Revenge of a Queen: A Legacy Series Novel

By Charlene Sponsel

Cam did everything the queen asked to secure Lili's safety. The queen lied. After sending Lili for burial, Cam commits to bringing Queen Balia to justice for Lili's murder, but things don't go as planned. Balia gives him a choice, death or unite with the Rainforester Marchioness of Pell.

Cam will alienate his loved ones and risk his life to uncover the true depths of the queen's plans. Time rushes forward and his grief abates, but the guilt of moving on is crushing. When he learns Lili's life didn't end with the peaceful sleep he witnessed, he lands on the one solution that remains.

Kill the queen—a plan akin to suicide. Will it cost him more than he is ready to sacrifice?

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Sep 10, 2019
• ISBN: 9781532081255

Charlene Sponsel

Charlene Sponsel lives in North Pole, Alaska, with her husband and three kids. Dark winter weather is perfect for sharing stories with her English bulldog, Puk, who listens without judgment. During the endless summer days, she and Puk explore the wide-open spaces of her beautiful home state. Sponsel is also the author of Legacy of a King, book one in the Legacy Series.

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Copyright © 2019 Charlene Sponsel.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

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ISBN: 978-1-5320-8124-8 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5320-8125-5 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2019913355

iUniverse rev. date:  09/10/2019

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CONTENTS

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

Chapter 53

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CHAPTER 1

ELONJI, MAJORCA

19TH DAY OF WINTER 465

M usic echoed through the castle as the life faded from Lili’s eyes. I rocked her, counting the seconds since she had taken her last breath. Seconds stretched to minutes, then an hour. The music fell silent, and Olnes found his mother and me sitting amid shards of oxblood glass and round pearlite buttons.

Cam? Olnes slumped to the floor.

Firelight flickered over Lili’s blank face and my blood-smeared tunic. He came to tell her of the plans we had made now that he was free to leave Elonji Castle, the gilded cage that had held him and his sisters for the last three cycles. Queen Balia, our sister, had done everything in her power to prevent my return, robbing me of hours and days just like she had stolen Olnes’ title and inheritance.

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Clouds menaced the mid-day sky when I returned to Elonji for Olnes’ entitlement ceremony to celebrate his newly acquired freedom. Skeletons of dried vines on the wrought iron castle gates rattled in the bitter winter wind. Ashen downy webbing of tallis trees shrouded the courtyard, but through the haze, I caught a glimpse of Lili’s crimson hair. My heart raced. Over the twenty cycles we’d known each other, she always greeted me, no matter the circumstance. She was my constant, my home.

Before my horse came to a stop, my feet were on the ground. I scooped her into my arms, breathing in the berry and cream scent of her hair as it blew across my cheek. I missed you, Red.

I feared I would have to do this alone.

I would’ve had to ride through the storm had I been any later. I winked. The icy wind molded her gown to her legs and nipped at my skin, but being near her warmed me.

You didn’t find anything? Lili perceived the worry on my face as she always did.

I found a lead, but without a connection in the rainforest, it won’t help.

The rainforest? She swallowed and pursed her lips.

I raised my brows and smirked. Afraid I’m going disappear in a jungle and return a tattooed, naked wild man?

I wouldn’t put it past you.

I laughed.

So, you’re going to the rainforest? There was no humor in her question and dread glistened in her eyes.

I didn’t say that.

You didn’t have to. I recognize the gleam in your eye when you see a new adventure on the horizon. Cam, it’s too dangerous.

I tucked a wayward strand of hair behind her ear, and my thumb followed the line of burgundy shading along her jaw. Every clue has circled back to my uncle. What would you have me do?

Maybe Balia is right. Your uncle—

There must be another explanation. Balia and Lili were convinced my uncle killed my parents, but he had loved my mother. Lili found my mother’s rejection of him further proof of his guilt.

Why don’t you want to believe we’re safe? she asked as we stood at the threshold. On one side, a darkened, lifeless courtyard with cold stone statues of long-dead rulers, inside was beauty and light.

If Balia feels safe, why has she doubled the guards? They’re everywhere.

Which means we’re safe tonight. Let’s enjoy it, for Olnes’ sake, and worry about the past tomorrow.

