Chapter 34

• I wasn’t even sure where the words had come from; they slipped out of my mouth without warning. Though their origin was unclear, their truth was undeniable. Mom’s death had been a horrific tragedy—one I was convinced had been orchestrated by someone of high rank or a Royal. Dad had never uncovered the real cause, settling instead on calling it a rogue attack. I knew playing the same game was risky, but I couldn’t remain passive. Dad was an exceptional ruler, that much was evident. Our Kingdom thrived while others faltered. I couldn’t help but wonder how many lives had been lost elsewhere because Dad refused to engage in the same ruthless politics.
• I made my way to the west wing of the Mansion, trudging up the stairs to the second floor. Just as I was about to knock on room twenty-four, Magnus’s gloved hand stopped me. He gently grasped my hand, signaling for silence with a finger pressed to his lips. Only then did I hear the hushed voices from inside. Magnus released my hand and nodded toward the door. I closed my eyes, straining to catch snippets of the conversation. I recognized Ember and Zane’s voices.
• “The fewer who know, the better,” Zane said, his tone tinged with frustration.