Page 104 of Queen of Legends and Lies
For just a minute, I lean into his touch, drawing strength from his presence. “I just can’t help but wonder why she did it. What could’ve motivated her to betray us like this? To betray all of humanity.”
Sterling’s brow furrows, his expression growing thoughtful. “Maybe she was working for Xenon all along. Or, perhaps, she had her own agenda, her own plans for the kingdom.”
“Well, she was the one who brought you back to Tirene. Maybe she hoped you would become king so she could use your past friendship to manipulate you.”
His grip tightens on my waist. “If that was her plan, she gravely underestimated us both.”
I smile and reach up to cup his cheek. “She underestimated the strength of our love, the power of our bond.”
Sterling leans down, capturing my lips in a gentle kiss. I melt into him, the worries of the kingdom fading away for a brief, blissful moment.
But as we break apart, the reality of the situation comes rushing back.
There’s a traitor in our midst.
Chapter Thirty-Five
A handful of hours later, Sterling and I settle into the plush chairs of my public sitting room. We have enough seating for a full family dinner, a council meeting, and a quilting circle all at once. The chandeliers overhead are fully lit, and a tray of cold meats, cheeses, and melon slices sits between us so we can graze without needing to clear the table.
Across the room, Astrid perches at the writing desk along the east wall, chestnut waves partially pinned back. Her quill hovers over the parchment as she readies to record our plans.
Sterling leans forward, body tense. “Let’s start with Celeste. What exactly was she working on in the apothecary?”
I rub my temples, a headache forming behind my eyes. “Let’s wait for the alchemist’s evaluation.” Until then, I can cling to the tiny sliver of hope that I’m wrong about the eyril.
“What about repairing the damage from yesterday’s drachen attack?”
“We’re currently filling the holes with ice, but that’s just a short-term patch job. The stone masons are working on building the rigging we’ll need to move the broken pieces back into place.” I sigh and gaze out the tall windows at the ruined courtyards below. “Any ideas?”
A slow smile spreads across his chiseled face. “Actually, yes. We rebuild with fresh stone but leave the rubble piled high in containers throughout the courtyard. It will provide ammunition for the earth elementals if any drachen return.”
“Brilliant.” I turn to Astrid, who’s scribbling away. “Please, write up that order and have it delivered to the guards to disseminate. We don’t want them to have to work twice, moving things back and forth.”
As Astrid bows her head in acknowledgment, a wave of self-recrimination crashes over me. How could I have been so blind as to let Celeste infiltrate the royal council?
Sterling must read my thoughts, because he reaches out to squeeze my hand. “The council was the perfect place for her. It kept her busy and out of the real work.”
A surprised laugh climbs up my throat. “That’s exactly why I put her there originally. To watch her like a hawk.” I purse my lips. “For all the good that did.” I glance over at Astrid. “Let’s keep that between us, shall we?”
While Rhiann recommended her, I can’t help but worry about her discussing things with her family or friends. I know she grew up in the palace, even if I’m not sure of her family line.
Astrid glances up, her round face earnest. “Of course, Your Majesty. I never repeat what you say. Only what he says,” she gestures cheekily at Sterling, “and only to you.”
Sterling’s jaw drops, and he puts a hand on his hip in mock exasperation. “You wound me, Astrid.”
The doors to my suite burst open with a bang, and we all jump as the council storms in.
Taking a deep, fortifying breath, I gesture to the plush sofas and armchairs. “Please, come in. Make yourselves comfortable.”
Serle, already halfway into a seat, has the decency to look abashed at his presumptuousness.
The noble-born, at least, remember their manners.
Duchess Breann dips into a graceful curtsy. “Your Majesty, pardon our intrusion.”
The others belatedly follow suit.
I wave them off, impatient to get to the point. “What brings you barging into my apartments today?”
