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“Bah, it’s just scratches!”

“That can get infected,” chided his sister. “Sit down and let me tend you.”

A grumbling Gustav sat on a stone by the creek’s edge. “Benoit knew about our trap and ambushed us.”

“He was also behind the snake attack,” Avera stated. “I guess I should count myself lucky he didn’t use the lizard statues that first night or things might have turned out differently.” Their hard carapaces had proven difficult to penetrate.

“Where did he get the funds? That’s what I want to know. The man squandered every penny of his allowance. His family, while well-off, was loyal to the crown. I can’t see them just handing their wealth over,” Gustav said.

“He did have Duke Petturi and Admiral Venne,” Avera reminded.

“And more, I would guess. Greedy bastards seduced by the thought of increasing their power and prestige.” Gustav grimaced as his sister wiped at the bloody scratch across the back of his hand.

“I thought the lords and ladies were happy with my mother’s rule,” Avera stated, somewhat confused.

“So did I.” Gustav sighed and slumped.

Josslyn tore a strip from her petticoat before murmuring, “I wonder if he’s getting financial aid and even advice from that master Benoit and Venne spoke about in the cellar.”

“What master?” Gustav’s head shot up. “Why am I just hearing of this?”

“It was only a short mention. Something about paving a way for his master’s return.” Avera shrugged. “I can’t imagine who they spoke of.”

“Meaning there is someone above Benoit and his delusions of grandeur.” Gustav appeared pensive.

“Who would have that kind of wealth and influence in Daerva?” Josslyn’s face creased.

“No one,” Gustav replied. “This master of his must be from another continent. But which one? We’re at peace with all of them.”

“Not exactly peace. Our ships have had issues with the Okkiliamian marauders,” Josslyn reminded.

“We’ve been having those skirmishes for centuries. Why would they escalate? And why would they want Benoit in power? What advantage does he give?”

“As king, he could forge new treaties.” Avera tried to find a reason and came up with only that weak excuse.

“Treaty for what? We already have a strong trade. As to conquering Daerva, if we closed off the ports, they’d be hard-pressed to land an army.”

“There’s so much we don’t know, but I think more pressing is, what are we supposed to do now?” Avera asked. “Do we return to the palace?”

“No,” Josslyn stated emphatically. “Benoit has seeded some ugly rumors. Chances are you’d be arrested on sight.”

“I could plead my innocence. Tell them the truth.”

“Do you really think you’d live that long?” was Josslyn’s harsh rebuke.

Avera kicked at her skirts as she paced. “Then what? Do I just let Benoit have the throne?”

“Depends, are you willing to fight for it?” Josslyn queried.

“A part of me says let him have it, but another part—” Avera clenched her fists as she spat— “wants to hang him from the ramparts after I’ve stripped the skin from his body.”

Gustav chuckled. “I like the latter plan. However, the reality is we might need an army to oust him.”

“How am I supposed to gather one? He’s got me labelled as a murderer, a traitor. Once word gets around Daerva, I’ll be hard-pressed to ask for a bed for the night, let alone sons and daughters to fight for me.”

“Who says the army has to come from Daerva?” Josslyn finished tying off a bandage around Gustav’s arm.

“Where else?”