth before I could think better of it, piquing his interest.
I had no idea if it was true, but I was betting the traitor sat on the Unseelie Council and wouldn’t risk their neck to save the Crimson Enclave when their own would be on the block beside them.
“Go on.”
“The Unseelie Council knows there’s a traitor in the palace, and they’re using the next shipment as bait.”
My mind raced as I tried to figure out how much to share without compromising my own plans. “They are going to have hidden guards out of sight, and when you attack, they will surround you.”
“What makes you think our contact wouldn’t warn us?”
“Because the Prince suspects someone on the council, the trap is two-fold.”
The blade dug deeper against my stomach, a silent demand for me to continue. “If your source warns you of the ambush, they identify themselves as one of the council.”
“But if they keep quiet and allow us to be caught, then they deflect any suspicion from themselves,” the man surmised.
“Exactly. Regardless of the outcome, it’s a win for the Prince. Either the threat resolves, or he narrows the list of suspects considerably.”
Silence fell between us, and I felt his grip loosen as he considered my words. The dagger, however, remained pressed against my abdomen.
“Your father will be pleased,” he said.
“Why only food stores?” I asked before I could help myself. The question had been nagging at me since the council meeting.
“Because hungry people are careless, more desperate, prone to making mistakes.”
I could hear the cold amusement in his tone, and I recoiled from his touch.
