Page 69 of Forged By Heart and Claws
Briar’s hand gripped mine like a vise. “We have to get them out. Is there… water in the cells?” Her face paled, the question dragging something deep and sharp out of her.We can’t allow that to happen, Vad. All those poor people. They're innocents. They don’t deserve this.
Her heartbreak swelled inside of me. She wanted to protect everyone, especially those facing injury and abuse. It was a rarequality that made her just as lovely on the inside as out.We’ll get them out.
Finbar braced a hand on the map, pointing toward the east. “There’s water. And if we can, we’ll get food to them, but time is critical. They’re barely guarded—merely locked in and barricaded. Our focus has been on retaking the palace. If we free those prisoners, we’ll fracture Colm’s narrative. But right now, fear has those who aren't prisoners and aren't working with us listening to him.”
Briar straightened. “Fear of what?”
His expression darkened. “He’s claiming that the loss of magic is punishment. That your union broke Fate’s laws and that you come from a wretched family, starting with your father, who also chose defiance when he claimed your mother. The tipping point came about due to an Aureline marrying into the Shadow Court.”
I would kill everyone loyal to the fecking bastard. One by one, with my own hands.
Briar scoffed and shook her head. “So they’re blaming me for the collapse of magic… to justify a coup?”
“I’m afraid so.” Finbar’s sigh was weary. The shadows beneath his eyes told me he hadn’t slept since his brother’s and my father’s murders.
“They’ve been planning this from the start.” I inhaled deeply, trying to stay grounded and not give in to anger. “Rigging the bridal trials. Poisoning alliances. Killing my father. Draining fae to steal their power.” My voice dropped. “This didn’t begin at my coronation. This was always the plan.”
“If we can prove thattheycorrupted Fate’s balance, more will turn against him.” Finbar rubbed his hands together. “The people fear that magic is gone forever. But if they believe Colm caused the loss… if they see him as the one who brought down Fate’s wrath…”
“They’ll fight him.” Hope and resolve swirled between Briar and me.
“We have one former prisoner who might testify.” The thought of the two women who’d tried to kill Briar and take her place made my stomach revolt. “And Physician Morlo’s records—he found traces of stolen magic in the hair of either Kaylen or Calla Lily. One of them has been consuming another’s gift.”
“It’s something,” Finbar said. “But not enough.”
“We’ll need more,” I agreed. “Whether it’s additional witnesses, a confession, or proof they can’t twist or burn away. They’ve likely destroyed anything from Briar’s quarters that bore signs of Fate’s favor. Her gown might’ve once held power, but it’s been so stained and shredded, I doubt it will convince anyone.”
A thought struck me. “What happened to Kaylen? They were dragging her off before everything collapsed. She looked shocked. Angry.” And her shock and indignation had seemed genuine.
Finbar grunted. “Kaylen was imprisoned with the other guests. She was quick to offer fealty at first, but they locked her in the old dungeon, in the southeastern block near the entrance.”
Pursing her lips, Briar lifted her chin. “As much as I hate the thought of seeing her again, she may know something.” Her voice dropped slightly. “We should get to her before they decide she’s not useful.”
I calculated the route in my head and set my hands against my belt.Do you wish to handle the interrogation?
Something bitter inched through our bond.Hell, yes, I do.
Finbar spoke up. “If you wish to divert forces, we can try to breach the main entrance?—”
“No,” I cut in. He didn’t know about the hidden paths, and I had no intention of revealing them. “We’ll manage it. Show me the schematics so we can make a plan.”
Finbar inclined his head and turned toward the map. “Of course, Your Majesty.” He tapped a square labeledCeremonial Hall. “Colm intends to crown himself king tomorrow. All current loyalists will be present. If we can provide proof that they’d been planning this takeover before the magic was gone, this is the moment to do it.”
“Who else will be in attendance?” I raised an eyebrow and tilted my head back. “If the royals are locked away, is he assembling their advisors?”
“He’s calling for secondary leadership to swear loyalty. Likely to claim this was a unanimous decision among the courts, not a coup.”
“And the excuse?” I leaned forward and tried to wrap my head around how much of a monster this man truly was.
“That you and your Aureline bride violated Fate’s laws. That your union caused the collapse of magic. They sent messengers shortly after the attack—so quickly it had to have been coordinated. There are contacts embedded in every realm. It’s why nearly every royal line was here to begin with.”
I gritted my teeth. “So we have one day.”
“Yes.” Finbar met my eyes. “What do you require, Your Majesty? This outpost has no sleeping quarters, but we can secure a location for your group to rest if needed.”
My instincts screamedno. “Splitting up is safer for now. But we’ll need supplies.”
“I’ll arrange everything.” Finbar waved his hand. “If you give me a destination, I’ll have a soldier and an attendant deliver the items.”
