transformed to wariness and then hurt. “That is one of the lessons we were taught in the poisoner school. When a man’s heart has changed toward you, then you will tell it from his kiss. You told him, didn’t you? You told your king about me.”
It wasn’t so much a question as an accusation. He swallowed as his Fountain magic prickled, warning him of the danger she presented. Reminding him that, whatever else this woman was, she was also a murderer. The sound of the splashing waters filled his ears.
“I did,” he answered truthfully.
Her face crumpled with disappointment. “Oh, Ransom,” she said bitterly.
“I am loyal to my king,” he said firmly. “And you are not who I assumed you were. I know who your father is. And the story you told me is not true.”
Gone were the loving looks she’d given him in Kerjean. She stared at him with eyes full of distrust, hurt, and even malice. Had her behavior in Bayree been entirely an act?
“You think you know the truth, but you know nothing, Ransom. You have no idea what this game is or what it’s about. Yes, I’m King Lewis’s daughter. I was going to tell you that. I was going to tell you everything. But I cannot now. Now we must be enemies.” The hurt look on her face intensified.
“I don’t want that,” Ransom said.
“But you chose it,” she answered. “I was willing to betray my brother for you. All I asked was for you to do the same for me.” She closed her hands into fists and then pressed them against her eyes. “I don’t want to hate you. But I must.”
“Come with me,” Ransom said, taking a step toward her. “Bring the Wizr set and come back with us. I will protect you from Estian.”
She lowered her fists and shook her head no. “I can’t break the curse myself. And neither can you. I had it all figured out, but now there’s no escape for me. I almost gave you the set first. I’m so glad I didn’t.”
“Alix,” he said, confused and troubled. “We can still be allies.”
“No, Ransom. Estian was right about you. He said you’re a man who will never betray his principles. And now I must hurt you for it. Your king must die. Good-bye.”
He moved to block the opening. “I won’t let you,” he said.
But she didn’t move toward the opening. She stepped into the fountain itself and said a word he didn’t understand. And she was gone in a plume of mist. He sensed a surge of power, one that grated through his bones. He stared at the fountain in disbelief. No longer could he sense her presence. She had literally vanished into the waters through some magical means he didn’t understand.
The king was in mortal danger. And there was no way Ransom could warn him.
Ransom stormed away from the alcove, his heart on fire with worry and bitterness. He had to get back to Kingfountain, but he could not leave without fulfilling his mission. He stormed up to the heavy oak doors. The steward still stood there, along with four guards. It was obvious no one intended to let them in anytime soon.
“I’ll see him now,” said Ransom angrily.
“It is not your place to demand anything here,” said the steward dismissively.
Ransom marched past him and grabbed one of the heavy decorative handles. Two of the knights standing guard tried to restrain him. Ransom shoved one of them back into the door hard and then kneed the other in the stomach before shoving him down too. He yanked the door open violently before the other two knights had a chance to react to their fallen comrades.
The door creaked open, revealing the throne room beyond it. Estian sat on the throne on a raised dais, wearing a black velvet tunic stitched with silver fleurs-de-lis. Six decorative chairs formed a row on each side of the dais, twelve in all, and the nobles of the realm sat on them. One was empty. It was a gloomy chamber, the curtains drawn shut, and the only light came from circular fire pits spread throughout the council chamber.
As Ransom marched down the center aisle, he saw Benedict sitting in the chair closest to the king. His stomach dropped at the sight of the Prince of Ceredigion next to the man who should have been his enemy, drinking from a jeweled goblet. Benedict didn’t look uneasy. When Ransom reached the end of the line, the prince