We traversed deeper into the dungeons, taking a sharp left turn. The cells were different now. Instead of barred gates, thick wooden doors obstructed the cells and their prisoners. There were two narrow slots cut into each, one a window and one an opening for food. A guard stood watch before each door. They bowed as we passed. Ash acknowledged each of them with a nod until we stopped in front of cell number one hundred fifty-six.
“Your Highness,” the guard said.
“Henry. I would like to see Captain Greenwood.”
“Of course, Your Highness. But...” Henry looked at me. I hastily let go of Ash’s arm, which I was clutching like a toddler would a stuffed toy.
“She’s with me.”
“Very well, Your Highness. Take your time. Call if you need help.”
“That won’t be necessary, but thank you.”
The guard unlocked the door and let us inside. I shifted uneasily, upsetting the hay strewn on the floor. The cellar had a high, grated ceiling that let in more light than the rest of the dungeon. A man stood in the far corner. He fell to his knees at our entrance.
“Your Highness,” Captain Greenwood said, bowing his head.
“Please rise, Maverick,” Ash said.
“I cannot. I am too ashamed.”
“I know you’re not the one who poisoned my mother,” Ash said, lowering himself to the floor. “How are you?”
“I’ve survived worse than this. Henry is a good and loyal guard.”
“I want to help.”
“That means the world, Your Highness,” Captain Greenwood said quietly. “But I’m afraid the true culprit will not reveal themselves or let me go free so easily.”
“Do you know who did it?” I asked.
“And you are?”
I curtsied. “Amarante Flora, sir.”
“She’s joining me in my investigation,” Ash said. I knelt next to him.
The captain nodded. “I see.”
It occurred to me that I had never seen the captain in person. He was a little past middle-aged with a straight nose and specks of silver in his dirty blond beard. Lydia said he was an infamous flirt in her day. But all I saw was an exhausted man who looked at Ash with the reverence of a dutiful guard.
“So, do you know the culprit?” Ash asked.
Captain Greenwood sighed. “I’m afraid you wouldn’t believe me if I told you,” he said.
“You have nothing to lose,” I said.
“You’re right.” The captain gave a mirthless smile. “Duchess Wilhelmina Whittington.”
Ash let go of a breath. “We had our suspicions.”
Captain Greenwood looked up. “Really?”
“Yes. But why the duchess?” I said, furrowing my brow. “The queen trusts her. They’re friends, aren’t they?”
Ash thinned his lips.
Captain Greenwood sighed and said, “Ah. I suppose you don’t know. Not many do.”
