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Axar did not deny it.

“Yes.”

His expression hardened.

“It is no secret Asharin is his obsession. If someone sought to strike at Sevrin…” He paused. “They may already have struck at her.”

His jaw tightened.

“And that, I cannot allow.”

One of the healers finally looked up.

“The king will recover,” he said quietly. “Given time.”

Axar nodded.

“The Darkway throne will await its next Rathmor occupant. If Sevrin remains unable to rule when I return, I will occupy the seat until he recovers.”

He turned toward the door.

“As for Sevrin…”

He paused.

“Take him to Briavar. To Kelsey Castle.”

Ivernet blinked.

“Is that not the Queen of Umbrelai’s countryside castle?”

“The castle belongs to Rathmor.”

His tone remained even. “Everything in Morrath does.”

"And," he added, "it is the closest castle to the Bloodhaven, which is undoubtedly where Ivanoxa plans to strengthen and what Sevrin will need to fully recover.”

The healers in the room nodded in agreement.

A faint sigh escaped him. “If our dear Ivanoxa wishes to enjoy Bloodhaven and all of its amenities, she will simply have to tolerate the presence of my nephew.”

Axar looked at Ivernet. “While I am gone, whoever is responsible for protecting the princess may take temporary control of the castle.”

“Majesty—”

“I do not even know if she has been harmed, or if she is alive or dead. But if she is harmed and ends up here in Morrath, whoever brings her will need control to get use of the healers and to protect her. She will be a target and I will not be reachable.”

“I thought there were no other Rathmors⁠—”

“I didn’t say it would happen, Ivernet. I simply said what to do if it does. Give your people my instructions.”

Ivernet inclined her head. “I will make the arrangements.”

Axar left without another word. The road to the Witchward was long.

He suspected what awaited him there would be far worse.

Urasal