Page 125 of Kingdom of Crowns and Daggers

The former king ordered his guards not to investigate, even though he knew the fire that killed them was deliberate. He knew his guard would be killed if he started digging around, so he kept him from danger. I understand why he did it, especially when he was losing his supporters left, right, and centre, but he also caused the truth behind my family’s murder to be washed away. They never got their justice.

Queen Mother is the only person I can think of whom the former king might have been afraid of and also had the type of power to stop him from investigating the death of his biggest supporters.

She raises a brow, but I see a flicker in her eye that tells me everything I need to know. “They died in a fire?—”

I cut her off before she can deny her involvement again. “A fire that was set deliberately.”

Laughing, she glances at Orion and Joha, hoping they might back her up for what she believes are outrageous accusations. “I didn’t set the fire, if that is what you are implying.”

We know this. She has alibis for when the fire was set. Besides, she would never do the dirty work herself.

I nod in agreement, and for a moment, she thinks that she has gotten away with it once again, outsmarting the assassin. I am about to crush those hopes. “But you ordered it.”

I’m not sure what makes her finally give up the act, whether she knew she wasn’t going to get away with it or so that she can brag about the crime. Either way, any sense of decorum disappears, and anger returns to her face.

“The Stormhallows were always getting in the way, constantly supporting the king no matter what he suggested. They could not be bribed, so they had to go.” She looks up at me with a gleam in her eye, no hint of guilt or regret. “I ordered the fire, you’re right about that, but there is nothing you can do about any of it. I am queen!”

Fury courses through me. She is so blasé about the fact she killed my entire family. With one command, she took everything from me, all for the crime of my parents following their king. My heartbeat pounds in my ears, and I have to dig my nails into my palms to stop myself from leaping forward and tearing her scheming eyes out. I should feel at peace knowing that I finally have answers, yet I feel anything but.

Joha says something beside me, but all I hear is white noise, my focus locked on Constance and hers on me. She works out why I asked quicker than I expected

“You’re not just an assassin, are you? The red hair, the eyes, and the unrelenting determination . . . You’re her, aren’t you?” Her voice breaks through to me, and I hear the moment she finally realises who I am. “The youngest Stormhallow.”

I don’t bother to reply, her eyes scanning my face.

“I cannot believe I did not see it before!” She starts laughing, shaking her head as she steps back into the centre of the cell. She clucks her tongue, looking so smug that I want to knock her out. “You may have gotten me,” she mocks, “but there is so much more to all of this than you know.”

“Ignore her, she is trying to get a rise out of you,” Orion snaps, placing a hand on my arm and guiding me and Joha away so we can discuss what we have learned. This is a smart move, as it also takes her out of my line of sight. The longer I look at her, the greater the chances are of me acting on my anger.

“What now?” I bark, needing to know what we are going to do with the traitor.

“We could execute her,” Orion suggests, and from his expression, it is clear this is the option he favours. “Make it public. It would show her supporters that we mean business and won’t tolerate betrayal, especially in this time of change.”

Joha surprises me by shaking his head. “That would just make her a martyr.” Sighing, he rubs a hand across his face. “No, I thought I wanted this big confrontation, but now I find I don’t need it. She will pay for her crimes, but there is a better way than killing her—something that will make her sorry she messed with me for the rest of her existence.”

What could possibly be worse than death to a person like her?

A thought hits me like lightning, and I start to see the plan forming in his mind. “You’re going to exile her.”

Joha looks triumphant as he turns back to look at the woman in the cell who used to have so much control over him.

“You are found guilty of murder of the former king, betrayal to the throne, hiring assassins, and attempted murder of the current king.” His voice is regal, ringing out around us. “Your greed is at the heart of this, so your punishment shall follow suit. You shall be exiled from this land. If you set foot in our borders, you will be killed. We shall escort you to the border, and you can wander the wasteland beyond for the rest of your life. You shall live in fear and discomfort, alone and without any of the luxuries you pride so much.”

Constance pales as he speaks, true horror hitting her as she realises what this will mean for her. Joha was right. This is a far greater punishment to her than being locked away forever or executed.

“Your Majesty.” Her eyes are wide and pleading. “Please, do not exile me. I will not survive it.”

It is not lost on me that we were just discussing the option of executing her. I believe she would choose that if we were to give her the choice.

Warmth appears behind me, and I know Crux has finally joined us. Glancing over my shoulder, I find him dressed as a guard. One of his little rats most likely reported to him what was happening in here, causing him to turn up at the most opportune time.

“Anyone who tries to help you shall face the same punishment,” Joha continues, ignoring Crux’s sudden appearance, even as the assassin moves forward, drawing Constance’s eye.

“Do not think that we will not be watching. Every assassin, spy, and street rat will know your face and report back to me should you try to return.” His threat is very real, and I know he’s telling the truth. Crux’s web of connections reaches far and wide. From the way Constance backs up, true fear colouring her face, I know she senses the danger Crux poses to her.

Joha takes my hand in his, squeezing slightly so I look at him. Understanding shines in his eyes, and if anyone knows how I feel, it is him. “Come, Alyx, let us leave this place so the guards can deal with their prisoner.”

Joha and I turn to depart, leaving Orion and my assassin behind to do what is needed. As we pass, Crux takes the opportunity to brush my cheek, not bothering to hide the movement. His eyes promise more, and I know as soon as he is done here, he will find me. His touch is comforting to me, settling the twisted feeling in my stomach. He will stay here and make sure that Constance is properly prepared for her exile.

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