After a lifetime of paranoia, Balia was eager to do just that, but we’d never been safe. All of Elonji was hopeful of the new cycle as we said goodbye to the old with Olnes’ entitlement ceremony. Gold ribbons striped the columns separating the ballroom from the Great Hall. Evergreen cloths scalloped the high glass doors leading to the throne room set for the feast. The three linked rooms were as tall as they were long. Slim candles in the crystal chandeliers smelled like spring and illuminated the ceiling of cloudy blue sky, making it easy to ignore the tempest outside. The animosity between family members was not so easy. It was as palpable as the storm’s current hovering over my skin and as obvious as my father’s portrait missing from above the monumental fireplace. Balia had it removed as if its absence would make us forget he wouldn’t be there to give his youngest son his rightful title.

I intend to find matches for the girls tonight. Balia stroked her belly, swollen with child.

Irritated by her interruption of a private conversation with what she considered a peace offering, I countered, What about Olnes?

Olnes is fortunate I allowed him to celebrate his coming of age, and it is all the generosity he should expect. Now, about the girls—

I obtained contracts for them with my assets as collateral. I straightened my back and stayed between Lili and Balia.

And I cannot break them without your cooperation. We can do better if I vouch for them. Jili has grown into a beauty. Perhaps I can undo the damage of the rumors.

Rumors you started. I stepped closer, challenging her to reveal her true intention. Balia never forgave my father for taking a mate after my mother died and claimed Lili’s children were mine.

Balia ignored me and addressed Lili. Evi is ingene, a rarity and a political asset. The match I can make for her… Her smile stretched to meet her lavender eyes, sparkling with possibilities.

Lili’s face reddened above a stiff jaw. Ingene have increased longevity, heightened senses, and volatile emotions. She believed it was cruel that Evi’s and my life would surpass our loved ones, and she wasn’t alone in her conviction.

When Lili didn’t respond to Balia’s offer, I interceded, My reputation is on the line. Is this why you tried to keep me away? You hoped she would bend to your wishes without me here.

Don’t be selfish, Cam. Consider the girls.

Consider the retaliation we would bear from Cavasil if you break Jili’s unification contract. Relations are already stressed.

Relations with Cavasil are always stressed. Balia rolled her eyes. What about Evi?

I won’t have her used as a political pawn. Lili was respectful but firm.

That is naïve. She already is one. It is what sovereign children have been and always will be, Iliota. Balia addressed Lili using her formal name as always. Cam betrothed her to an Island chief. Is that what you want for your daughter? She tapped her long, polished nails on her hips.

No one is closer to Evi than Cam. If he says it’s best for her, I believe him. She laced her fingers with mine, a dangerous move to make in front of Balia. I didn’t pull away, but I should have.

You are making a mistake. Balia spun on her heel and marched away.

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CHAPTER 2

C arriages arrived in a steady stream as night fell. Seats lined the circular alcoves set in the towers for intimacy. Stoked fireplaces and yellow flowers brought in from the plains brightened the space, and music played from the gallery above the ballroom. It was deafening in the empty room, but the crowd funneling in from the courtyard would tone it down.

While we waited for guests to disembark, Lili dragged over a Vinlander with hair the color of the ocean after sunset. Cam, you remember my friend.

Lady Calix, it’s wonderful to see you again. I kissed her hand.

You’re lucky my mate is ingene, or I would steal yours, Calix said to Lili and winked at me. How do you say no to him with those dimples?

Shhh. Lili smiled, red-faced, a common occurrence and the reason I had called her Red since we were children.

Calix linked elbows with a man who joined her.

Denny, Lili called him, her face brightening. You’re here.

Denny? I lifted my eyebrows at Lili in question.

Denny is my nickname for him, Calix explained. This is my twin brother and escort.

Denny kept his feminine, oval eyes on Lili with a lopsided grin as he bowed. Lady Iliota, always a pleasure.

I crossed my arms and introduced myself, Camich Major, Duke of Sym, Earl of Liot.

He bent in a quick, obligatory bow and without the decency of a formal introduction turned to Lili. Fortuitous we first danced here, which means we must dance again, he said as he extended his hand.

I don’t think my feet can take it.

It was only once.

Lili stepped into his arms. It was twice, Denny, and if you step on them again, it will be our last.

Hold your frame, and it won’t be a problem, unless you can’t resist me. His deep laugh echoed as he turned her, heels clicking on the marble floor.

Better keep your hands to yourself, I muttered.

What’s that? Calix asked, amused by their exchange.

Nothing, I growled as couples latched to each another absorbed them.

Do you mind if mine wander? Calix’s lips formed a saucy grin. Don’t look so sullen, Cam.

