Chapter 66

Chapter

Sixty-Six

ALYX

N ow washed and fully dressed once more—though we did have to rewash since they got handsy—I am ready to tackle the day. The space between my legs aches in the most pleasant way, reminding me of how I spent my morning. Joha and Orion devoted our shower time to making sure I was clean and not feeling any discomfort after our session in my bedroom. I was very happy to allow them to fawn over me.

However, there are other important jobs that need our attention today, like what we found out, and that thought sours my good mood.

Surrounded by guards, Joha and I walk through the palace grounds. We take the long way around so we can be seen together. It is important to show a united front after everything that happened. Support for the king has been stronger than we thought, the treachery of Queen Mother making others realise that they have all been fed lies about him over the years in her bid to take over.

Orion leads the way, looking out for any threats and giving me a great view of his ass at the same time. With the three of us together, there is only one person missing.

“Where is Crux?” I ask Joha quietly, making sure we are not overheard by anyone. Orion handpicked these guards and promises they are loyal, but it is better to be overly cautious.

“I am sure he will turn up. He is always lurking around somewhere.” Although Joha’s reply is said dryly, when I glance at him, I see a smile playing on his lips. The three of them might not be best friends, but they all seem to respect each other’s decision to be with me.

He’s right. Crux is probably tracking our movements at the moment, or at least has eyes on us reporting back to him at all times. For this next job, we are going to need him and his particular skill set.

After passing a set of long, low buildings, we pause as we reach the entrance to the prison block.

Turning from his position, Orion looks at Joha. “Are you ready for this?”

We’re about to question the former Queen Mother. She’s been interrogated by the guards, Crux being one of those involved, and now it is our turn to see what truth we can get out of her before deciding her punishment. She has committed treason of the highest order, so there will be no court case here. Joha’s decision is law.

My eyes roam over his face, and I look past the controlled mask he’s wearing and take in the turbulent emotions beneath. Although the former Queen Mother was working against him, she has been a part of his life for a long time, and it is only recently that he suspected she was involved in his father’s death. It was a huge blow for him to learn that someone who was supposed to be supporting him and a part of his family did something so heinous. This is the final face-off, and I can only imagine the mess of feelings he must be experiencing.

My own emotions are all over the place. Queen Mother is finally getting what she deserves, and that fills me with a grim sense of satisfaction. I will not shed a tear when she is finally gone, and I would be happy to do the honours of taking her life. While I may be dressed in finery and draped in jewels, I am an assassin underneath it all. I never proclaimed to be a good person.

I’m also filled with nervous excitement. This is my chance to find out about my family.

I am sure she is behind the orders to kill my family in that fire. I want to hear her say it though. I want those words to pass her lips as I stare her in the eye and tell her who I really am.

I need to know the truth about what happened, not just guesses and rumours.

I cannot have closure until then.

Squeezing Joha’s hand, I wait for his answer. Whatever he decides, we shall honour.

I lower my voice so only he can hear me. If anyone were watching, they would assume I was whispering sweet nothings into his ear. “If you need more time?—”

Shaking his head, he cuts me off. “No. I am ready. Justice needs to be served.”

Orion nods, and with a simple hand gesture, the guards around us break formation, two of them entering the prison before us to ensure the way is clear. They are quick and thorough, and we walk into the dark building, guards ahead and behind us.

A narrow walkway through the length of the building is bracketed by cells on either side, with guards stationed on either end. Most of the cells are empty, with only one other actually occupied, and from the smell of the man within, I would guess he got too drunk and needed a place to sober up. The pathway is too thin for Joha and me to walk side by side, so I step back to let him lead the way.

Stopping outside one of the final cells, I look inside to find the former Queen Mother huddled in one corner of the dingy room. She has a ratty blanket wrapped around her and appears to be asleep. All of her jewels have been stripped away, and she’s in nothing more than her stained dress, her unbound hair falling around her in a knotty mess. She looks so much younger and weaker, but I know that is just an act. A viper lives inside this woman.

