Page 81 of A Shattered Kingdom of Steel

I look to the skies and turn my body. “At just about noon, the sun is at our backs, which means the male we’re looking for flew due west,” I say, motioning my hand in that direction.

“You never cease to amaze me.”

I give him a wink. “It’s all part of my charm.”

“That it is, indeed.” Asheros’s demeanor shifts, seriousness taking hold of his expression. “What lies west of us that could have enticed him?”

“The Copper Court lies to the west. For all we know, the murderer’s returning home.”

Asheros purses his lips. “If he were heading home to the Copper Court, he would have taken a more southernly route from here—not due west.”

I furrow my brow. “The closest major city due west of here is…”

Gods above.

My eyes widen. “Illnamoor. Illnamoor is to the west.”

“You think…” his voice trails off. “You think he’s set his sights on your mother?”

“Why wouldn’t he?” I ask, my mind falling into spirals. My heart thunders against my ribcage. “Think of it, Asheros. Historically, Steel has been the tiebreaker. Gold and Silver have always been on one side, with Bronze and Copper on the other. My mother’s just broken Steel’s ties with Bronze.” I think aloud, “If something were to happen to her, Viridian and Cryssa would look guilty of retaliation.”

Tension works at Asheros’s jaw. “And if Bronze was blamed for your mother’s death, even Copper may be forced to reconsider their alliance. House Tarrantree wouldn’t want to lose its citizens favor.”

My words tumble from my lips. “If he’s truly heading for Illnamoor, we may not make there in time.”

“He won’t strike immediately,” Asheros tells me, grasping my upper arms in an effort to steady me. “It would be too soon. If Bronze were to send an assassin, it would take just under a fortnight for them to arrive.”

Resolve blazes within me. “That means we have a fortnight to get there first.”

Still holding me, Asheros nods. “Traveling swiftly, we can be at Illnamoor in five to six days.”

Footsteps sound behind us. Glancing over my shoulder, I relax slightly when Savell and Ronan approach.

“Anything?” I ask.

Savell shakes his head. “There was nothing out of place.” He glances between Asheros and me. “You?”

Asheros takes a breath and his hands fall from my body. “We have reason to believe the murderer’s traveling due west.”

Savell cocks his head in question, but Asheros holds up a hand. “Let’s discuss this inside.”

Following Asheros’s lead, Savell, Ronan, and I enter the cottage where the others await us. I cross my arms flat against my chest, my feet firmly planted to the floor. Orim and Arella sit at the table, while Kheldryn and Gryska stand casually, the former leaning against the far wall.

She perks up when she sees us, and her brows stitch together. “What did you find?”

“Lymseia was able to deduce the red-eyed male fled due west,” Asheros says, leveling his tone. He glances at me, as if to encourage me to explain our theory.

I let my arms fall to my sides, though I keep them tight against my body. “We think he’s headed for Illnamoor. It’s the only major city directly west of here, and after my mother’s formal announcement to cut ties with House Avanos, the Steel Court hangs in a delicate balance.”

“In light of this,” Asheros adds, “if anything were to happen to Lady Kylantha, we believe the Bronze Court would appear responsible.”

“The Steel Court has always been the peacemaker,” Kheldryn says slowly. “With a direct strike to their Head of House, there’s no doubt the heir-apparent would ally with the Gold Court against Bronze, especially given Maelyrra’s movements against Viridian.”

Asheros presses his lips into a fine line. “There’s no question war would break out should Lady Kylantha be killed.”

“Regardless, this is purely speculation.” Savell shifts his weight, storm-gray eyes narrowed. “There’s nothing definitive to support the notion that our target is headed for Illnamoor.”

“No,” Asheros admits, pinching the bridge of his nose. “But speculation is all we have.”

---