Page 112 of The Gilded Cage

Despite her internal struggle, Kiva ignored what Jaren had said about Torvin in favor of asking the only acceptable question, her voice hardly more than a croak: “What’s the Royal Ternary?”

“It’s three objects,” Jaren answered, flipping through the pages again. “The first is this —” He tapped a finger against the Book of the Law. “The second is the Royal Signet — a golden ring worn by the current ruler of Evalon. My family’s crest was fashioned to imitate it, so it’s basically a much smaller version of the amulet you’re wearing, just without the power to channel magic.”

Thinking of the ring she’d seen on Ariana’s finger last night — and countless times before — Kiva asked, “Your mother wears it?”

Jaren nodded. “When I inherit the throne, it’ll pass to me.”

Kiva couldn’t meet his eyes. “And the third object?”

Jaren pointed to the new page he’d opened. On it was a drawing of two outstretched hands holding a simple jewel, spherical and without color, like a shining diamond or the purest of crystals.

“The Eye of the Gods,” Jaren said. “It’s the reason why you don’t have to worry about anyone taking the kingdom from us.”

Peering at the jewel, Kiva asked, “The Eye of the what?”

“Let’s sit,” he said, guiding her to the nearest reading lounge. Once comfortable, he answered, “You already know the tale of Torvin and Sarana — or,oneof the tales. The story you shared in Zalindov is one I’ve heard before, but it’s not the only one. And it’s not the one I believe.” He shook his head. “That doesn’t matter. All the tales start out the same, with them falling in love. Can we agree on that?”

Kiva nodded, curious about the other stories he’d heard, but not enough to interrupt him.

“Legend claims that when they ruled together, some of the ancient gods still lingered in this world, not yet having left to watch over the everworld,” Jaren said. “Upon the union of Sarana and Torvin, those gods decided they were no longer needed, believing our people safe and our lands protected by the powerful magic the two rulers possessed. As a parting gift, they bestowed a precious jewel — the Eye of the Gods — upon the newlyweds, a blessing to mark their worthiness as leaders. To this day, it’s said that whoever holds the Eye has the gods’ approval to rule in their stead.”

“You told me the Eye is the reason I don’t have to worry,” Kiva managed through numb lips. “Nothing you’ve just said makes me feel any better.”

Jaren chuckled. He actuallychuckled.“Breathe, Kiva,” he said, giving her hand a comforting squeeze. “The reason you don’t have to worry is because the Eye is almost impossible for anyone to steal. We keep it —”

“Don’t tell me,” Kiva blurted.

Jaren shook his head indulgently at her, even more amused, and said, “I told you I trust you. And besides, my sharing where it is won’t cause any harm. You’d literally have to get through an entirearmyto steal it.”

Kiva blinked, not following.

“The Eye travels with the current general of Evalon’s armies,” Jaren revealed. “Right now, Ashlyn has it, hundreds of miles north of here. Not only does she have powerful windandearth magic protecting it, but any thieves would need a force large enough to overcome our significant military numbers — and therefore, they’d already have a force large enough to conquer Evalon without needing the Ternary at all.” He paused, making sure she was paying close attention, as he finished, “The rebels don’t have that kind of force. And if they ever came close, we’d take other precautions.”

Slowly, the tightness within Kiva began to ease.

“Mirraven and Caramor, on the other hand,” Jaren said, his tone conversational but his face hardening, “their allianceisa concern, since theydohave those kinds of numbers, collectively. But even if they knew the true value of the Eye — which theydon’t— they wouldn’t care. They’re not after a legitimate means to take Evalon. They wouldn’t bother with the Royal Ternary — they’d just use their armies to take over.” He squeezed her hand again, perhaps feeling the return of her tension. “But that’s not going to happen. We’re watching the mountain passes closely, and we have all the advantages on our side. They can’t beat us. Mirraven, Caramor — and definitely not the rebels. None of them pose a true threat to Evalon, and Royal Ternary or not, they never will.”

Kiva didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

Jaren had just told her how to take his throne — and also revealed that it was all but impossible.

Relief and devastation warred within her.

... But relief won.

Releasing a long, shaky breath, Kiva said, “So this clause says someone has to have all three objects? Not one or two, but all of them? And that’s theonlyway they can be considered true rulers?”

“All three,” Jaren confirmed, smiling at whatever he saw on her face. “So you can relax. The Eye is well protected and the Book and the Signet are kept safe here at the palace. The Royal Ternary clause can’t be enacted without all three.”

“And there’s no other way for someone to take power, outside of bloodshed?” Kiva pressed.

Jaren laughed quietly. “Careful, or I’ll start to think you’re planning to overthrow me yourself.”

Kiva forced out her own breathy laugh, aware of how desperate she was sounding. “Sorry,” she said. “I just —”

“I understand,” he cut in gently. “You’re worried. But I hope you now realize you don’t have to be.”

She did realize that, just as she realized that ten years of her life had been dedicated to a cause that had no chance of succeeding. Even if the rebels one day outmanned the royal armies, the Evalonian people wouldn’t abide a bloody transfer of power. Unless the rebels survived the warfare and were then able to steal the Eye from the magic-wielding general — doubtful, if Ashlyn Vallentis was anything like her family — then without the Royal Ternary clause making them stand down, the citizens of Evalon would fight back.

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