Page 77 of Under the Lion Star

“That’s my girl,” he smiled, cupping my cheek with his palm.

A lot of it was subconscious, something I did without thought so that if my ideas were dismissed, the rejection would sting less.

“I promised Atlas that I would spar with him today,” Leor sighed. “Do you have any plans for the evening?”

“I’m sure I can find some trouble to get into while you’re gone.”

“Not too much, I hope.”

I shrugged and turned to leave, Leor’s chuckle following me out of the garden.

“Alright,” I said, pushing open the heavy door. “You two need to help me with something.”

Orin and Liras both looked up from where they were painting miniature soldiers.

“And before you should refuse, remember that I am the queen. Also, I won’t give you the morning star that Leor and I purchased in Keldsfen.”

Liras sat up straight, giving me his full attention while Orin chuckled.

“What do you need?” The prince asked curiously.

“Where are you at with figuring out who is trying to kill your brother?”

Orin puffed out his cheeks and sighed.

“The kitchen staff haven’t noticed anyone odd around,” Liras shrugged. “But the lords walk around the castle during the day. Popping into the kitchen wouldn’t be strange for them.”

“Right,” I frowned.

“Same with the snake,” Orin said.

“Snake?”

“Leor found a vineyard viper in his bed,” Liras replied. “But again, the access isn’t enough to narrow that down.”

My eyes narrowed as I fought back the annoyance that Leor had never thought to mention we might be joined in the bedroom by a literal fucking snake. I knew he wasn’t keeping secrets because he didn’t trust me, but rather, he thought keeping me in the dark would ease my mind. Still, I couldn’t help him deal with this pressing matter if I didn’t have all of the information.

“So,” I looked to the ceiling. “We’re still no closer to determining the culprit.”

“It’s probably more than one person,” Orin shrugged.

“How do you figure?”

“If one person frequently visited the kitchens, especially right before Leor ate, that would be noticed.”

“What is the motive, though? If it is a lord, they’re already powerful and wealthy.”

“I think I might know,” Sanna’s voice came from the doorway, her fingers wringing together nervously.

“Sanna?” Orin frowned.

“I overheard a conversation,” she admitted.

“It’s your house,” I offered. “Nothing wrong with a little eavesdropping.”

“It was in the city,” she continued. “A few days ago, when I was at Magda’s dress shop. I stepped into the alleyway to get some air since you two were smothering me.”

Orin scowled while Liras smirked.

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