Page 108 of The Forgotten Queen
“Was Von stupid enough to tell him anything?”
Stoddard placed his arm behind him on the back cushion. “Surprisingly, no.”
“So, what’s the problem then?”
“The problem is, you need to control your son. We can’t have him investigating the situation. Little things like visits from guards set off our fragile doctor, and when Doctor Von is nervous, the whole project is in jeopardy.”
McKane skimmed his fingers over the armrest. “I will admit that my son is more curious about his wife’s background than I anticipated. Usually, he doesn’t pay attention to the details of anything in this kingdom. But lately, that hasn’t been the case.”
“You need to control him.”
McKane clenched his jaw. “Why don’t we focus on what you need to do?”
“And what’s that, exactly?” Stoddard asked, shifting in his seat.
“The princess has had flashbacks, memories.” McKane pursed his lips. “Not a lot, but the things she’s remembering are concerning to me and my investment.”
“That’s impossible,” he said. “I personally went through every detail of her life, blocking those memories. There’s no way I missed something.”
“Is that so? Then tell me how the princess remembers that she married another man.”
Stoddard’s muscles ticked with surprise. “She said that?”
“Are you accusing me of lying?”
“Should I be?” Stoddard asked.
Was this some kind of trap that McKane had worked up? Now that he had the princess, was he going to take Stoddard and turn him in to the Council of Essentials so that he could look like the hero? Stoddard wasn’t about to let that happen. He fidgeted with the syringe in his pocket. He just had to figure out how to manipulate the situation in his favor.
“I paid you a large amount of money because you promised me a princess who wouldn’t remember anything. I thought I had a few years to solidify her relationship with Cristole, to make her ties here so deep that she would never want to leave. If she remembers who she is right now, she’ll go running back to Daddy, and I’ll have a war on my hands. Her family will assume that I was behind her supposed assassination and kidnapping. King Bryant doesn’t care for me or my kingdom. Never has. He’d take something like this and turn the entire Council against me.”
“Listen,” Stoddard said. “I’ll talk to Doctor Von, and we’ll get her memories all straightened out. Maybe we’ll even do another loading phase of the medicine, build upon what we’ve already blocked out.” He flashed a calming smile. “You don’t have to worry about anything. We’re on the same side here.”
“Are we?”
“Of course we are. I want what you want. I want Cristole to become a power player within the Council of Essentials.”
McKane’s shoulders relaxed a little.
The manipulative magic Stoddard possessed was impressive.
“Give me some time to locate the doctor,” he said, putting the finishing touches on the king. “And then you can formulate your next step in the plan.”
Stoddard reached into his left pocket, covering his fingers over the syringe. He stood, offering his right hand to McKane. The king eyed him but stood, shaking his proffered hand.
There was no time to lose.
Stoddard took his left hand out of his pocket, bringing it up to the king’s shoulder as if he was going to pat him on the arm. He pushed the tip of the needle through McKane’s clothes and skin. McKane’s eyes widened in surprise, and he turned his head to the side where the prick had entered his arm. His gaze flickered to Stoddard.
“What was thaaaat?” he asked, his speech already beginning to slur. His body stumbled, threatening to topple. Stoddard quickly wrapped his arms around him, catching him from falling over.
“Yooouuuu!” McKane choked out. “I never…should…” his body tensed and cramped against Stoddard’s as he gagged on his own words, “…have…trusted.”
“No.” Stoddard laughed. “You shouldn’t have trusted me, and neither should your son.” He gently lowered the king back onto the couch in a sitting position. His body was frozen, paralyzed.
McKane spoke even though his lips couldn’t move. “Marx.”
Stoddard bent down, meeting his gaze. There was nothing quite like seeing fear in an enemy’s eyes. The entire moment reminded him of King Adler’s death.
