Page 105 of A Shattered Kingdom of Steel

“And if I ever thought that one of the Courts murdered our mother,” Vestella adds, “I would ensure Steel allied against them.”

“Right,” I say. “Not to mention how the people would react. Public opinion would demand you act.”

“Precisely,” Mother agrees, nodding. Taking a deep breath, she lowers her hand. “I take it you have a plan?”

“I do.” So easily, I slip into strategizing mode. “We’ll devise a trap, of sorts. Something that, at first glance, seems to be a golden opportunity to strike. Your guards will secure the perimeter, while Asheros uses his shadows to restrain him until the rest of us can secure him.”

“His shadows?” Mother asks, impressed. “Your mate is a shadow conjurer?”

“Yes,” I say, my chest puffing with pride. This is the first time someone’s ever referred to him as my mate, and gods, it feels good.

Mother crosses her arms, and somehow, she makes even that look elegant. “Perhaps he can teach you a thing or two about magic.”

I glower at her. “I have little need for parlor tricks.”

“Not all magic is for show, Lymseia,” she scolds. “The transformative qualities of steel metal are immensely—”

“I didn’t come here to be lectured, Mother,” I snap. “Are we done?”

Mother clamps her mouth shut, her gray eyes stormy. She exhales, turning her face from mine. “Yes. If you believe my life is in danger, then we must warn Lord Tarrantree that his may be at risk as well.”

“Lord Tarrantree?” I echo. Dread claws at my chest, silent like a betrayer. “Myrdin’s here? Now?”

“No,” my mother answers slowly. “His father, Tanyl, arrived just before you and Lord Larmanne.”

Tanyl is here?

Why would Tanyl have reason to come all this way from Redbourne? Copper and Bronze have been allies for centuries, and my mother formally denounced any sort of alliance with the Bronze Court.

Perhaps he’s come to negotiate on Viridian’s behalf in my absence?

That doesn’t make much sense. Before I left High Keep, Viridian appointed me as his diplomat because he trusts me. For that very reason, I don’t see why he would have sent Tanyl, and not Myrdin, who, aside from Cryssa and me, Viridian trusts above all else.

Unless he was left with no other option. Still, that thought doesn’t sit well with me.

Watching me, my mother’s eyes narrow. “What is it?”

I press my lips together, hardening my expression. “Nothing. Warning Lord Tarrantree is wise.”

“Good,” Mother says, and the way she does makes me wonder if she says it merely for the sake of having the final word.

I have half a mind to let it be, but more serious thoughts come to mind.

“You should be aware there’s been crepulnai activity within your borders.”

Recalling my close encounter with one at Lyndhaven, my guilt rears its ugly head. I consider telling my mother we have reason to believe Copper may be involved, given the red eyes of Vorr’s murderer, but I think better of it. Until I have more information, it would be unwise to throw accusations around where my enemy may hear.

“Yes.” Mother’s words are clipped. Heavy. “I heard the news of Lyndhaven.”

“It’s horrible,” Vestella says, sorrow bleeding through her voice. “I can’t imagine how afraid the townspeople must have been.”

“It was even more horrible to have been there,” I say dryly, maintaining my composure.

Vestella’s face pales. “You were there?”

“Why did you not send for us?” Mother’s steely eyes strike me, as though I’ve done something wrong. “I could have sent reinforcements.”

“I’d rather not discuss it.” I spin around on my heels, making for the door.

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