“There has to be something we’re missing. Thirteen people do not all drop dead at the same time from the same symptoms. I can’t find any evidence of any poison that has that kind of delayed reaction. Juliette was fine, then she wasn’t. And there’s still the issue of the lace…”
“It’s not your place to make any of those decisions, dear sister,” Ludis says. “Until your husband returns, I’m in charge.”
“We both know Caiden would want me to oversee this.” Women aren’t permitted to rule in Pendralia, but I’ve gotten more respect from the legionnaires than I anticipated. Though, Ludis’s insufferable nature could be a contributing factor.
Mostly, I think it’s all the effort Caiden put into showing how much he cares for me. His performance was enough to convince everyone that our marriage is real. They all believe I’m important to him. That they must keep me happy or risk his wrath.
If he returns.
My chest tightens, and my insides twist. I hate not knowing if he’s alive. If Brevan is alive.
And I hate it more that I might actually be concerned about Caiden. That I might hope he’ll return.
What the fuck is wrong with me?
I’m supposed to find a way to kill him, not get closer to him.
There’s a timid knock on the door, and Ludis springs to his feet. “I think we’ve had enough for today. I have other places to be.”
“We’re not finished here,” I insist.
“I am. You can waste your time chasing ghosts all you want.” He walks toward the door, and one of the waiting legionnaires opens it for him.
Genevieve’s bright smile fades when she sees me and the head legionnaire at the table. “Did I come too early? I can come back later.”
“No, you’re perfectly on time. I believe I promised you lunch.” Ludis offers his arm and Genevieve giggles, her cheeks turning pink as she grips his bicep.
My stomach churns for a whole other reason now. She’s so believable. What if she can’t resist his charms? What if she’s actually falling for him? She might tell him everything.
With the mysterious deaths, I haven’t had any time to catch up with her. I make a mental note to ask Antonia to investigate. She’ll get more honest responses from Genevieve than I would. As much as I am trying to get to know them, I still don’t feel like I fully belong.
Besides, Antonia could use a break from sitting with Charlotte. I can take over for a while. See if I can find any way to comfort her. She hasn’t said a word since Elliot’s death.
“Your Majesty?” Samuel asks.
I return my attention to him. “There’s really nothing more? What about the greenhouse? Was it fully searched for any other plants that might be poisonous?”
“Yes. All we found was that elm’s breath that you discovered previously. It’s all been removed and destroyed. Nobody can use that to harm anyone.”
“And the castle poison garden? There’s no way we can return and investigate that?” I still need to find a way to return to the castle. For a brief shining moment, it seemed like this might be the only good to come from the tragedy.
“No, as I said, my instructions were clear to not let you leave the estate grounds.”
It’s the same thing. Over and over. No answers. No solutions.
“Empress, I know you’re concerned. But we’re going to find out what happened. It’s only been two days.” He offers me a reassuring smile.
“Has anything like this ever happened before?” I inquire. “What about when Marian died? Or the queen? Weren’t they both poisoned? Did anyone else die at the same time? Or were their symptoms the same as this?”
“I’m not sure. I didn’t attend either of those situations,” he says. “I’ll ask around.”
“That’s all we’ve been doing,” I point out. “Shouldn’t that have been investigated already?”
“I have additional guards on you at all times. You’re safe. Nobody will be able to reach you.”
“I’m not worried about myself. I want to know what this was so we can prevent it from happening to anyone else.”
His brow furrows slightly, and he seems to be considering my words. “You really do care, don’t you?”
