Page 136 of Of Masks and Fury

Coralee’s sharp intake of breath cut through the room. “You what?”

“We gathered intelligence on King Cyril’s war preparations, resources, and plans.” I kept my voice steady despite the fury stillsimmering beneath. “What we discovered requires immediate action.”

Grayson leaned forward, his aged face creasing with concern. “Your Majesty, the risk?—”

“Was necessary.” I cut him off with a lift of my hand. “Three matters demand our attention. First, regarding the deceased Queen of Caldrith, Marlane. I discovered she may have owned property in the southern Syllavar territories. Second, there are prisoners in Caldrith’s dungeons awaiting execution during their Day of Mercy that will take place in eight days. Third, we must discuss the war Cyril is preparing to wage against us.”

My advisors stared at me with stunned silence.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

TREW

My advisors’ questions snapped from all directions, their voices overlapping.

Grayson demanded details about troop movements, specifically whether the supply lines he’d been tracking along the northern pass had appeared in what we’d found.

I kept my expression neutral. I hadn’t mentioned supply lines. I hadn’t mentioned the northern pass. The reports on Grayson’s own desk about those routes were internal documents.

How had he known where to look?

Coralee wanted to know how I’d maintained my disguise.

Malcolm’s gravelly voice rose above the others, asking about security breaches.

Naveah sat back in her chair and watched it all unfold with a gleam of amusement in her eyes.

I lifted my hand again, and they cut off mid-protest.

“Marlane first,” I said, my tone sharp. “Tell me anything you know about her.”

Blank stares met my demand. Coralee shook her head, her ermine shifting on her shoulder. Malcolm’s expression remained unchanged. Naveah tilted her head, considering, but said nothing.

Grayson moved in his seat, his fingers tapping against the armrest. “I did look into this as you asked through Gavelle, but there isn’t much. Mostly, I’ve heard whispers of old estates in the south, properties that existed before the wasteland appeared. But nothing specific about—” He clamped his mouth shut.

“Nothing specific about what?” I drummed my fingertips on the table.

“Well, there’s nothing confirmed,” he said. “I speak of servants’ gossip. Stories of abandoned holdings that may have belonged to those who were not members of our court.”

Coralee’s gaze fixed on me with an intensity that made my jaw clench. “I understand this is Amarissa’s mother, but why pursue rumors when war is imminent?”

Because she’d known secrets about the veil that might save us all. Because understanding what happened to her could give us what we need to stop the coming war.

But I couldn’t say any of that until I was sure I could trust them.

I met each of their eyes, one by one. “It’s rumored Marlane used to visit a place in the southern part of our court.”

Naveah’s eyebrows lifted but after glancing at the others, she pressed her lips together.

Grayson studied me for another long moment, then leaned back in his chair with a dismissive wave. “If it was true, everyone would know about it. As for those rumors? I’d dismiss them if I were you. There can’t be any truth in it. Surely we’d have records or someone would remember if she’d passed through Syllavar on her way to a place somewhere south of here.”

“Check into this,” I said. “Search the archives for any mention of isolated holdings in Syllavar lands that might have even the vaguest connection to Caldrith. Speak with our elders. Look on pre-wasteland maps. Study property transfers. Anything.”

Grayson nodded, though his expression remained troubled. “That will take time.”

“I want information on my desk by morning.”

“Very well,” he said with a sigh.