A Fate of Wrath & Flame (Fate & Flame 1)

“Yes. An older one. But as is custom in Ybaris, female offspring are considered first in line to the throne.”

“And do you think that’s true? Getting rid of me so my brother could take over?”

“I do not deem to have an opinion on Ybarisan matters. But King Barris first reached out to King Eachann when you were merely a babe, so your political shrewdness would not have been in question at that time. Besides, I believe you proved that you were well versed in scheming, and not at all the fool, even if your plans were foiled by a change in schedule.”

Right. “How exactly did I poison them?”

“I am not permitted to give you details of your failed coup.”

“Because I’m going to try it again? From here?” I shake my head. “Why didn’t King Barris and Queen Neilina come to Islor, anyway? Don’t parents attend their children’s weddings?”

“They did not feel it was wise to leave their kingdom unattended.” I note the slight hesitation in Elisaf’s voice. “But Prince Tyree traveled with you.”

“And where is he now?”

“His body was not found among the dead, so it is assumed he fled the city as soon as the alarms sounded.”

“And left his sister here to die.” It is interesting, though. He must have been involved in the plan. “So, basically you’re telling me the peasants thought Princess Romeria ‘pretty,’ and the court thought her a fool.” Not exactly a glowing reputation I inherited, even without the murder worked in.

“I believe the exact term was ‘witless fool.’” I hear the smile in his voice. “For your part, you fed into that notion well. But some saw through the act, believing you were putting on a show to please the crown and the future king, but that you had ulterior motives.”

“Hope they dropped some coin on those odds. They could have made serious bank,” I mutter dryly.

“I’ve never met a Ybarisan before, outside of battle. Do they say such odd things as you do?”

I wince. I need to watch my words more carefully. “The queen didn’t like me, though, did she?”

“The queen did not trust you. Princess Annika was not an enthusiast either.”

“She still isn’t.” And yet she went to all that trouble to help me the night of the attack. There’s only one explanation—she must love her brother.

“You got along well enough with Atticus. He and a contingent of the king’s army escorted you and your entourage on the journey from the rift. Though, he could make pleasantries with his worst enemies.”

“I’d say that friendship is over.” I set the stone bowl down on the floor beside me. “And what are people saying about me now?”

“At the moment, most of Islor still believes you dead. There are a great number of rumors drifting through the villages and cities, causing confusion and fear.”

“Such as …,” I push.

“Many are calling you the Royal Slayer. Some believe the king should have made a spectacle of executing you with the rest of the Ybarisans for your treason.”

The urge to deny my supposed misdeeds blisters my tongue for what feels like the hundredth time. This is what innocent people accused of heinous crimes must feel like. Though, in my case, my inculpability is only half-true. “I guess I can’t blame them.” Zander would have executed me had the sun rose with me still in the tower. I have both Annika and a demon to thank for escaping that fate.

“But there are some who mourn you, who are certain you didn’t have any knowledge of your mother’s hand, that you were duped as surely as the rest of us.”

A spark of hope unfurls in my chest. “Is that possible?” Could I have been framed for all this?

“Your first lady was found with the vial of poison hidden in the seam of her dress, and your guards sang like songsters upon questioning, their stories about your duplicity all the same. So, no, I would say it’s highly unlikely.”

I swallow. “And the king? I mean, Zander. Was he ever suspicious of me before that night?”

“He was.” There’s a lengthy pause. “But he fell for your act harder than anyone.”

“That’s what he likes? A mindless woman who wears pretty dresses while smiling incessantly, and who will warm his bed?”

There’s no response, and I suspect that’s all I’ll get about Zander. I smooth my fingers over the cuffs on my wrist. “What’s your elemental connection, Elisaf?”

“I do not have one.”