He regarded her, still uncertain if he could trust her words. "And what path do you propose instead?"
"One where the rightful heir takes his place on the throne," Cara replied without hesitation. "You."
Cael blinked at her blunt declaration. "You . . . you would go against your own father to support my claim?"
Cara's expression hardened. "My father is not as enamored with the regent as Bres might think. He's suspected Bres of using his position for his own gain but hasn't had the means to prove it. The regent no longer acts in the best interests of Zyranth. Ifdeposing him is what it takes to restore order and dignity to our home, then so be it."
Cael searched her striking features, looking for any hint of deception. But he saw only a firm resolve burning in her silver eyes. "And how do you propose we go about this? Bres has me under heavy guard. And he's threatened to harm Midori if I don't comply."
"We cannot act rashly," Cara said, shaking her head. "Any overt attempts at defiance will only result in your uncle tightening his grip on power. And who knows what horrors he may inflict on your human friend."
Cael's heart twisted at the thought. He clenched his fists, the urge to lash out rising within him like a tidal wave of fury. But Cara placed a calming hand on his arm, her touch a surprising balm against his rage.
"The solution lies in securing allies among the Council of Elders first," she said, her voice level and assured. "My father still holds sway with many on the Council. If we can turn enough against your uncle and expose his misdeeds, we can strip him of his authority without the need for violence."
Cael considered her words, a glimmer of hope sparking to life in his chest. Could it be that simple? Undermine his uncle from within using the very power structure he'd tried to corrupt?
"You would stand with me?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Cara held his gaze, her expression resolute. "I stand with Zyranth, Cael. And you are its true heir, its only hope of restoring honor to the crown." Her hand found his, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "But you must trust me. Can you do that?"
Cael stared at their joined hands, his mind whirling. He knew trusting Cara came at great risk, but her words rang with a sincerity he could not ignore, a conviction which stirred something deep within him.
He met her gaze once more and gave a solemn nod.
TWENTY-TWO
Midori had never been a nail-biter in the past, but now she found the distraction necessary as she paced her prison chamber. The gossip from the attendants that morning as they set up a breakfast table on her behalf had set her mind reeling with dread. She couldn't stop thinking about it.
"A binding ceremony between Prince Cael and Lady Cara?" She muttered the words under her breath, feeling sick.
They're getting married? Today?!
How could this be happening? Just yesterday she had been in Cael's arms, sharing an intimate moment as they confessed their love for each other. His tender kisses still burned along her skin. And now—a marriage to someone else?
Midori sank onto the plush bed, burying her face in her hands as tears threatened. Was she just a passing dalliance? A mere human to be discarded once he returned to the obligations of his royal station? The sting of betrayal lanced her heart.
No, she couldn't believe that. Not after everything they'd been through together—the vulnerability he'd shown, the ways he'd protected her at his own risk. There had to be anexplanation, even if it evaded her now. Cael wouldn't do this to her. Something else had to be at play.
Midori sank deeper into the luxurious bedding, trying to make sense of the whirlwind events. Her mind drifted back to the previous night, when Cara had unexpectedly appeared in her chamber.
The heavy door creaked open, the regal Zyranthian woman striding in with purpose. Cara's striking features were unreadable, her lithe form moving with a predatory grace.
Cara held up a placating hand. "Peace, human. I mean you no harm." Her voice was low, her words clipped and precise. "In truth, I offer you an opportunity."
Midori's brow furrowed skeptically. "You expect me to trust you? Aren't you friends with Bres?"
A ghost of a smirk played across Cara's full lips. "On the contrary. I am no friend of the regent, despite what it may seem. In fact, there are mechanisms in motion to help bring about the end of his rule here on Zyranth. A resistance of sorts."
Midori felt her breath catch. A resistance? Could she dare hope for a way out of this?
"I need your trust, Midori," Cara stated plainly. "And in return, I vow to keep you safe and help reunite you with Cael. But you must do exactly as I instruct. Everything has changed with your unexpected arrival, and there are events being put into motion which must proceed as if everything is happening to Bres' plan. When the time is right, you'll be asked to play your part and win your freedom. And mine too, hopefully."
Midori raised her eyebrow at the woman's enigmatic words, but Cara didn't reveal more of the events to which she alluded.
"Can I trust you, human? Better yet, can you trust me when I say I want to help you?"
Their eyes locked in a penetrating stare for a long moment before Midori gave a slow nod.
