Heat flashes in Zander’s eyes, and the corners of his mouth curl as if he has a secret. “Please, continue whatever line of thought you are on. I much prefer your reaction to that than the swirl of fear and guilt that consumed you earlier.”
My cheeks flame. “How can you do that?”
He shrugs casually. “I just can. And for whatever reason, it’s becoming easier to do so with you.”
Is it because my mind is human? Or is it because I don’t know how to use this elven body and its abilities?
“Unfortunate for you, isn’t it? Especially when your thoughts veer in that direction.”
I set my jaw, wanting to steer this conversation far away from any direction that gives him the upper hand. “Someone else targeted Quill. Why? What enemies has he made?”
“We all have our enemies, but I doubt he made any so profound that he would be wary. He was an easy target. Also, my supporter. That’s another strike against him.”
“But why kill him now?”
“I retract my earlier comment. You still know nothing.” He rubs the bridge of his nose. “To stir a new wave of suspicion now that you have risen from the dead and your brother is sitting in the dungeon, awaiting execution.”
“So, this has to do with me after all.”
“Doesn’t everything lately?” he mutters, more to himself.
“Who would want to …” My voice drifts. “Lord Adley.”
“Or one of his staunch supporters. You are finally catching on.”
I glare at him.
“What? You barely knew your own name a month ago.”
I knew my name well. It’s everything else that was a mystery. “Are you saying this is retaliation for yesterday?”
“For humiliating him in front of the entire court?” He smirks. “That was something to behold, even if it was not according to our plan. I will admit I enjoyed it.”
“Really? Because I remember your reaction being different afterward.”
“It was just … unexpected, is all. In any case, it was probably happenstance, given poisoning Quill required planning. Adley would benefit from chaos and division within the court, people forming backdoor alliances and pacts, and naturally, everyone is now speculating how many more will suffer the same fate with you sitting on our throne.”
“But I’m not poisoning them.”
“Technically, that’s not true. The raw merth vine only grows in the Terren mountains, which means the poison was brought here when you and your people crossed the rift. While we may be playing a game of your innocence, we both know you were fully aware of what you were shuttling in your pocket.”
“Fine, but none of them know that.” I ease into the formal settee across from him, tucking my legs beneath me for warmth. Outside, the rain pelts mercilessly against the windows. “Maybe Atticus is right. You could avoid this if you married Saoirse. Adley wouldn’t have any reason to kill anyone.”
“You do not know of what you speak.” His jaw tenses. “The duplicity would be tenfold. People like Adley and his ilk have no place ruling Islor.”
“But they think they do, and you’re only antagonizing them by dangling me over the throne like a threat.”
The corner of his mouth curls. “Perhaps.”
Realization strikes me. “That’s what you want. You want to force Adley to make a move so you have an excuse to charge him with treason and punish him.”
“Something reckless and ill-planned would be preferred.” His grin is both evil and playful. “Welcome to the throne. Threats come from every direction, and they do not wait in line for their turn.”
I shake my head. “No thanks.” I’d rather lurk in obscurity.
He smooths a finger over the carved detail in the chair’s wooden arm. “I cannot rule Islor with someone like Saoirse, but it doesn’t matter who I share the throne with—you or Adley’s daughter. He does not want me sitting here, period.” His full lips twist as if considering his next words, whether to say them at all. “You are aware of my vision for how I’d like to see the kingdom of Islor progress in the future. For the mortals.”
“Where the humans are not forced into this tributary system. Yes. Elisaf told me.” A future where they are free to sit at their dinner tables with their family and dream of destinies that don’t involve servitude.