Page 98 of Dueling the Suitors

“So, I had Orion push your father into finding another suitor for you and send a few of my own men among the suitors. But you were insistent on challenging all of them and bested them, blowing up my plans. I knew that even if I faced you myself, my fate would be the same. And that’s when I forged a new plan.”

“You convinced Cyrus to duel for my hand,” Astoria murmured in realization, remembering Cyrus’ words.Rowan suggested I should marry you… he told me it was the only way I could outsmart the rebels.

Cunning.

“Precisely,” Rowan said with a smile, not the friendly, mischievous one she was used to, but a strange one. “It was the only way, and he was the only one I was certain had a chance against you. And I had no doubt you’d aid me in taking him down. But when you arrived, I realized you weren’t an easy person to win over. So I stalled my plans and aimed to gain your trust first. It went perfectly until Cyrus caught the fever. And my plans were upgraded.

“Though poisoning him had always been on my list, it was a hopeless cause because he only drank and ate after the tester tasted them for him. But no one would taste the medicine for him. So I slipped into the kitchen and poisoned his medicine every single time.”

His casual way of explaining made her blood boil. “How many of you are here in the castle?”

“Oh no, I had none of my men here.” Rowan chuckled darkly. “I was all on my own. Speaking of which, I pinned my suspicions on Clara and the kitchen staff merely to fool you. When I realized that you no longer hated him or wished him harm, I knew you were no longer on our side. Besides, I no longer needed your aid, but I wanted to see what you would do when given the chance to fulfill the prophecy.

“Thus I sent you the notes, but you made no move for it; instead, you were fretting over him. I even doubted you got my messages, and that day I visited you in Cyrus’ room, I sent a note to the table. I confirmed you were no longer a rebel, and worse, when we went to the market square, that woman offered help to figure out the poison. I didn’t want anyone to find out since my poison was a slow killer, and once he died, people would assume he passed due to the illness—unless they held onto the rumors ofyoupoisoning him.”

“I take it you’re the one who spread that rumor, too.” Astoria narrowed her eyes at him.

Rowan held up his hands in mock surrender. “I swear that wasn’t me; it was the staff who loved your husband so much that they weren’t blind to your obvious hatred of him. Anyway, I prevented the healer from exposing the poison; the medicine I brought in was poison-free. But it turns out the woman had brains.

“And sinceyoutrusted me, you told me she was making Cyrus’ cure. I had to get her out of the way because I couldn’t let anything interfere with my perfect plan. But darn it, you contacted Cyrus’ brother without my knowledge. Therefore, there has been a change of plans yet again.”

He tilted his head, and a dangerous glint entered his eyes. Astoria would be lying if she said she didn’t feel a little intimidated.

She took a step back. “What do you want with me?”

“My, my,” he tsked. “Are you afraid, Astoria? The Unyielding Princess of Daliston? The feisty wife of Cyrus theGreat?” He spat Cyrus’ name like a curse.

“What do youwant, Rowan?” she demanded.

“Simple.” He shrugged. “You messed up my plans. Now you are the bait. You, my dear, are going to get me back my kingdom.”

“And what makes you think I will help you?” She sneered at him.

“And what makes you think Ineedyour help?” He looked at her like she was being funny. “All I have to do is bring you in front of your dear husband once he wakes up. I know he would bargain for your life with whatever I ask—in this case, the throne.Mythrone.”

“You should know better than to challenge Cyrus. You will only fail.”

Rowan rolled his eyes. “Didn’t you hear me? You are thebait. He would do anything for you.”

“I can’t believe this is the real you, Rowan.” She glared at him, her eyes damp. “I can’t believe you were the monster all along. Mark my words, you will never be the ruler my husband is to his people. He loves them. He gave them a better life! And you are his exact opposite—youare the power-hungry monster.”

Rowan raised an eyebrow. “I think Cyrus failed to mention a particular detail there,” he said. “He didn’t give the people of the conquered kingdoms a better life because he loved them—it was all for his lost mother and sister whom he still believes are out there somewhere. Wherever they were, he wanted to ensure they didn’t live an oppressed life. And you make him sound like a saint or something.”

For his mother and sister?

Oh, Cyrus…Her heart melted.

“His empire is going to fall when I rise. I would give the vassal kings their kingship and their kingdom back. As the leader of the rebels, I made them a vow, and I would stand by it. You know, they all hate him, and they are going to love me.”

“Oh, and the people of these kingdoms?” she challenged him. “I’ll tell you; they are going to curse you and your throne just like they did your father.” She lifted her chin and took a step forward. “My husband will always be the greatest, just, and people-loving ruler this continent has ever seen and ever will. You will soon realize that.”

“Rowan. We are wasting time, don’t you think?” Wizard Orion asked from behind. Astoria had nearly forgotten he was there.

“I was thinking just that, my friend,” Rowan replied, not taking his eyes off her.

“If you ask me, the last half hour was a waste of breath.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t say that.” Rowan smirked. “I’m a man of my word. I promised her answers after all, and I gave them. Now it’s time for her to vanish.”

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