We stepped outside the control room, the king calling the guards to his side. “Where are the mistresses now?”
“In your chambers, as requested.”
“Good, come, Tallis. Maybe we will find the answers we seek.”
Walking with the king to his quarters, I kept my expression plain and focused. Everything would be determined in a few moments. If I understood anything about the triplets, it was that their greatest desire was to rule beside the king and bear his heirs, though surprisingly none of them had become pregnant.
When we arrived at the king’s chambers, the two remaining sisters were huddled on his bed, crying. The moment I closed the door behind us, they ran to him, and he embraced them with open arms.
“My loves,” he whispered into each of their heads, making my stomach turn. “It is all right.”
“Please, don’t leave us alone again,” Stephani cried, hanging onto his neck. “We’re so scared.”
“Shh, there now.” King Kyros ushered the females back to the bed.
Stephani eyed me behind his back, the truth an evil lie between us.
What are you playing at, witch?
“Have a drink. It will ease your spirits.” The king undid his coat and tossed it over the nearby settee, then walked to the glass carafe on his table. “Tallis here will ask you a few questions about tonight.”
Noelle cried and moved away from the king to sit on the bed, refusing to look my way.
“Of course, my king,” Stephani said, clinging to his arm. “Anything to help find the one who slayed my sister.”
The king drank, swigging the entire contents of his glass before turning back to Stephani. He kissed her, pulling her against him.
Kyros did not deserve Moira.
Needing to leave this room, I cleared my throat. The king stopped and sat on the settee, pulling Stephani onto his lap.
“Tell Tallis what you know.” He tugged at her dress, pulling it down until her shoulder was bare.
While the king fancied himself to her body, her dark gaze stayed on mine. “We stayed back from the funeral procession. We wanted to respect the queen’s wishes. Though she hates us for no reason, we respect her.”
“Of course, you do.” The king kissed the back of Stephani’s neck.
Noelle walked over to him carrying a drink. She lifted it to his lips and after he had finished, he pulled her down to kiss her next. Though it was not uncommon for the king to have mistresses, I did not wish to witness his betrayal.
If I had to stomach this scene any longer, I would not be able to hold my disdain.
Stephani’s mouth curved into a smile. “We were about to leave when someone attacked us. Bianca barely had time to scream. He said he came in the queen's name.”
“A strong accusation,” I said. “Your proof?”
“He had one of her moon blades. Surely, the queen would not give her precious weapons over easily?”
“If the queen wanted you dead, you would not be standing.” A breeze swept through the room as my power started manifesting.
“Tallis,” the king’s voice warned. “I know the queen is dear to you, but if this is true, she will need to be tried.”
I glared at the king. “Someone is framing the queen.”
“Framing?” the king said with surprise in his voice. “Interesting.”
“Lies!” Stephani said, glaring, hands fisted as she rose from the seat. “The queen has wished us dead since the moment we arrived. She saw the connection we had with the king. She’s jealous. The king loves us, and she can’t stand it!”
“Easy.” The king pulled Stephani back into his lap, her chest heaving. “Tallis has a valid point. The queen would not give over her blades unless she did it herself and well, if you are accusing the queen of murder, we have a very serious situation on our hands, don’t we?”