Joha kicks one of the bars with his boot, a metallic clang filling the air.

“Constance.” He barks the name as an order, and I realise this is her name. I never thought to ask it before, though it makes sense, since she has no longer has a title.

She jerks awake, looking around with confusion, as though she cannot remember where she is. I see the exact moment she remembers, her eyes hardening. I would feel pity for her, since her life has drastically changed, but no, I could never feel pity for her . She deserves everything she gets.

Climbing shakily to her feet, she uses the wall behind her to keep herself steady, wrapping the blanket around her shoulders like a stole. She may be in a jail cell, but she’s still determined to look her best. She’s wearing the same dress she was when she was arrested. It must be uncomfortable, although from the odd shaping of the bodice, it looks like she removed the corset beneath it.

Clearing her throat, she brushes her hands down her skirts, taking her time before slowly turning to us. “Well, well,” she begins, her voice scratchy from disuse. “Look who has deigned to see me.”

Joha stares down at her, his body tight with tension, yet I can tell he’s trying not to show any reaction to seeing her for the first time since she was arrested.

“It has been several days since your arrest. Are you being treated well?”

This is typical Joha, checking that she’s being looked after despite the fact that she killed his father and attempted to kill him. I would not extend such courtesy.

“Has it only been that long? It feels far longer.” She appears mournful, releasing a long sigh as she leans against the wall for support. “Are you here to let me out so we can move past all this silliness?”

A laugh escapes me. I knew she was conniving, but this is a whole new level I didn’t think she was capable of. Ignoring me completely, Constance keeps her gaze on Joha, waiting for his reply.

Joha simply stares at her, shaking his head at the audacity of it all. “You killed my father, and you have tried to have me killed on multiple occasions. You cannot talk your way out of this. We have proof, so there is no point in trying to deny it. I know you believe I am a weak fool, but you cannot think I will let you go.”

As he stands up to her and shows how he has grown without her constantly putting him down, he finally looks like a king. He no longer has to hide his intelligence or interest in ruling the land for fear of her killing him, and without constantly having to pretend, he is growing into the person he always should have been.

Constance realises this too, knowing she no longer has control over him and cannot talk her way out of jail. In a flash, she loses the mournful expression, her face transforming into a snarl as she stalks forward and grips the bars that separate them.

“The throne should have gone to me,” she growls, looking more animal than human, her knuckles white from gripping the bars with such force. Orion steps forward, ready to jump between them despite the barrier keeping Constance back.

“I know you believe that, but that is not how things work. You could never rule. You are not family.” Somehow, Joha is able to keep his temper in check as he talks to his would-be killer. There is a glimmer in his eyes, though, that tells me he’s finally seeing the other side of her.

“If you died before having an heir, the throne would have gone to me!” Hatred practically oozes from her, her sense of self-righteousness clear. She feels like she has been cheated out of what should have been hers. “After your father died, I realised I could manipulate you into agreeing to my whims. You were young and didn’t know enough, so I was able to mould you.” Her gaze suddenly turns to me, even though her words are still aimed at Joha. “However, you grew up and started to have ideas of your own. I needed you out of the way. Things only got worse when she arrived.”

There it is, the confession we need. However, I have something to say that Constance needs to hear, something I have been looking forward to telling her since the day I met her.

I place my hand on Joha’s shoulder, silently asking for permission. He glances at me, emotion brimming in his eyes, and I can see this is a good time for me to take over and give him some time to collect himself. Nodding, he takes a step back so I can move closer.

Looking at the woman who has caused so much pain, I am unable to hold back the air of smugness that surrounds me. “Do you know who I really am, Constance?”

She scowls and releases the bars, taking a step back in an attempt to compose herself. Her eyes run over me critically, and she purses her lips as she clearly finds me lacking.

“You are not a princess, of that I am sure.”

I want to laugh at her prim assessment of me, quite certain that she is trying to insult me with her words. If I were a lady, this might wound me, but she has no idea how lowly I am in comparison.

