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“What happened?” Demos demanded.

I glanced around. There were too many people this close to the tents, and I jerked my head toward the wide, grassy expanse near the camp entrance—far enough from the guards that we wouldn’t be overheard.

All of us were silent until we were gathered in the empty space, forming a loose circle. “We discussed the continents across the sea, the fact that I haven’t yet convinced the Gromalian king to join us or visited the hybrid kingdom, the reason Regner was able to get the last amulet…” I let my voice trail off and glanced at Lorian, who looked as if he’d swallowed something bitter. We’d talk about the rest of that discussion later.

All three of them were watching me expectantly, and I cleared my throat. “We’ll meet with Conreth and his people again to discuss the barrier.”

“The barrier?” Tibris asked.

Demos glanced at him. “I’ll tell you what I know of it,” he said. “I want to get something to eat anyway.”

A fae woman I didn’t recognize was walking toward us. Everyone turned quiet. She sidled up next to Lorian, murmured a few words too low for me to hear, handed him a note, and slipped away.

He opened the message, and his eyes met mine. Despite his dark mood, I caught the hint of sympathy.

My gut clenched. “Tell me.”

“The spy I sent to watch your cousin was killed. Your cousin left a note on the body. A note addressed to you.”

My hand trembled as I reached out and took it.

Demos stared at me. “You sent someone looking for our cousin? The only other contender for the throne? Are you mad?”

“You didn’t want to talk about him at the castle. I needed to learn what I could.”

“I didn’t want to talk about him because his parents are the reason our kingdom was lost!”

My lungs seized, and Demos bared his teeth at me. “They wanted the throne,Prisca. And once their precious son was born—with time magic—they figured they could take it. So, they worked with Regner. They lowered the wards surrounding our kingdom and left the hybrids to die. And they’re the reason why our people are dead.”

He was talking about the actions of our cousin’s parents. Our aunt and uncle.

“How old was he?”

Silence.

“How old, Demos?”

“Twelve winters.”

“And you’d immediately judge him as the same as his parents?”

“He’s the only challenger to your throne!” His expression turned cold. “But that’s the point, isn’t it? You’re hoping he’ll be the backup. That your people will prefer him. And you can hand the whole royal situation over and disappear somewhere.”

“That’s not what this is.”

Not anymore. At least…not exactly.

The look Demos gave me cut to the bone. “I don’t believe you.” He turned and walked away, his shoulders stiff, and I pressed the heels of my hands to my burning eyes.

Demos was right. The man had murdered Lorian’s spy and used his body to send a message. Clearly, he wasn’t an option. I ripped open the note and went still.

Dearest cousin,

Spies are unnecessary. If you’d like to talk, I’m more than willing to meet.

- Zathrian

That was it? He killed a man and offered a meeting?