How long have they known each other?

I never would have assumed you’d be the jealous one.

I’m not, but I’d like an introduction before a man skips away with my mate. The law didn’t recognize her as my mate any longer. Calix alone knew our attachment had continued.

"You are jealous, she snickered. Doesn’t Lili receive many offers?"

She does. I’m accustomed to it. But not from men she laughed with or who held her tight against them. None she called out to with a familiar name like Denny.

The music hushed as the herald drew our attention to the grand staircase. I searched the crowd for Lili, who admired her son from the dance floor. Her partner’s hand rested on the small of her back.

Olnes Major, the herald said in a lackluster announcement of Olnes’ descent. He wore a green damask jerkin with gold trim, the attire of an adult, of sovereignty. Lili pressed her lips into a bitter smile. It should have been Olnes Major, Viscount of Weselder, son of the late King Tali. The title was no longer his to claim, and Balia wouldn’t allow our father’s name to be connected with his. To prove her point, his livery chain and the short blade fastened on his hip held smooth, black star stones in place of the family crest.

Olnes took his position while the herald announced his guests. Sovereignty came first, new and old, including our sisters, Jili and Evi, with their escorts. Again, the herald omitted our father’s name—Lili’s shoulders slumped—but the girls were unaffected.

Next, the herald proclaimed the entitled children whose parents owned land in Greater Conica. Young people descended the grand staircase until they dominated the ballroom, then the music began like it never ended, and Lili coasted away with Denny.

Lightning accented the muted gray clouds and threw shadows of the Major evertree crest onto the floor. The dismal view contrasted the bright room and high spirits of the guests.

We could join them… Calix suggested.

I plucked a yellow flower off a table and slipped it behind her ear. If you’ll do me the honor. I bowed and offered my hand. We sauntered through the maze of pairs drifting around us, separated and sashayed through partners while Calix maintained a steady stream of small talk. As we rejoined, Balia’s younger son, Noan, interrupted the gamboling by attempting to remove Lili’s middle child, Jili, from the dance floor and her partner, Renit, the heir to Cavasil.

Let me go, the usually soft-spoken Jili shouted through gritted teeth.

Every interaction I’d had with Renit painted him as a reticent and nervous boy, but he surprised me as he stepped between them. Release her.

She’s my relation, step off. Noan shoved him.

Renit had braced himself and bore down on his shorter opponent. Clutching Noan’s tunic, he dragged him close. She is my betrothed. Do not touch her again. His high voice held unwavering confidence.

Noan pushed his way through the crowd, purple shading burning through his dark skin. Renit kissed the inside of Jili’s wrist, a sign of ownership directed at Noan who seethed in his seat beside his mother.

Is he so bad? Calix’s long lashes batted against her porcelain cheeks.

Noan? He’s a Plainsman with everything that entails. Not being the firstborn, no one expects anything of him. It’s been difficult for him, adjusting to a life with boundaries in Elonji. His father has stopped correcting him, if he ever tried.

Not a flattering endorsement for the king, she warned.

His father could be a great king if he used his backbone for more than supporting his mate. What’s worse is Balia gives Noan whatever he wants.

Except Jili?

Exactly.

Camich Major, not so fast, you promised me a dance, a courtier I didn’t recognize claimed.

I attempted to convey my distress, but Calix left me in the arms of the stranger, obliging me to dance with several more for the sake of pretense. I would have to be more careful about making promises to rid myself of their attempts to charm me.

Lili had returned to the dance floor with Denny. Her gentle voice beckoned me to follow them and their conversation. When are you going to find yourself another mate?

When you accept my offer, Denny’s thick voice answered.

Denny, she admonished him before they moved beyond the reach of their voices.

The courtier in my arms giggled. Sounds like Lady Iliota has an admirer.

I made a guttural noise in response, maneuvering us closer to them. If Calix’s brother had asked for her hand, it was news to me, and I wanted to know more.

Say the word, and I’ll take you away from here, Denny said.

I don’t need saving. Her voice was light but more cautious.

I can take care of you, he said with unyielding seriousness, which made my chest tighten.

I don’t want to depend on the whims of others. I’ve told you—

Denny headed for the opposite end of the ballroom, and I followed.

If they unite, will that make him your stepfather? the courtier asked me in a childlike voice, reminding me of Sibicha.

I raised a brow and nearly dragged her across the room after them. Was she stupid?

