It has come to my attention that my loyal efforts to secure the stability of Moanalei Kingdom have been undermined by those closest to me—specifically, the twins entrusted with sensitive duties.
Their actions have proven not only disloyal but dangerous, threatening the peace and security of all in the Tempest Seas. Intelligence reports confirm their intentions are in direct opposition to the crown’s interests, rendering them a liability that can no longer be tolerated.
I hereby request that Your Majesty exercise your authority to detain and permanently remove these individuals. Theircontinued existence poses an unacceptable risk, and their elimination is necessary for the preservation of order and loyalty. Their father is gone and their mother’s origins are from Corallure. Thus they are under your jurisdiction.
I trust Your Majesty’s judgment and discretion in this matter, and expect swift and decisive action.
With respect and allegiance,
Her Majesty High Queen Sereth of Moanalei Kingdom
For a moment,I couldn’t speak.
The twins just gaped, wide eyed.
“This is a death sentence,” I said.
“She wouldn’t,” Niko whispered, stunned. Then yelled, louder, “You’re lying!”
“How could he?” Lilo snapped back at him. “How could he be lying? We saw papa on the ship! He’s not dead… soshehas to be lying.”
And then they argued, their faces red with anger, betrayal, and confusion.
“Stop!” I ordered and they both turned to me. A tear streaked Lilo’s face.
I felt sorry for her.
Truly sorry.
“Leave Malia alone,” I said.
Niko shook his head. “You’re trying to twist all of this. Sereth wouldn’t kill us. All she’s ever done is care for us.”
“She’s trained us to be killers,” Lilo said, grabbing her brother’s arm. “Maliacared for us, Niko! She loved us–”
“She would’ve given us that poison–”
“Niko!” Lilo threw her hands up. “Can’t you see?”
But her brother was inconsolable. He grabbed her arm. “Come on, we have to get out of here.”
Not before I stopped them. I stepped forward and they both froze. “Don’tevershow your faces around here again,” I said. “Leave Malia alone, or next time you try to hurt her, you will not be so lucky.”
“If Sereth hears you’re crossing her plans, she might not take it well,” Lilo warned, but I didn’t care.
“Give me your word–”
“We can’t,” Niko said plainly. “We don’t serve you. We serve Sereth.”
Even after they heard the letter? They still didn’t believe me?
It was then I realized that, no matter what, Malia might not be safe.
That killed me.
For a moment, I considered my options. It would not be hard to dispose of the twins, right here. Right now.
But I’m not a murderer.That hit me like a storm wave.
