But as he’s questioned about his relationship with Gen, frustration prickles beneath my skin—at him, at her, at the political game they played in the name of their countries, at how Gen was willing to sacrifice so much, even her own comfort and safety, for Naseria.
I hate this place. I hate what it’s done to her. And a desperate part of me wonders if she’s abandoned me again. Irrational, yes—Gen has never given up on me—but the fear is there all the same.
When the prosecution begins their questioning, I see the shift immediately. The jury doesn’t believe a word Leland says.
“Your gift has a way of relaxing a person against their will,” the prosecutor says. “Potent, even without touch. Are you capable of manipulating, say, the judge or jury in this case?”
Leland stares at him, stunned. Of course hecould—but he never would. He’s always been honest to a fault, fair and just, never willing to use his gift to compromise others. It’s why he let Gen go. It’s why the very idea of marrying her became abhorrent once he realized what their combined gifts did to each other.
He says as much, speaking of honor and integrity, but the doubt in the room is unmistakable. He was my strongest chance at freedom, and now his word has been compromised.
The judge calls for a short break. I turn to Leland and thank him for everything he’s done. There’s a hum of chatter on the prosecution’s side—too much confidence, too many proud smiles.
We suspected they had a secret witness, but I’m not prepared for Princess Marielle Ashcroft to approach the stand.
Dread sinks in my chest. They won’t have to work hard to prove my guilt with an Ashcroft willing to speak against me.
48
Genevieve
“Genny, please, I have to speak to you,” Mari says as she trails after me through my rooms. I’m too nervous to sit still. I’m due in the courtroom in minutes, and I don’t have time to listen to her unless it’s directly about the trial.
“Is this about the trial?”
The guilt in her eyes makes a terrifying realization dawn on me. She could be used against Kieran. It would make sense. She’s always been a thorn in our mother’s side—the most unruly child of the Ashcroft brood—and always eager to ingratiate herself. And she was injured by the rot during Leland’s and my engagement party.
“Tell me you’re not speaking for the prosecution,” I demand. The words come out sharp as daggers, and Mari flinches.
She shakes her head but says, “I don’t want to, but I know things, and Mother expects me to speak up. If I don’t, she’s threatened to have me put on trial. I cannot stand trial, Genny. I’m not strong enough for that. You can’t understand.”
Then I see it—a tiny patch of rot where her bare hand touched my wardrobe.
“Mari, what are you not telling me?”
“It’s me,” she whispers. “I’m the cause of the rot. Or rather, Mother’s made me into the cause. I didn’t mean to kill that servant, I promise. I haven’t meant to do any of the harm here or in Crawford. But if I admit I’m guilty, Mother will have me put on trial and killed. She’s told me so herself.”
My face scrunches in disbelief, and I back away from her. “You’re the one spreading the rot? But how is that possible? You don’t even have a gift.”
Then I remember the stories of miners exposed to helachite at dangerous levels, the way Kieran described the agony of being forced into a gift, the scar on his face marking him as a turned blueblood.
“Mother forced it on you, didn’t she?” I ask.
Mari’s face crumples in a pained agreement.
“At first I wanted to do it. It was her suggestion, but I agreed. I didn’t want to be like Gabriel—always taunted for being a useless spare. Then it hurt. It hurt so badly I wanted to stop, but Mother wouldn’t allow it. She kept pushing me and pushing me until I became gifted with a touch that spreads death.”
I shake my head, a cold certainty settling over me. There are no circumstances under which I allow my mother to continue ruling this family or this country.
“You have to share the truth. You have to speak up, or Kieran will die for something he isn’t guilty of.”
“I don’t know if I can do it, Genny. I’m frightened.”
“Mother’s time as Queen of Naseria has run short. She must be held accountable for her actions and step down. I will protect you and doeverything in my power to make Naseria the kingdom it should be. But you have to be brave, Mari. Promise me you’ll tell the truth.”
Her eyes flood with tears, and she nods. “I will. I promise.”
I turn toward the door. There’s hardly a moment to lose, and I can’t risk the trial beginning without me. It would devastate Kieran if I wasn’t there beside him, and I’m already late.
