Page 92 of Dueling the Suitors

18

The Reckless Quest

Astoria closed Cyrus’ room door behind her and followed the others into the sitting room, with Skylar and Spyrah at her heels.

Rowan was discussing the interrogation with Prince Joaquin and General Sean, now looking at ease. Astoria rang for Emily and asked her to bring them tea and cakes. Though she didn’t think Emily would be capable of poisoning them, just in case, Astoria sent her away and sprinkled a pinch of poison-teller herbs into the teapot and over the cakes.

“What is that?” Joaquin stopped talking and turned to her with a skeptical eyebrow.

Astoria looked up at him from stirring the pot. “Poison-teller. I’m sure you are familiar?”

“Of course, but where did you get it from?”

“The healer we told you about. She had a magical herb garden. She left me some yesterday to test Cyrus’ medicine, and I just wanted to make sure we are not going to be poisoned, too.”

Rowan sighed. “So we are going to suspect even the water we drink now, are we?”

“Can’t take any risks.” Astoria shrugged and looked at Joaquin. “It would be great if you could supply us with more herbs. Even after we catch the culprit, as long as Cyrus sits on the throne, he’s still under threat.”

Joaquin nodded thoughtfully. “I shall see to it, don’t worry.”

The colour of the tea and the cakes remained the same. Astoria poured the tea into their cups.

“General, would you mind us staying here a little longer? I’m not leaving until the culprit is caught,” Joaquin said to General Sean. He sipped his tea and immediately turned his attention to Astoria. “I will make sure to send you some tea herbs, too. You should get a taste of Windlewade.”

Before Astoria could respond, he turned back to General Sean for his answer.

“It would be my pleasure,” the man said with a shrug. “I was, indeed, about to suggest that.”

“Perfect.” Joaquin turned back to Astoria. “If you don’t mind, Empress Astoria, the General and I will be staying in your suite until Cyrus is awake. We don’t want anyone trying to reach him directly after learning their attempts have failed.”

Astoria turned to Rowan absently. She hadn’t realized how close they had gotten until then. He nodded, and she turned back to Joaquin. “I think that’s a wise decision. Thank you. And please, call me Astoria. We are family, after all.”

Joaquin smiled pleasantly. “Of course, Astoria. Call me Joaquin.”

She returned the smile.

“I’m looking forward to getting to know my one and only sister-in-law, but I’m afraid I want to go to the interrogation myself—if that’s alright with you.”

“Of course, please do. I’m sure Rowan could use all the help he can get. I’ve been staying with Cyrus the whole time, and Rowan has been the one running everything in both our stead.” She graced Rowan with a grateful smile.

He gave her a deadpan look that failed to look serious.

Joaquin finished his tea and stood. “Alright, Lord Rowan, let’s go. General Sean, please stay with my brother and my sister-in-law.” He gave him a pointed but lighthearted look.

General Sean bowed his head in acknowledgement. “With pleasure, Joaquin.”

The two men left the room, with Rowan repeating his previous instruction not to open the door to anyone but them. Astoria realized he was hinting this to the General rather than her. Silence stretched out between her and the man. Sure, he seemed kind and friendly, but the pointed look Joaquin gave him baffled her.

There was something about him that put her on edge, but she couldn’t pinpoint it.

He’s been looking at you since he entered the room, that’s what. And I don’t like it, nor does Spyrah.

Astoria looked at Skylar, who sat next to her on the couch, with a plate of cakes between him and Spyrah. They loved sweet food, and both were glaring at the General.

“Your pets don’t seem to like me, Your Majesty,” the man said with a light chuckle, dragging her attention to him. He was looking at them amusedly.

Astoria let out a nervous laugh. “They are rather protective of me and Cyrus.”

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