Page 142 of Of Masks and Fury

She hesitated. “Your Majesty, if I may ask, why the urgency? Yes, freeing the prisoners would be a noble gesture. I’m grateful for the home I found here in Syllavar, as are the few magic-wielders who also escaped Caldrith, but why now? Many others have died already. This is a great risk to you personally and our court, especially with an army about to march our way.”

“It’s past time this tradition stopped.”

“Believe me, I’ve thought many times of attending one of their Days ofMercyand causing my own version of trouble.”

A quick check with Gavelle showed me Isi and our friends gathering books, preparing to leave the library. They moved toward the exit, Derren bringing up the rear, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

As they passed through the doors, I sent one more command to Gavelle.Keep watch. Tell me if anything unusual happens.

Always.

I released the vision and focused on Naveah.

Her brow furrowed, and she stared at the paper where she’d drawn the tunnel network as best as she could remember. “I believe the only way to end such a terrible tradition is fear or a firm hand?—”

“Which would make me no better than Cyril.”

She lifted her gaze to meet mine. “Perhaps there’s a way to make them abandon this tradition and fight back.”

“You speak of fomenting civil war within a rival court.”

Her shrug shifted her leather tunic. “That or give them a reason to end the tradition without a battle. I’ll think about it, see if I can come up with some suggestions while you’re gone.”

“Thank you.”

She studied my face for a long moment. “We need to be careful. Caldrith isn’t just an enemy kingdom anymore. From what I’ve heard, Cyril has become almost feral about magic-usage, much worse than the leaders of other courts. Desperate men make unpredictable choices.”

“Which is why we need to move fast and strike hard.”

“I’ll do everything I can to help.” She rose, giving me a bow. “You’re a good king. Your parents would be proud.”

“Thank you.”

Naveah walked to the door but turned back, her hand resting on the door handle. “Trew?”

I rose and leaned back against the table, meeting her gaze.

“I’m probably not the only one who recognized that face. Those eyes. She looks very much like her mother.”

My heartbeat doubled in a flash. “I’m sure you’re right.”

“I saw her worth the moment I met her. She’s good for Syllavar. Good for you. She’s as clever as Addie and as fierce as her mother, and that means she’ll be an excellent queen.”

“She’s all that and more.”

“You love her, as you should.”

“Yes.”

“It’s past time Syllavar had an ally.”

“You speak of combining our two courts, yet you forget who rules Caldrith.”

Her snort rang out. “For now.”

She left, and I settled back into my chair, thinking.

Could Naveah be trusted? It appeared so, but if she was working for King Cyril, she’d do all she could to portray herself this way.