“King Merrick believes you’re a trusted ally. A voice of wisdom and reason in a court overflowing with ambition.” I lifted my hand and pretended to study my nails while, instead, I watched him from the corner of my eye. “But even the most loyal allies can falter. Pressure, secrets, even outside influence. These things could twist even the most resolute lords.”
Zeiger’s scowl deepened, and he straightened his shoulders. “You have no proof of anything, and if you think I’ll entertain a baseless interrogation, you’re mistaken. My actions speak for themselves.”
I leaned forward, planting my boots on the floor with a heavy thud. My quiet voice cut through the room. “Your recent actions concern me.”
“The kingdom has thrived under my counsel,” he bit out.
“For now. Please make sure you don't step into the wrong corridor. Someone might mistake your intentions.”
His mask slipped, his lips parting as though to retaliate before he caught himself and tightened his face.
“You escorted the new queen to Merrick. A grand gesture of allegiance. Yet on nights like these, it’s the whispers, not the shouts, that the king hears the loudest.”
“I owe you no explanations.”
“No, but you owe the king and queen everything, and you'd be wise not to forget it.”
“Leave my home,” he snarled. “You have no power here.”
“Is that what you truly believe?” I didn't miss the subtle shake of his hands.
“You're grasping at mist, Lorant. Your innuendos won’t change my place in this court.”
“Status is such a fragile thing. Don't you agree? Yours appears swayed by conversations conducted in moonlight. Take care whereyou tread.”
He glanced away for only a moment. “I serve the kingdom, as always.”
“Then there won't be any issues, will there? Don't let your ambition confuse you about who wears the crown.” I stepped around the desk, stalking through the space between us. “Make your loyalty known, High Lord, and do it soon and without question before someone misreads your intentions. Or worse, exposes them.”
“Don’t threaten me,” he growled.
I paused as I was passing him. “I never threaten. I act.” Done for the evening, I continued toward the foyer, sensing Reyla following.
See? No assassination needed.
A clang behind me was followed by a whoosh.
A torturous grunt.
And a heavy thud.
I spun, a blade already in my hand to find Zeiger lying on the floor, a sword in his grip and one of Reyla’s special blades buried deep in his back.
27
Reyla
From their discussion, I suspected High Lord Zeiger was working with Erisandra to depose Merrick and take the throne. They’d discovered the plot, and Lorant had come here to make sure Zeiger knew what would happen if he didn’t publicly make it clear he was loyal to Merrick.
High Lord Zeiger had not enjoyed the result of their conversation.
I’d watched as Lorant strode past the high lord, stopping to deliver one final parting shot. “I never threaten. I act.” He’d continued toward the foyer.
I’d hustled after him, mostly concerned about not brushing against Zeiger as I went by.
I didn’t expect the high lord to rush to the wall arrayed with various swords, some ornamental, others showing clear use. Awoman who battled on the regular could recognize a good blade almost with her eyes closed.
So could Zeiger. He lifted a rather dinged-up sword from the wall and gouged the weapon toward Lorant’s back.