You’d be closer to home and safe, Denny reasoned with her.

She scowled at him in the same way she did at me when I pushed too hard. This is my home. The children cannot leave, so neither can I.

Evi will unite in five cycles. I’ll wait.

Denny…

May I? I didn’t wait for a reply before trading the courtier in my arms for Lili.

Interesting conversation. There was an edge to my voice I did not try to smooth.

He’s harmless, Cam. He likes to tease me. She waggled her head.

Sounded serious to me. I was in no mood for teasing whether from him or her. Insecurities pecked at me. You stay for the children?

Lili had never received an offer she kept secret from me.

I can’t tell him I’m your mistress, now can I? Lili snapped in an uncustomary defensive manner.

Don’t call yourself that. It took a controlled effort not to crush her slender fingers. I hated when she used that word to describe herself. Lili knew about my darker side, my ingene emotions I fought day in and out. The aspect we kept secret from others. I pulled her into a curtained alcove. You are my mate, my equal, body and soul. I kissed her and desperate need took over. She would have been safer away from Elonji, there was no point in denying it. I can’t offer you what he can.

Her hands lingered on my neck. I don’t want what he has to offer. I want you.

I fingered the line of baubles on her spine. That’s a lot of bloody buttons. I groaned, which elicited a laugh. Say goodnight to the children, and don’t be long. I’ll be in your chambers.

CHAPTER 3

I   took the stairs in the servant’s hall two at a time to the fourth floor,

  avoiding those lighting fires for overnight guests. Lili’s chambers were dark and chilly since we forbade servants from entering. I bent to the hearth, blowing on the coals until flames flickered to life.

The firelight did little to brighten the room dominated by furniture made of Dark Forest wood ranging from dreary gray to murky black. I brought Lili things to liven the space, wanting to relieve the burden of captivity. Oversized chairs positioned in front of the fire were the color of claret and perfect to sink into with her on my lap. Red feather blankets and cyan blue silk sheets adorned the bed. Knick-knacks I had collected during my travels made their way onto her shelves, which made her feel more at home.

I didn’t want to be alone, tormented by my thoughts. She may not want the safety Denny offered, but she needed it. My reputation with the Eldermen’s Council had protected us, but Balia threatened on more than one occasion to arrest us on charges of adultery and treason. It mattered little to her that the allegations were false or that the punishment was death. Balia wouldn’t harm me, but she had the power and will to destroy Lili.

I came as soon as I was able, she said, locking the door.

I smothered her words with my mouth. It cost every ounce of my willpower to keep my hands off you today. I kissed her again, savoring her sweetness as I fumbled with the clasps of her gown. After releasing a few, I tore the fabric apart, sending dozens of buttons tapping across the hardwood floor.

I will have to sew those back on. She grinned; her lips pressed against mine.

Forgive me? I deepened our kiss and moaned with satisfaction at the loss of several layers of fabric that had separated us. I’ve no patience for buttons tonight.

We kissed once when we were young. The wretched mistake had plagued us, but I didn’t regret it. She’d been engulfed by her change that would allow her to carry a child, and her scent was intoxicating. I had needed her more than a brush needs paint. The drive fades when the transformation is complete. While parted for endless cycles, I hoped my need for her would disappear, but the overwhelming desire was always present. Her kisses haunted me then as they sustain me now.

A low whine came from her, a complaint about my self-control. She was a masterpiece, and I traced the intimate curve of each brushstroke. She was rapture, and misery, and mine.

I wanted to stay, sleep with her nuzzled against me, wake to her naked body, and take her again. She straddled me. Her iridescent skin glistened in the firelight as she rocked her hips to elicit a moan of need already building and ran her fingers over my abdomen, dipping in the shallow depressions.

I jerked, and she laughed. Get off me, woman. Why does tickling me delight you so?

Because I’m the only one allowed the pleasure. She smiled, biting her lip. I couldn’t resist the invitation.

I covered her body with mine, pressing into her. When we were apart, everything reminded me of her. I yearned for her comforting touch. It made me come alive. I’d leave to keep her safe, and instead of finding me at breakfast, she might discover a note. Having her near but beyond my reach was exquisite torture culminating in explosions as we met. We would be together. I would fight legions to return to her. Being forced to hide was harder for Lili. Fear gnawed at her soul, and uncertainty dulled the hope in her eyes, but I wouldn’t let her go.

Her teeth scraped my lip as I pulled away.

