Page 60 of The Dead Queen

“I don’t have anything to hide.”

“Secrets keep people alive.”

“Secrets get people killed.”

His mouth shuts with a snap. He knows I’m referring to Grandmother. All of her secrets, dead along with her … at least for now. By midnight, I’ll be on my way to find the answers. I’ll be rid of this place and all of its deceptions and cruelties.

Hunter sighs. “Look, I’m just trying to help you.”

I stare him down, my arms crossed at the chest.

“Elena is in labor.”

The blood drains from my face. “Now?”

He nods gravely.

Of course, I knew this day would come. I heard her say it herself in the maze this morning. I just thought I’d have more time to prepare. That I’d be long gone by now.

“That’s why everyone seems afraid.”

He nods again.

Right now, all across the palace, nobles are striking deals and breaking allegiances. Everyone is waiting to see if the new baby is a boy. Or if the king will even care if it’s a girl and replace me anyway. I wonder how many bottles of expensive wine are uncorked, at the ready for the announcement.

I swallow, my throat suddenly dry. The scar on my neck burns. My future is just as much in peril as anyone else’s. Perhaps even more so.

Hunter puts his hand on my elbow, gently this time. “I don’t think anyone else knows about our broken engagement. It would be safer for you if we appear as a united front.”

I tilt my head to get a better read on his face. “Why? Why would you care what happens to me? We’re not betrothed anymore. It would be better for you if you show that your allegiance lies elsewhere.”

“But it doesn’t.”

I stare at him; not sure I understand.

“My allegiance will never be with an illegitimate prince over the true-born heir of Llwyn.”

His loyalty has nothing to do with me personally. Not anymore, at least. I can’t blame him for that.

For a moment, I contemplate telling him what I heard in the labyrinth this morning. That the child isn’t just illegitimate, but a lie, a deception intended to put his family in the king’s favor. But the thought doesn’t last long. It’s not worth it. I’ll be gone soon anyway and I am so, so tired of these palace games.

“I think …” Hunter pauses.

His hesitation worries me more than anything else. If steady, stalwart Hunter is afraid, maybe I should be too.

“I think you should prepare.”

“For what, exactly?”

He looks over my shoulder. “I’m not sure, but I have a bad feeling about all of this. I don’t trust him.”

My father, the Fox King. His sworn liege.

Behind me, I hear the unmistakable clang of metal on metal that could only mean one thing—the copper guard. I turn to see the King’s Guards marching into the feast hall. They spot us and pivot in our direction, Commander Malen at the helm. Dread coats my insides like spilled tar, sticky and thick.

Malen stops before me, his face smug. “Your Highness, you need to come with us.”

I stand my ground. “No.”