“At least part Fae,” Holly says.
“Which, as we discussed earlier, is any hybrid,” Elle grumbles.
“So, they don’t have much,” I say, dejected.
I sink back into the couch and take another sip of wine. If the only lead we have is that someone used a portal to enter their private home, we have next to nothing.
As if reading my mind, Elle says, “I think the fact that they’re considering that it was someone close to the family is a strong lead. There aren’t many people that King Silas would have invited to his personal home. They don’t have a heavy security presence there. It would have had to be someone he trusted,” she responds.
“Or someone that Adelaide or Etta trusted…” Holly whispers, trailing off.
“Was Etta seeing anyone?” I ask, sitting up again.
Holly goes preternaturally still, immediately reminding me of her deer lineage. “Actually…there was a rumor that she had just begun casually seeing one of the princes, but nobody knew who…” She stares off into the distance.
This all just got a little bit scarier. When you think about someone being murdered, you assume you’re safe. You assume the murderer will be caught and that it won’t penetrate your circle of safety. But if Etta had invited a prince over, that prince may have been involved in her murder. And if that’s the case, it’s possible that I’m about to date a potential killer.
“Has anyone been questioned yet?” I ask.
Holly shrugs. “I’m not sure. I only know about the leads because I overheard Luca and Ivan discussing it in the library while you two were training.”
I settle back into the couch, nursing the glass of wine. Elle and Holly shift the conversation to a new café that opened in a nearby town, but I can’t focus.
I can’t shake the feeling that I might be dating my father’s murderer soon.
Chapter 9
I never thought I’d be so thankfulto spend my days learning about the histories of the courts, but the next day passes by in a blur of lessons with Holly, followed by more training with Elle. Both training sessions leave me mentally and physically exhausted, which prevents me from overthinking the murders, the princes, and my upcoming coronation.
It’s Saturday morning, and I’m sitting beside Elle in the Herd’s meeting room. We all met here early this morning to review the details of the funeral for this afternoon before reviewing the recent updates to the murder investigation.
“Mae, the team investigating the murders has good reason to believe that the culprit is someone close to the family, meaning they’ll likely be in attendance today. You are not to leave the sides of both Elle and Luca. Do you understand?” Ivan’s stare is straight-faced, any trace of his usual smile long gone.
After I nod, he continues, but his eyes don’t leave mine, “Good. We have no idea what their motivation was for killing your father, and we have no idea if they’re going to try to come after you next.”
“Understood,” I say soberly.
His eyes move away from me and back to the rest of the circle. “After the funeral, the guests will be invited to the main terrace for drinks. After the event, everyone but the princes will be escorted from the grounds while the princes are escorted to the guest cottage.”
At the mention of the princes, I start a little. I didn’t realize I’d be meeting them today. I clench my jaw tightly, anxiety settling in my stomach.
“How many people will be there?” I ask.
“I’m not sure, but the funeral is closed to the public. Only members of the Houses and members of our court are invited,” Holly says.
“Would it be possible for me to see Cally before the coronation?”
“Of course,” Ivan says. “I’ll arrange for her to come here tomorrow morning.”
“Thank you,” I say, gratefully. I haven’t gone this long without speaking to her since we first met. After my father’s funeral and meeting the High Houses, I know I’ll need her.
Ivan claps his hands. “Speaking of the coronation, let’s discuss the agenda.”
I nod, trying hard to focus on Ivan’s detailed agenda for the next day, but all I can think about is the funeral and the reception. I’ll meet the High Houses today. I take a swig of my coffee and swallow hard, wishing it wasn’t just coffee.
After we finish our meeting, I head upstairs to my wing to get ready. Two female deer hybrids wait for me at my door. One holds a black satin dress with long sleeves, and the other holds a large black bag on her shoulder.
They bow when they see me, introducing themselves as Ruby and Nora. Nora gestures toward the dress she’s holding and says, “We’re here to help you get ready for the funeral.” She’s smiling, but her eyes are hollow. I’m again reminded of the loss they’ve suffered.
