I snorted under my breath. That definitely hadn’t been one of my favorite games. Solei’s idea of entertainment was… not exactly child-friendly.
“What happened?” I asked, voice softer now.
Cyran shrugged, his fingers tapping on the desk. “He must have recognized something. Your heritage, maybe. He watched you for less than a minute and then said I was blessed. To have such a unique child under my care.”
My brows knit. “You thought he meant my healing ability…”
Cyran shook his head. “Apparently, he saw more than he let on.”
Zander stepped closer, his hand brushing against my arm, grounding me. “Mine and Ashlyn’s parentage isn’t the issue right now,” he said firmly. “We need to find out who’s framing me… and you.”
Cyran laughed, not unkindly, but bitter. “How naive you are, prince.”
Zander tensed beside me, but Cyran just waved a hand, standing to pace.
“First, you’re more noble than you realize, and that only proves one thing.”
He stopped, looking between us.
“The war is coming faster than any of us wants to admit.”
“We’re trying to stop it,” I said.
His lips curled, almost like he pitied me. “You’ve been defending a kingdom that plans to bleed you dry.”
The room was silent for a beat, the truth of it crackling in the air like a storm waiting to strike.
And maybe he was right.
Maybe the kingdom Zander and I fought for… was already lost.
ChapterFifteen
“We need to give Zander a new identity,” Solei said, arms crossed, her expression all steel and strategy. “He hasn’t spent much time in town, so passing him off as a lowborn rider shouldn’t be difficult.”
Zander gave her a look that said he wasn’t thrilled, but didn’t argue.
“Won’t the castle issue a warrant for him?” I asked.
Cyran let out a low grunt, amused and tired all at once. “And admit Theron allowed him to escape?” He shook his head. “Not likely. He’ll send covert operatives instead. Ones who know his face and mannerisms. Assassins who won’t ask questions.”
I nodded, rubbing a hand over my face. “Cyran’s right. Theron will never admit either of us outsmarted him. He’s probably already told the guild I’m on assignment.”
Cyran moved behind his desk, opening a drawer with the quiet click of a hidden lock. He pulled out a slim scroll and tossed it on the table.
“Your new name is Lockem.”
I blinked, frowning. “Really? Your dog’s name?”
Cyran gave me a slow, unrepentant smile. “It’s a good name. I loved that dog. It never disobeyed any command.”
Zander made a face like he couldn’t decide whether to be amused or offended, but before he could reply, Solei was already on the move.
“Come with me,” she said, throwing her cloak over her shoulders. “You need to be relocated to a safehouse.”
“Why not stay here?” Zander asked.
Cyran’s mouth tightened. “Because Theron has visited me here before. Not often, but once is enough.”
