Page 57 of The Dead Queen

He steps closer. “I said I’d wait for you. Wolves always keep their word.”

“Yes, the code of honor. You mentioned that.”

He nods.

“Why?”

He tilts his head to the side, very much like the animal he’s so often referred to. “Why live honorably?”

I shake my head. “Why wait? Why risk your life for a woman you don’t know. Who’s the daughter of your sworn enemy?”

His jaw clenches, but he doesn’t turn his pale eyes from mine. “Because I need your help.”

I cross my arms and frown. “You travelled all the way to Caerwen alone. What makes you think you need my help going back?”

“Because this time, I have the Fox King on my trail.” His tone is even, honest. “And you know the way to the borderlands better than most in Llwyn.”

I narrow my eyes, studying him. If he’s lying, he’s good at it. I don’t see any telltale signs of deceit. No wavering eye contact or fidgeting. Still, I don’t believe him. He’s a Wolf, he would be fine without me. There’s more at play here.

The question is, can a Fox outwit a Wolf to get what she wants?

“I’ll consider it,” I say. “But I need some answers first.” I glare at him. “The truth! No more lies and deceit. I’ve had enough of those to last me a lifetime.”

In the pond, a frog jumps into the water, creating ripples that spread slowly, but unstoppably across the entire surface.

“Alright,” he says, finally.

I square off. “Who is the Heir to the North?”

He sighs. “I’m not sure.”

“You crossed Llwyn and risked your life in a king’s palace, all for something you’re not sure about?”

“It’s complicated.”

“How?”

“Given the centuries-long war, the last of the royal bloodline disappeared some time ago. But rumors reached us in Annwyn. They say the heir still lives. Only …”

“Only?”

Tristan sighs. “Only it’s difficult to confirm without proof.”

I jut out my chin, defiant. “Then how do you know the rumors are true?”

He gives me a sideways smirk. “Suffice it to say, they come from a credible source.”

I nod, sensing he’s telling the truth. “Who are the sympathizers my father mentioned?”

“Southerners who think your family should be ousted.” His eyes grow dark. “That your father’s cruelties against Annwyn are grounds to usurp him.”

“How many are there? Who are they?”

He just shakes his head, either because he doesn’t know, or he isn’t willing to tell me. How can there be an entire group of people who hate my family, yet I never knew about them? It’s not a secret that I’m no fan of the king’s. Wouldn’t someone have told me?

Even as the thought crosses my mind, I know the answer. No. No they would not. Because being royal is the loneliest position in the world. Everyone wants to be seen with you, but no one trusts you.

If I can’t trust anyone in my own homeland, I may as well try trusting someone from Annwyn. I’m out of options.