“Many think she was plotting with her father,” Gerard said. “The two were close, and she would have been heir to the throne of the Grey Mountains if her father’s plan had been successful.” Gerard leaned forward. “And her behaviour has definitely changed recently since?—”
“She’s grieving!” Luther interrupted. “Of course her behaviour has changed!”
King Alaric shot Luther a cold look. Luther fell silent.
Gerard nodded. “Warden Jade is withdrawn and avoids others, spending much time in her room. As Luther stated, that could just be the natural behaviour of one grieving.”
“Onyx does not think it is her,” Luther said, voice calmer this time.
King Alaric stared at the wall as he thought, not engaging with what Luther said. “Continue to have her watched.”
“Of course,” Gerard said.
Luther bristled.
“We are watching and suspecting everyone, Luther,” Senta said. “It’s nothing personal.”
“Anyone else?” the king asked.
Gerard rattled off those they had considered and were watching closely, including Prince Florian of Botanial, who’d assisted his aunt in attempting to kill King Alaric, the queen consort, and Lord Barrett Morton. He was back in Botanial now, having been sent away by his mother. But he could be working with someone from there.
“Unfortunately, there is no one we truly suspect,” Gerardfinished.
King Alaric nodded, as if he’d expected that much. Unfortunately, all Gerard’s reports had ended similarly.
“You said you have spies amongst the servants ofmostof the different kingdoms. Which do you not have spies in?” Konrad asked.
Gerard glanced at their father. “Necros. They are very particular about selecting their servants, and it has been difficult to infiltrate them.”
Konrad sat up straighter and turned to King Alaric. “See. I told you!”
Gerard did actually suspect several of the necromancers, and if he were just talking to his father or Senta, he’d have said as much. But he didn’t like to bring up the necromancers and his concerns about them around Konrad. Konrad tended to fixate on them and only them. It derailed conversation.
Gerard cleared his throat. “I?—”
A knock sounded on the door.
Chapter
Thirty-Two
“Enter,” the king snapped, clearly displeased with the interruption.
Gerard’s muscles relaxed a fraction, as he was glad to be saved from that conversation with Konrad. His never-ending obsession with the necromancers grew tiresome.
A servant entered the room and bowed. “Your Majesties. Your Highnesses. Grand Monk Ferdinand requests an audience.”
King Alaric’s lips pressed together. “Fine. Send him in.”
A moment later, the grand monk appeared. He bowed low. “Thank you for seeing me.” He smiled and looked around the room. “I did not realise the whole family would be together.”
“Well, we are not thewholefamily,” Queen Consort Adelina corrected. “We have other children in Draconia.”
“Of course. I apologise for misspeaking.” The grand monk bowed again. “I am visiting the different rulers and checking if there is anything that can be done to assist with your comfort here in the White Monastery.”
“Have you heard any information about who might have been working with Warden Flint?” King Alaric asked.
The grand monk’s face fell. “That is a dreadful business. Just dreadful. I still cannot comprehend that someone would work so hard against peace. When one has seen the ravages of war and the destruction caused …” He shook his head.
