Casket of Souls

“From these, it appeared that they were keeping a close eye on Klia, and also trying to gauge how deep Elani’s interest in Danos runs. And I found a number of other interesting items in a secret room in Marquis Kyrin’s house, including more letters and some phials of poison. And he’s hoarding Aurënfaie gold kars with Goliníl clan’s mark on them, and some gems.”
    “Those are all capital offenses!”
    “Yes, but I think that pales beside his real motives, don’t you? Arrest him for that and you tip your hand to the other conspirators. They’ll scatter like fleas off a dead dog.”
    “Charming image.”
    “You take my meaning, though. Please, Korathan, let us pursue this.”
    Korathan sighed. “And what’s this other cabal?”
    “We’re less sure of this one,” Thero replied, “but Duke Laneus seems to be conspiring to support Klia in some fashion.”
    “And how does he propose to do that, without her consent?”
    “He may just be trying to protect her from Kyrin’s group.”
    “And assassinate the queen.”
    “Possibly. We’re not sure of that, yet.”
    “And who is with him?”
    “It’s not entirely clear, but we’re fairly sure of MarquiseLalia, Duchess Nerian.” Seregil hesitated again. “The protector general—”
    “The man I was just speaking with? Bilairy’s Balls, man, he’s charged with protecting Elani! If he persuaded his regiment to turn on her—on me? The whole city would be plunged into chaos. Phoria would be forced to lay siege to her own capital.”
    “Very likely,” said Seregil. “Once again, though, if you arrest him for that, or even relieve him of command without a plausible excuse, the others will know the game is up. I’d suggest sending the general on a tour of the coastal cities to assess their defenses against a sea attack. With his correspondence closely monitored, of course. That should get him out of the way long enough for us to complete our work.”
    Korathan rested his head in one hand for a moment. “Yes, that can be arranged easily enough. Are there any others in league with that faction?”
    “Marquise Lalia.”
    “Mistress of the Royal Wardrobe.”
    “And Duke Malthus,” said Seregil. “But I’m not certain Malthus is supporting their plans, at least not any talk of assassinating Phoria. He was overheard objecting.”
    “By whom?”
    “One of my spies.”
    “And this spy is?”
    “The actor, Atre,” Seregil admitted reluctantly. “From what he heard, Malthus was the voice of reason.” He paused. “Again, if you bring this all to light now, it will look like Klia is in the middle of it.”
    “But I assure you, she isn’t!” Thero quickly put in. “I’ve had it from her lips, and I have no reason to doubt her.”
    That earned another raised eyebrow from the prince. “Perhaps you’re not the most objective judge, when it comes to Klia?”
    “Your Highness, I—”
    Korathan waved that aside. “I must tell you, I don’t like any of this, or your keeping it from me for so long. From now on you’ll
all
keep me apprised.”
    “Of course, Highness,” said Thero, bowing with the others.
    Korathan turned to Seregil. “I understand you two are playing with my niece again today.”
    “We have that honor.”
    “That’s good. You can keep an eye on Reltheus and the others for me. I’ll make certain the queen understands your sudden interest in Elani.”
    “Thank you.” It seemed they’d improved their standing with Korathan since that day at the archery lists.
    “Well, go on, then. It’s not polite to keep the princess royal waiting.”
    “Of course.”
    In the corridor Alec let out a pent-up breath. “That went fairly well. Didn’t it?”
    “Considering the alternatives, yes,” said Thero, looking equally relieved. “Good luck and good hunting.” With that he went off the way they’d come.
    Seregil straightened Alec’s coat collar and brushed a wisp of hair behind his ear. “There, all presentable to ‘play’ with the princess.”
    Another page led them down the long succession of corridors that took them through the public areas to the royal living quarters. Seregil could have found his way on his own, though it had been a long time since he’d lived here. The queen’s suite was the largest, with its own garden. The other royals lived in the same wing, the highest ranking closest to the queen. Seregil’s old room had been far away at the other end.
    Elani occupied the spacious suite next to the