Page 82 of Royal Rebel

Desfan would be having a stern conversation with them.

Liam wasn’t done. “Amil is no longer a problem, of course, but you didn’t see him as an enemy, did you? Even though he’d been working against you for quite a while.”

“So I’ve gathered,” Desfan said, a bit mildly. “But you knew all along Amil couldn’t be trusted. You learned about him ordering Princess Serene’s abduction at the border and you sent Latif—a man also known as Gamble—to collect her from the mercenaries in Krid.”

Liam’s head tipped to the side. “I’m not surprised you put that together, since Latif is here. I’m sure the coward told you everything he knew.”

“He did,” Desfan said, not bothering to correct his assumption that Latif was still a prisoner. “And it reinforced a narrative I frankly don’t understand. Latif was ordered to kill Serene at the Rydenic border, in an effort to frame Ryden for her death. You also told Grayson that killing the monarchs at the treaty signing would irrevocably turn every kingdom against Ryden. But my question is, why frame your own kingdom?”

“You’re asking, but you already know the answer. Grayson wouldn’t have kept that part from you.”

“You want to destroy Ryden.”

“No,” Liam said at once, surprising Desfan. “I want to destroy my father and the rest of my accursed family.” He scratched one shackled wrist, and the chains clinked. His voice sounded a little less intense as he said, “While we’re discussing narratives we don’t understand . . . I was surprised when Serene showed up in Duvan, since she was supposed to be abducted by mercenaries. And I’m afraid I was so preoccupied with my own plans, I simply assumed Salim failed to capture her. But when I saw Latif the other night in the prison, with Serene dressed as a servant—well, I assumed it was Serene.” His focus shifted to Bennick. “Until Captain Markam yelledClare.”

Desfan felt the air in the room change as Bennick stiffened.

Liam smiled faintly. “Tell me, Captain Markam, was it your idea to find a lookalike to play Serene? A decoy is rather ingenious. And I’ll admit, I had no idea there was a double in place. You should take that as a compliment, since I generally know almost everything.” He looked back at Desfan. “As you can see, I find ways to stay entertained in my cell.” With shackled hands, he gestured toward his head. “There are a thousand different puzzles to sort out in here.”

“I’m relieved you’re not bored, Liam,” Desfan said, his sarcasm clear. “Now, will you explain yourself?”

“You want to know why I want to destroy my father?”

“If you’d be so kind as to tell us, yes.”

Liam snorted. “Clearly you haven’t met my father, or you’d understand instantly. But then, perhaps you have an idea. The man bought your little sister, threw her into a windowless cell, and kept her there for nearly ten years.”

Every muscle in Desfan’s body went rigid. “I know your father is evil, manipulative, and a tyrant.”

“Then you know some of what’s coming for you. But let me assure you, my father is not an enemy you can beat. Not now.”

“Explain that.”

Liam made a scoffing noise in his throat. “The reasons are far too many to get into. But suffice it to say, you will reach a moment in the not so distant future when you will wish I would have succeeded in killing you, Serene, and Imara.”

Desfan stared at him. “You’re insane.”

“I’m practical,” Liam countered. “If my plan had succeeded, the armies of three nations would already be marching toward Ryden. Instead, you’ve spent over a month on parties and meaningless tradition. Maybe you sent letters to Newlan and Zaire, telling them what happened—or maybe Serai Yahri convinced you to wait until you got your new crown. But I assure you, you’ll realize all too soon the danger Ryden poses. And when you’re standing on a blood-drenched battlefield, surrounded by your dead, you will think back on this moment and realize,Liam was right. It would have been better if I’d died.”

His words lifted the hairs on the back of Desfan’s neck, but he refused to show his unease. He also didn’t know how much he could trust Liam—the man was being far too forthcoming. “Do you fear your father?”

“Yes,” Liam said, with no hesitation. “If you don’t fear Henri Kaelin, you’re a fool.”

“Why do you fear him?” Desfan pressed. “What do you know about his plans? What’s coming?”

Liam leaned forward and set his chained hands on the table. “Where is Grayson?”

“If I tell you, will you answer my questions?”

“I think we can make an arrangement: an answer for an answer.”

This wasn’t a very good deal; Desfan had many questions, and Liam seemed to only have one. But if Liam was willing to play . . .

“I get my answer first,” Desfan bargained.

Liam tipped his head. “Ask your question, then.”

“Will you help me bring down your father?”

---