I blew out a breath. The knowledge could help stop the attacks on our ships. But without the text, I couldn’t possibly know where to start.
“Anything else I might help you with?” the librarian asked sweetly.
Maybe she too would murmur rumors in the halls if given the chance. The thought was enough to make my face heat. They were all blatantly disrespecting me, and they weren’t even trying to hide it. Without a reply, I turned and headed out for my father’s study.
Hours passed as I thumbed through books and papers, looking for anything to aid in solving the issues I faced. Old missives sat stacked, one pile of those I’d already scanned and an even larger pile that I’d yet to look through. It could take weeks to find a single sentence that might assist in my endeavors.
I could always go to my father, but now I only went to him with problems after I’d found a solution. Soon enough the future of Rivale would rest solely in my hands. But I wanted him to finally believe in me before he died.
The clock chimed, I glanced up and saw the small hand on the number five. I’d spent most of the day hunched over a desk and had accomplished nothing. I headed to my rooms to prepare for the gathering.
The halls were exceptionallyquiet as I made my way toward the common sitting room. Leanna had planned the entire event and said that holding a formal dinner would give off the wrong impression. She’d thought it would be better to have an informal gathering with a grazing table and a constant flow of wine or beer. I vetoed the beer and added desserts instead.
“Any news from Kuroden?” I asked Hunt. “Missives from either Audryn or Grave?”
“Nothing, Your Highness,” Hunt walked a little too close. “Were you expecting something? I can inquire with the steward.”
“Check in to make certain.” I waved him away and gestured for the guards to open the doors.
The voices in the room spilled into the hall the moment the double doors opened. The room was exquisitely decorated. Blue flowers adorned sea-themed vases and overflowed out of tall column stands. The windows along the southern wall were left open, allowing the sea-salt air to breeze in.
I stood at the threshold of the room waiting for the occupants to notice I had entered, but they remained huddled near the center with their backs to me. A loud roar of laughter erupted from the group. Maybe Leanna had hired an entertainer of sorts to occupy the nobles, but she should have scheduled their arrival for later in the evening.
Looking up at the clock, I noted it was six on the mark. I glanced at the grazing table to see several platters already empty. Even the desserts had started to be picked through.
Another boom of cackles and my impatience teetered on anger. One lord looked over to me and nudged the person next to him. Slowly, the crowd quieted and the sea of people parted.
Leanna stood in a full, long-sleeved light blue gown with shimmering gold beads swirling over it entirely. Her hair was placed in a modest updo with a thin tiara embedded within. She looked utterly royal, unlike me, who’d skipped donning regalia altogether.
“Brother.” Leanna extended her arm and gestured to me. “Please, come and greet our guests.”
They weren’tourguests; they weremyguests.
I looked at the people and lazily walked toward her. Each noble dropped into a bow as I approached. Maris and her father, Levi, stood to the side and offered deep reverence.
“Good evening.” I forced a smile. “Apologies for my late arrival. I was held up with some important matters that needed to be dealt with.” Lying wasn’t ideal, but admitting I was given incorrect information would be worse.
“Oh, no.” Leanna feigned worry. “I do hope the resistance has not targeted you again.”
My eyes went wide as rage coursed through me. If there weren’t at least two dozen people watching, I would’ve dragged her from the room.
“There’s no need to worry.” She looked around the group. “My brother is an excellent fighter and strategist, I’m sure he has a plan already being drawn up. Especially since he’s unable to use Divine magic.”
What the fuck was she doing? Had she gone mad? My stomach nearly fell out of my body as I contemplated a response.
“With the ban our father has enacted and all.” Leanna shrugged and batted her eyelashes.
Lord Sanson cleared his throat and spoke. “Does your father prohibit you from using your magic, but not the guards?”
My loudmouthed sister hadn’t thought her words through; perhaps she was menstruating and it wrecked her mind. I kept my eyes on her, but she only held my stare.
“Why use magic when you have people to use it on your behalf?” I offered a chuckle and looked around the group, hopeful they’d agree.
“But youcoulduse magic if needed, right?” the lord asked.
“Are you questioning my ability?” I found the man’s brown eyes and silently dared him to continue.
“I am only pointing out that I have never seen you use your ability. In fact, most are not even aware of what Divine magic you possess.” He raised a brow.
