Page 102 of Queen of Legends and Lies
“Rhiann,” he addresses his cousin, “not a word of this to anyone. Not until we figure out exactly what’s going on.”
“Of course, Knox.” She’s already heading for the door. “I’ll tell the maid to hold her tongue as well.”
As Rhiann leaves, we race to the bedchamber, a newfound sense of urgency fueling our movements as we dress. In a brief moment of levity amid the gravity of our discovery, I catch Sterling’s appreciative gaze roaming over my figure.
But there’s no time to waste. With Celeste’s betrayal, we have to act now to protect Tirene. There’s no telling what kind ofnefarious plot she’s involved in. She’s been wandering freely for weeks.
Squaring my shoulders, I meet Sterling’s resolute gaze. He tugs on his boots as I finish braiding my hair.
As we burst out of the room, I motion for the guards in the hallway to follow us. Their armor clanks as they fall into step behind Sterling and me, a reassuring presence in the face of the impending confrontation.
Eldor appears from around the corner, his arms laden with heavy, ancient tomes. His charcoal gray vest looks clean, but the dust smudges on his black pants and shirt suggest the vest is simply hiding the evidence of digging through forgotten bookshelves. “Lark, wait!”
I slow my pace, allowing him to catch up. “Hey, Grandfather. You’re up and at it early.”
“I think I may’ve found something important in these ancient texts.” Eldor’s russet eyes are round with concern. “It’s about merging. Things you must be aware of. I think you merged with Agnar too.”
“What?”
“And there’s more. So much more than what we thought we knew.” Eldor shifts, trying to pull out one of the books he’s carrying. “Have you two had breakfast yet? We need to discuss this.”
Every fiber of my being yearns to unravel the secrets my grandfather has uncovered, but the thought of Celeste’s betrayal pushes me forward.
“Now’s not a good time.” Sterling rests a hand on the small of my back. “There’s an emergency we have to manage.”
Eldor’s brows furrow, his concern palpable. “This is also an emergency. There’s no time?—”
“Grandfather, please. This is urgent. I’ll explain later. As soon as I get a few minutes, I’ll ask Bastian to consult with you. I promise we’ll talk soon.”
As Sterling and I hurry off, Eldor’s parting words reverberate through the corridor. “Come find me today. It’s critical.”
“I’ll be back as soon as I can.” With Sterling and the guards at my back, I quicken my pace, determination fueling each step as we head toward Celeste’s chamber. The implications of Eldor’s discovery only reaffirm the urgency of finding and questioning her.
I burst into Celeste’s room, my heart pounding. But the space is empty, the bed neatly made. No sign of the traitor.
Frustration builds inside me as I whirl around to face Sterling and the four royal guards. “Search every inch of this room. Look for any clues as to her whereabouts.”
As they begin their search, I storm out into the hallway, my mind racing. Where could she be?
When Sterling gestures to a passing maid, her eyes widen in surprise. “Have you seen Lady Celeste this morning?”
The maid shakes her head, sending her brown curls flying. “No, Your Majesty. I haven’t seen her since yesterday.”
Yesterday.
“Thank you.” Sterling gifts her with one of his charming smiles. “If you see her, please, say nothing of our visit and alert a guard immediately.”
She blushes, curtseying to both of us before scampering off.
A guard emerges from the room. “It’s empty. I didn’t see any personal belongings.”
We march through the palace, checking the dining hall and kitchens first, just in case. The rich aroma of baking bread fills the air, but there’s no sign of Celeste among the bustling servants. Next, we move on to the council chamber, its circular walls lined with empty chairs, the fireplaces cold and dormant.
As we approach the Royal Archives, I spot Leesa and Bastian hunched over a table, surrounded by stacks of ancient texts. They glance up as we enter, their expressions a mix of surprise and concern.
Leesa rises from her seat. “Lark? What’s going on?”
I glance around, ensuring no one’s close enough to hear us. “Celeste is a traitor. Have you seen her?”