Clasping my hands in front of me, I tilt my head to one side and let the mask of the king’s betrothed drop so the cold, calculating killer rises to the surface. “I am an assassin. Joha hired me to help protect him because someone was trying to kill him. I adopted the position as his betrothed and helped him regain some of his power that you stole.”

Constance pales, yet I get the impression it’s not due to her fear of me. Instead, she seems more offended by the fact I am no lady from a noble house.

“An assassin!” she exclaims, turning her outrage to her stepson. “Is that how far you have fallen, Joha? Your father would be disgusted.”

Finally losing control over his temper, he storms forward and confronts her, furiously jabbing his finger in her direction.

“Do not speak of my father, you witch,” he snaps, taking her by surprise. This is certainly not the placid, easily manipulated man she thought she knew. Widening his stance, he gestures towards me. “I love this woman, and she has helped bring peace to the kingdom, something you were determined to destroy. I think my father would be happy with my choices.” He takes a deep breath. “Alyx, you had some questions.”

He steps back to allow me to move forward, but I can see his body shaking, showing just how much all of this is affecting him. This is the woman who murdered his father, and he is only just getting the chance to properly grieve that fact.

I want to get him out of here as quickly as possible, away from the woman who tore apart his remaining family so he can begin to heal. Clearing my throat, I wait for Constance’s attention to return to me.

“What do you know about the deaths of the Stormhallow family?” I ask calmy, not wanting to show my hand just yet.

“Stormhallow?” She frowns, scrunching her nose in confusion. “They died years ago, before my husband’s death.”

“You mean your husband’s murder,” Orion corrects, his voice low with anger.

“They were the former king’s biggest supporters, and they mysteriously all died in a fire,” I continue, not about to leave without answers. “You and I both know it wasn’t an accident. Tell me what you know.” Despite my heart pounding in my chest, I am able to keep my voice even yet firm. This is an order, not a request.

The former king ordered his guards not to investigate, even though he knew the fire that killed them was deliberate. He knew his guard would be killed if he started digging around, so he kept him from danger. I understand why he did it, especially when he was losing his supporters left, right, and centre, but he also caused the truth behind my family’s murder to be washed away. They never got their justice.

Queen Mother is the only person I can think of whom the former king might have been afraid of and also had the type of power to stop him from investigating the death of his biggest supporters.

She raises a brow, but I see a flicker in her eye that tells me everything I need to know. “They died in a fire?—”

I cut her off before she can deny her involvement again. “A fire that was set deliberately.”

Laughing, she glances at Orion and Joha, hoping they might back her up for what she believes are outrageous accusations. “I didn’t set the fire, if that is what you are implying.”

We know this. She has alibis for when the fire was set. Besides, she would never do the dirty work herself.

I nod in agreement, and for a moment, she thinks that she has gotten away with it once again, outsmarting the assassin. I am about to crush those hopes. “But you ordered it.”

I’m not sure what makes her finally give up the act, whether she knew she wasn’t going to get away with it or so that she can brag about the crime. Either way, any sense of decorum disappears, and anger returns to her face.

“The Stormhallows were always getting in the way, constantly supporting the king no matter what he suggested. They could not be bribed, so they had to go.” She looks up at me with a gleam in her eye, no hint of guilt or regret. “I ordered the fire, you’re right about that, but there is nothing you can do about any of it. I am queen!”

Fury courses through me. She is so blasé about the fact she killed my entire family. With one command, she took everything from me, all for the crime of my parents following their king. My heartbeat pounds in my ears, and I have to dig my nails into my palms to stop myself from leaping forward and tearing her scheming eyes out. I should feel at peace knowing that I finally have answers, yet I feel anything but.

Joha says something beside me, but all I hear is white noise, my focus locked on Constance and hers on me. She works out why I asked quicker than I expected

“You’re not just an assassin, are you? The red hair, the eyes, and the unrelenting determination . . . You’re her, aren’t you?” Her voice breaks through to me, and I hear the moment she finally realises who I am. “The youngest Stormhallow.”

