Page 103 of The Mad King and the False Queen

Dagmara shifted. “No. There’s no one in Azurem.”

“Then who is Teos Zosia?”

Silence filled the room as Dagmara stared back at the king, her mouth agape. The world was frozen in time as Dagmara’s heart nearly stopped in her chest.

“Sabien informed me of the letter,” Claude said. “By the expression on your face I suspect you intended to keep him a secret.”

She couldn’t tell Claude that he was her brother. And yet, she had to explain she didn’t have an Azuremi lover. What if Claude asked her what exactly was in the letter? Her cover would be blown.

She had to back up her lies with some of the truth. That was what worked before, and it would work now. King Claude had the power to look into who Teos was if he wanted to.

“His mother worked closely with my parents before she was killed,” Dagmara began. “We grew up together. Teos is unofficially adopted into our family, and one of the last people I have left. He’s only fifteen, and he recently got sick. It’s not fair that Ilusauri has been hoarding medicine that could help him.”

“Oh…” Claude muttered. “Is that who you were stealing the leku for?”

Dagmara nodded.

“I’m beginning to see why you’re invested in this exchange.”

Dagmara knew she had to change the topic. She thought about her next question, feeling the stakes rise, before she dared to ask, “Have you ever killed someone?”

After a brief hesitation, he said, “Yes.” He swallowed, the only indication that the question made him uncomfortable. “How did you know the wine was poisoned?”

Dagmara was silent. “I already answered that question days ago. I saw the extra pocket on the pitcher.”

“I don’t believe that is the only reason. It’s because you’ve seen that trick before, isn’t it?”

Dagmara knew her face was turning red. She pushed herself to her feet. “I’ve had enough of this game.”

Claude was already on his feet and took a step toward her. “You’ve used that trick before, haven’t you?”

“You’re blaming me?” Dagmara gasped. She stepped forward, her chest nearly against his. “He was your servant. If anything, you were trying to poison me.”

A sharp laugh escaped his lips. “Why would I poison you when I brought you here to protect you?”

“Protect me?” Dagmara asked. “No, you brought me here to finish what your assassins couldn’t in Azurem.”

His expression shifted as though Dagmara had stabbed him. “Why would you think that?”

Her chin was tilted up to meet his gaze. “The assassins were wearing Ilusaurian uniforms.”

Claude’s eyes narrowed. “Maybe they’re framing me.”

“That’s convenient,” she replied. “The Mad King playing the victim.”

He grabbed her by the shoulders, making her heart skip a beat. His grip was firm, his fingertips digging into her skin. “If you believe I’m the villain, why did you come here in the first place?”

“Let go of me!” Dagmara slammed her palms against his bare chest, but he was as solid as a rock. He wouldn’t budge against her hands.

“Why did you save me from the poison?” he demanded.

“Maybe I shouldn’t have!” Dagmara yelled. “I should’ve let you die.”

“And I should’ve let those hounds tear you to shreds!”

A shudder ran down her spine, and she gripped the lapels of his robe. “That would’ve been a better fate than marrying a monster.”

One of his hands shifted from her shoulder to the back of her neck, holding her firm. “I can’t stand you.”

---