“Know what?” I asked.
“Back when we were all younger, Wilhelmina fancied Maximus,” the captain said. “She was envious of nearly everything Cordelia had. How could she not be? She was merely a servant and Cordelia...well, she was to be the future queen.”
I found myself blushing at the thought of Duchess Wilhelmina in love with the paunchy King Maximus. Ash looked similarly bothered, but urged the captain to continue.
“But jealousy is a dangerous thing, especially in someone like Wilhelmina who was headstrong and ambitious and stubborn. I saw it eat away at her. I was shocked to hear the things she said about Cordelia. But after a while, she became quieter. I thought she finally let go of her spite when she married Duke Earnest Whittington.” Captain Greenwood shook his head, as if dismissing his own folly. “But then the duke died and, well, she became Wilhelmina again. She disregarded morality for gain, both financial and social. By the time I became captain of the Royal Guard, she was unrecognizable. A part of me knew she wouldn’t stop at merely being a duchess. I regret to say it is not surprising she has harmed Cordelia at last.”
I pressed a hand over my mouth.
“I see,” Ash said hoarsely.
Captain Greenwood gave a sigh. “I dislike recalling the past. But if it will help, I am glad. Now tell me. How exactly did you discover she was behind this?”
“I saw her giving something to the queen at the Debutante Ball. And the guard who was caught slipping poison into the queen’s tea—the one who framed you—we found the duchess’s coins on him,” I said.
“Ah, Peter. His morals have always been questionable.” He shrugged. “But to think he would die for Wilhelmina’s schemes is odd indeed. He had no sense of loyalty in the regiments.”
“And he killed himself right after exposing you,” Ash said slowly.
I recalled Peter’s limp body. “Unless he didn’t actually kill himself,” I said. Both men looked at me in surprise. I colored at the scrutiny, but replayed my suspicions. “Think of it. Why would a man with no loyalty die for the duchess’s sake? Especially right after being paid such a hefty sum.”
Ash nodded. “You’re right. The coins were still on him when he did the deed.”
Captain Greenwood stared at the straw-littered ground, seemingly deep in thought. He was awfully quiet for a man who finally had hope shine on him. Perhaps he didn’t dare believe it.
Ash stood and paced the cell. “But the mortician proclaimed him dead. He was sent to his family for burial on a mortuary wagon. He didn’t deserve it, after his act of treason,” he said bitterly. “But Mother insisted.”
“Maybe there’s a potion that makes someone appear dead,” I said quietly. I wished I had thought to use my magic sight when Peter was unconscious.
Ash stopped pacing and Captain Greenwood looked up. “Are you speaking of witchcraft, Miss Flora?” the captain said. I couldn’t decipher his tone.
“I’m being foolish,” I said, looking at the floor. “Witches wouldn’t meddle in human affairs.”
“You speak as if you know that for sure, Miss Flora.”
I raised my eyes to meet the captain’s gaze and instantly darted them away. He was a little too sharp for my comfort.
“Amarante brings up a valid point,” Ash said. “The physicians said my mother was poisoned with a witch-made poison. If Duchess Wilhelmina had dealings at the Witch Market, she must have made more than one purchase. I’ll send a few men to ask around.”
My stomach turned. At least Ash didn’t immediately think to blame a witch as culprit.
“You ought to check with Peter’s family first,” Captain Greenwood said. “Make sure if he is dead or alive.”
The tension in my gut eased. Perhaps Peterwasdead. Perhaps he was foolish enough to die for the duchess for a reason we weren’t aware of.
Ash ran a hand through his hair. He looked tired. “You’re right. As of now, all we have are suspicions. But I will find a way to get you out of here.”
Captain Greenwood smiled. “Thank you, Your Highness. Promise me you won’t do anything foolish.”
“I won’t.”
The captain looked to me. “And you too, Miss Flora.”
I was surprised to be included, but promised as well. We concluded our meeting soon after, but I lingered behind as Ash stepped outside to converse with Henry.
“Sir, do you think they’ll let you out if the duchess confesses her crimes?” I asked.
Captain Greenwood raised a wiry brow, no doubt surprised that I had stayed. “I would imagine,” he said. “But the chances of that happening are slim.”
