Chapter 15

15

M ate.

The word blared in Neve's mind as she and Pine raced through the halls of the palace to find someone who could untangle this mess.

"Why weren't there guards at the door?" she panted out, trying to focus on the task at hand and not the huge thing hanging over their future.

If they had a future.

"Because Toro is using his own hired men. He can't just station them on guard inside the palace. He's already taking a risk by bringing them here at all. If the king doesn't believe his accusations, this will end poorly for him." Pine didn't sound at all out of breath even though they'd been sprinting through the halls for several minutes. Toro may have brought hired help, but that didn't mean they could risk being seen. He had to have allies.

"Do you think the king is going to believe him?" Worry and hope warred inside of her.

Pine's jaw clenched as they rounded another corner. "I don't know. The king has never taken issue with my family, but Toro is cunning. He wouldn't have made his move unless he thought he could succeed."

Fear threatened to make Neve's heart explode. The sapphire grew heavier against her chest with each step, a reminder of what she and Pine might have if they made it out of this alive.

"We need to find Briar," Pine said, slowing his pace to peer down an intersecting hallway. "She should have been a spy, the way she knows things. She'll know who we can trust."

A commotion erupted from somewhere nearby—shouts and the clatter of armor. Pine grabbed Neve's hand and pulled her into an alcove behind a thick tapestry. They pressed close together, chests barely rising as footsteps thundered past.

"Lord Toro wants them found immediately!"

When the voices faded, Neve let out a shaky breath. "Looks like we found his men."

Pine peered out from behind the tapestry, scanning the now-empty hallway. "We need to keep moving."

Neve nodded. As they slipped out of their hiding spot, she caught sight of her reflection in a nearby mirror. Her hair was disheveled, her makeup smudged, and the beautiful gown Pine had given her was wrinkled and torn at the hem. She barely recognized herself.

"This way," Pine whispered, tugging her hand gently. They moved swiftly and quietly, every shadow hiding a potential threat.

As they turned a corner, Neve nearly collided with someone. She stifled a scream, stumbling backward into Pine's chest.

"There you are!" Briar hissed, her eyes wide with relief and worry. "I've been looking everywhere for you two!"

Pine's sister wasn't alone. Beside her stood a tall, imposing man with dark hair and piercing eyes. He radiated an aura of authority that made Neve want to curtsy or something.

"Prince Crux," Pine said, inclining his head slightly. Then he looked to his sister. "Briar?"

"Crux found me after Toro had you arrested. He didn't believe a word of it. He wants to help."

The prince nodded. "Toro finally took this too far. We need to get to my father before he does. If Father makes a declaration about treason before the court, he won't be able to easily take it back. But he hasn't done that yet. There's still time."

Pine held up his manacled hands. "Any idea how to get these off?"

Crux and Briar both studied them. Briar pursed her lips before removing a sturdy pin from her hair. "I got this."

Neve watched Briar pick the lock for a moment, then switched her gaze to Pine's face. He was clearly wondering where his sister had learned that trick, but there wasn't any time to dwell on it.

The manacles fell away, and they hid them under a tapestry.

"Come on," said Crux. "We need to hurry."

Neve thought she and Pine were running before, but Crux had them basically sprinting through the halls and up stairways, twisting through the palace with the knowledge only someone who'd lived there could have. The finally ran out of stairs and ended at a large expanse of rooftop where an imposing figure stood staring out at the vista that lay before him.

King Venin.

He turned as the four of them appeared. "What are you doing?" he asked Crux. "You know I do not wish to be disturbed when I'm up here."

Crux bowed. So did Pine and Briar. It took a beat, but Neve followed suit. She'd never had to bow to anyone before. It felt strange.

"I am sorry, Father. Things have gone awry at the celebration, and this needs your attention now." Crux stood, but Pine and Briar stayed bent over, so Neve stayed where she was.

The king let out a frustrated sigh. "What is it now?"

"Lord Toro," was all Crux had to say.

Pine and Briar straightened, so Neve did too and just in time to see the king's face turn a disturbing shade of red. Was he going to have a stroke? Could dragons have strokes?

The king made a gesture for Crux to continue talking.

He did. "He's accusing Lord Pine of treason. He's leveled accusations at Lord Pine's father?—"

Pine made a sound of outrage then clamped his mouth shut.

"Ridiculous," said the king.

"Yes," Crux continued. "My sources tell me that Toro has run up debts, and he's become desperate. He plans to reveal all to you once you enter the New Year's Ceremony. He had Pine apprehended in the middle of a dance."

King Venin rested his head in his hand. "Desperate indeed." He looked at Pine. "We have been monitoring Toro for some time. It is unfortunate that you were caught up in this, but I assure you, the kingdom knows that you are loyal."

Something loosened in Neve's chest. Relief. That was it.

The king's words eased some of the tension in the air. Neve saw Pine relax slightly beside her, though his posture remained alert. Briar had a small smile on her face.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Pine said, bowing his head.

Before the king could make any more declarations, footsteps pounded up the stone steps to the rooftop. Lord Toro strode out, flanked by two guards. His face was a mask of righteous indignation, with just a hint of panic in his eyes.

"Your Majesty!" Toro exclaimed, then faltered as he took in the scene before him. His gaze darted between Pine, Neve, and Crux before settling on the king. "I … I came to inform you of a grave matter. I request a private audience."

The king made a gesture, inviting him to speak. "This is as private as you'll get, Lord Toro."

Toro hesitated, looking at Pine and noticing the lack of manacles on his hands. He looked back to the king. Then back to Pine.

Would he back down?

The game was over. Everyone knew it. Toro had lost. Maybe if he walked away, he could salvage some of his dignity.

Instead, he summoned a fireball and threw it straight for Pine.