“Perhaps that is true, but this letter is a forgery, and if my deception came to light, it would destroy the relationship between Harendell and Valcotta, never mind the personal consequences that would befall me.”
“If you do this and see James to the throne, we will ensure that he ends the conflict with Ithicana.” Cormac went silent as the barmaid returned with another full cup for him. “An end to the blockades and a resumption of trade, all blame for Edward’s murder held only by Ahnna Kertell, who will be executed.”
Keris went still. “That’s not in your interest. While revenge against Katarina might have been part of your goal in aiding James’s rise, the majority of it is surely trade flowing north to and through Cardiff rather than through Ithicana’s bridge.”
“Ronan recognizes that Edward’s death necessitates some concessions.” Foam frosted gray stubble as Cormac drank deeply. “One lie, Your Highness, and you will spare Ithicana a war. Spare your family defeat and inevitable death. It is a good deal, especially given that your small deception will allow a great truth to come to light.”
Keris resumed tapping the folded edge of the letter against the table, the wheels in his mind spinning. Because Cormac was right: It was a compelling offer. If Keris took this letter and gave it life, there was every chance that they could see James to the throne. He was well liked. A military hero. A man much more worthy of the nation’s respect and loyalty than his fool of a brother. Ronan had influence over him, and if Cardiff committed to convincing James to ending the conflict with Ithicana, all of this could be over at the price of—
“You believe Ahnna Kertell is guilty, then?”
Cormac frowned, clearly not expecting the question. “Don’t you?”
“I…” Keris trailed off as the prince coughed, then reached for his throat. “Cormac? Are you well?”
The other man didn’t respond, because when his mouth opened, all that came out was foam-drenched wheeze.
Poison.
“Shit!” Keris shoved the letter in his pocket, then reached for Cormac. “Help! He’s been poisoned!”
But no one heard him over the din.
Cormac clawed at his throat, his face purpling as he fought to breathe, and he stumbled into the table next to them. The occupants shouted as their drinks spilled, but then they caught sight of the prince’s bulging eyes. “What’s wrong with him?”
Keris’s lips parted to demand someone find a physician, but he knew it was too late. A heartbeat later, Prince Cormac of Cardiff dropped to the floor, amber eyes still and unseeing.
“Get the city guard,” someone shouted, the patrons all crowding around to get a look at the body.
Keris took a step back. Then another.
He was innocent, and only a damned fool would poison the man sitting across from him. But no part of him thought that being involved with the situation would do any good.
Keris took another step back and turned.
To find himself face-to-face with George Cavendish.
“Your Highness. I must say, this is not where I anticipated finding you tonight.” Cavendish’s gaze skipped past Keris to the body, and his brow furrowed. “That’s the queen’s uncle.”
“He’s been poisoned, sir!” The barmaid bent over Cormac looked up, face pale. “Poisoned dead. And he was sitting with him!” She pointed directly at Keris.
Cavendish’s face hardened, and he gestured to the soldiers who’d come in on his heels. “Shackles.”
Rounding on Keris, he gave the smallest of smiles. “You’re under arrest for the murder of Prince Cormac of Cardiff.”
29
James
James was going to killhim. He was going to fucking kill that one-balled prick and he was going to make ithurt.
“Plotting ways to escape?” Carlo tipped the bottle, swallowing the last few mouthfuls. “That is my favorite thing about you, James. Everything has gone so utterly wrong for you, every aspect of your life has been torn apart, and yet you refuse to concede. You can be killed but never,everbroken.” He gestured to Ahnna with the wine bottle. “Unlike this one.”
Moving around the fire, Carlo knelt next to her still form, and James tensed.
The Beast leaned over Ahnna so that his cheek hovered just above hers, then closed his eyes. “I can feel the will to fight fading from her. She knows that everything she does makes Ithicana’s situation worse, and I think that I’ll have to take measures to keep her alive to deliver her to Mother. Do you think it’s possible to die from a broken heart? Because Ahnna’s heart has most surely been broken.” Carlo snickered. “I did not factor you as a breaker of women’s hearts, dear nemesis. What other things will I learn about you on this journey?”
James didn’t answer, only watched as Carlo sighed and moved back to sit on his rock.