I don’t bother to reply, her eyes scanning my face.

“I cannot believe I did not see it before!” She starts laughing, shaking her head as she steps back into the centre of the cell. She clucks her tongue, looking so smug that I want to knock her out. “You may have gotten me,” she mocks, “but there is so much more to all of this than you know.”

“Ignore her, she is trying to get a rise out of you,” Orion snaps, placing a hand on my arm and guiding me and Joha away so we can discuss what we have learned. This is a smart move, as it also takes her out of my line of sight. The longer I look at her, the greater the chances are of me acting on my anger.

“What now?” I bark, needing to know what we are going to do with the traitor.

“We could execute her,” Orion suggests, and from his expression, it is clear this is the option he favours. “Make it public. It would show her supporters that we mean business and won’t tolerate betrayal, especially in this time of change.”

Joha surprises me by shaking his head. “That would just make her a martyr.” Sighing, he rubs a hand across his face. “No, I thought I wanted this big confrontation, but now I find I don’t need it. She will pay for her crimes, but there is a better way than killing her—something that will make her sorry she messed with me for the rest of her existence.”

What could possibly be worse than death to a person like her?

A thought hits me like lightning, and I start to see the plan forming in his mind. “You’re going to exile her.”

Joha looks triumphant as he turns back to look at the woman in the cell who used to have so much control over him.

“You are found guilty of murder of the former king, betrayal to the throne, hiring assassins, and attempted murder of the current king.” His voice is regal, ringing out around us. “Your greed is at the heart of this, so your punishment shall follow suit. You shall be exiled from this land. If you set foot in our borders, you will be killed. We shall escort you to the border, and you can wander the wasteland beyond for the rest of your life. You shall live in fear and discomfort, alone and without any of the luxuries you pride so much.”

Constance pales as he speaks, true horror hitting her as she realises what this will mean for her. Joha was right. This is a far greater punishment to her than being locked away forever or executed.

“Your Majesty.” Her eyes are wide and pleading. “Please, do not exile me. I will not survive it.”

It is not lost on me that we were just discussing the option of executing her. I believe she would choose that if we were to give her the choice.

Warmth appears behind me, and I know Crux has finally joined us. Glancing over my shoulder, I find him dressed as a guard. One of his little rats most likely reported to him what was happening in here, causing him to turn up at the most opportune time.

“Anyone who tries to help you shall face the same punishment,” Joha continues, ignoring Crux’s sudden appearance, even as the assassin moves forward, drawing Constance’s eye.

“Do not think that we will not be watching. Every assassin, spy, and street rat will know your face and report back to me should you try to return.” His threat is very real, and I know he’s telling the truth. Crux’s web of connections reaches far and wide. From the way Constance backs up, true fear colouring her face, I know she senses the danger Crux poses to her.

Joha takes my hand in his, squeezing slightly so I look at him. Understanding shines in his eyes, and if anyone knows how I feel, it is him. “Come, Alyx, let us leave this place so the guards can deal with their prisoner.”

Joha and I turn to depart, leaving Orion and my assassin behind to do what is needed. As we pass, Crux takes the opportunity to brush my cheek, not bothering to hide the movement. His eyes promise more, and I know as soon as he is done here, he will find me. His touch is comforting to me, settling the twisted feeling in my stomach. He will stay here and make sure that Constance is properly prepared for her exile.

“Guards. Prepare the former Queen Mother for exile,” Orion calls out, and prison guards jump forward to follow their commander’s orders.

It is the last time that title will be uttered in regard to her. She will be banished, a bad memory and, in time, a story. While she suffers, the kingdom will move on.

I link my arm with Joha’s, my mind spinning with what I have learned. Although I know Constance was behind my family’s demise, I cannot help but ponder her last words. There is so much more to all of this than you know. Does she mean my family’s deaths or the attacks on Joha?

I should be happy, but my instincts are telling me that she’s right, and we are about to be hit by a storm we are fully unprepared for.