Page 94 of Kingdom of Betrayal and Unknown

“Yes, murder, and hear me out on this,” Kieran says again.

“Why would you think murder?” I ask. “Flynn gave no indication that it was anything but an accident. Going hunting in the forest is dangerous. My father told me all about it when he was teaching me how to shoot with a bow.”

Kieran points a finger at me. “That.”

I look at Kieran, confused and overwhelmed with everything going on. He can’t believe that my father was murdered, and Flynn didn’t tell my mother or me. Why would he keep that a secret?

“You heard the prince say he would kill your father if you started to learn to hunt with a bow,” Kieran gently says.

My mouth falls open as I stare at him. No. The prince couldn’t have possibly known that I was learning how to shoot with a bow. I kept it a secret and only went out when no one was looking or there were few guards in town.

“I know it’s so new and raw to be thinking about this, but you need to. You need to ask your father’s best friend, Flynn, what his injuries were and how he died,” Kieran tells me. “I don’t think it was an accident. I think he was murdered by the prince.”

“No.” I shake my head and take a step back.

“I’m not trying to get you to hate the prince or turn you against anyone, but I need you to keep your eyes open. Things aren’t always what you think they are,” he gently says.

Tears drip down my face once again as I look at Kieran. Why did all of this have to happen?

Kieran cups my face once again, bringing his face close to mine. Our breaths dance together as we stare at each other.

“I know it’s hard, and I’m here for you if you need to talk about anything. You are strong, and you are going to make it through this. It may not seem like it right now, but you are. I have faith in you,” he gently says. “Whenever you are ready to, I would go talk to Flynn. Ask for the truth, but be prepared for what you might hear.”

I open my mouth to respond when leaves start to rustle, gaining both of our attention. Kieran places a kiss on the tip of my nose before disappearing in front of me. I turn around and look in the direction of the noise.

Prince Archie walks out with two guards behind him.

I bow before standing to my full height and picking up my bucket.

“Adeline.” Prince Archie smiles. “I’ve been looking for you everywhere. What are you doing out here?”

I wipe away the leftover tears before gripping the handle. What if he did have my father killed? What if he is responsible for his death and is now checking up on me? Is he trying to see if I figured out the truth?

I want Prince Archie to leave, and I want Kieran back. I want to hear his smooth and deep voice for hours.

“Adeline? I asked you a question.” Prince Archie’s voice is hard. “I would like an answer.”

My eyes widen a fraction before I school my face. “I’m trying to get some fresh air and calm myself. A lot has happened today.”

I keep it vague. No doubt the news has spread across town, but Prince Archie doesn’t live in town or interact with people who live here unless absolutely necessary.

“Right. I’m sorry for your loss,” he says, but there is no sincerity in his voice.

I shrug my shoulders and start walking back to town as he reaches out to me. I don’t want to be touched by him and feel my skin crawl with every second that he touches me.

“Thanks. Sorry, I’m out of it today with the news. I need to go help my mother,” I tell him, my voice quiet. “I’ll be busy for the foreseeable future. I’m going to have to prepare for the funeral.”

I don’t want to think about everything that I have to do. How are we going to get the meat we need? I’m going to stretch myself thin trying to go hunting and doing all of my chores but it’s what I have to do and there is no other excuse. No one else can really help us when they are struggling to provide for themselves.

My back is facing the prince.

“Adeline?” he calls out.

I turn my upper body to look at him. “Yes, Prince Archie?”

His face is hard as he glares at me. “Maybe next time you’ll learn that I mean what I say.”

I blink several times, confused. What could he possibly mean?