I must go before our guests leave. Breakfast in the morning? At the manor house. I want privacy. I winked. We shared one more leisurely kiss before I departed through the servant’s entrance and went looking for Olnes in the ballroom.

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Who’s the girl? I asked Olnes as he came off the dance floor.

He feathered his hair back, and it fell in lines of russet, cherry, and white. A Vinlander.

I can see that. She had abundant purple shading and highlights like all Vinlanders.

Rauzan, I think.

The young Vinland girl joined a group of young ladies. They looked at Olnes and giggled as the girl’s face flooded with color.

Attractive, I prompted.

He shrugged, fixating on her across the room. I guess so. Are you leaving?

Soon. This will go on awhile. No one had left yet. My lips twitched into a smile. I feigned a yawn to cover, but a real one followed it. I’m dead. I haven’t slept in two days. How would you like to visit my titleships with me in the spring?

His silver eyes came alive. Do you mean it?

Yes, and the islands if you want. I haven’t been in many cycles.

You’re the best, Cam. He threw his full weight into a hug, nearly pushing me over as he stood a few inches taller than me.

Don’t keep your young lady waiting.

I bid Jili, Evi, and their escorts goodnight before heading to the kitchen where I flirted with the maids to gain access to the servant’s hall under the guise of grazing on leftovers. At the earliest opportunity, I crept upstairs.

Red? I whispered as I opened the door. We have at least an hour… Scattered on the floor were shards of glass, and Lili lay among them. No, no, no, Red, I shouted, pushing the chair away from the hearth and cradling her in my arms.

Cam. My name came out on a breath. Glass… poison.

Her body was limp. I propped her against my chest. Red, please, I need you. Stay with me. My tears spilled onto her face. Fight it. Who did this?

Ba… lia…

I didn’t want to believe it, but the signs were there, and I had missed them. No, I had ignored them. I’ll bury her for this. She’ll pay. I wiped away tears and kissed her.

Children, she uttered as if it was the end of a long, breathless sentence.

I’ll take care of them. I failed my father, but I won’t fail you. I’ll send Jili and Evi away. I’ll stop Balia, and when I do, I swear to you, I’ll reclaim Olnes’ title. Blood pounded in my ears as I smoothed her hair. Jili will be happy on the coast. I attempted to sound hopeful. It’s a simple life. Cavasil will protect her. They hate Balia as much as I do. Evi, darling Evi, she crawled into my heart when I would’ve made it stone— My voice cracked, and I convulsed with a sob. I’ll watch over them, I swear it. What will I do without you, Red? I stroked her cheek, wiping away tears.

Tell them…

I will, I cried.

She gulped for air, but her chest didn’t rise. I… love… you…

I love you. No, Lili, don’t go, not yet. Please, don’t leave me.

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CHAPTER 4

ELONJI, MAJORCA

20

TH

DAY OF WINTER 465

C am? My hand jumped to my small blade. Olnes squinted through the darkness. Wha— he stuttered in panicked gasps as he realized his mother was gone.

Stay back. I shook with a loss I had yet to accept. The glass is covered in poison. Fetch Kila. Balia replaced those men loyal to my father with her’s when he died. Kila had been one of them. I hired him as my bodyguard, and he had saved my life more than once since. Who else could I trust?

Olnes ran from the room, and I moved to a chair before the hearth, clasping Lili to me. The musk of our evening lovemaking lay on her skin and the crumpled blankets upon the bed. No one else would notice. My ingene senses detected it and the tinny tang of blood oozing from where the glass had sunken into her snowy skin. I vowed to protect her, and I failed. Every moment we stayed furthered our chances of becoming a prisoner of her murderer, but I wasn’t ready to let her go.

Kila kneeled beside me. What happened? His throaty voice brought me out of my shock, but a sob enveloped my answer. Who did this?

The edges of my vision blurred as I focused on him. The queen. We must get the children out of Elonji.

Olnes, retrieve the girls, and don’t alarm their nightguards. Despite Kila’s subservient position, Olnes obeyed without question. Kila left as well and returned with Enot, Renit’s father, the Count of Cavasil, and hate heated my skin.

He stood beside Kila, shifting back and forth while they cast nervous glances in my direction. Kila’s wide nostrils flared, and Enot shook his head murmuring his disagreement. Most would have cowered in Kila’s presence but not Enot. He wasn’t keen on a subordinate giving him orders.

What I promised Enot is no longer attainable, I breathed, my lips feathering against Lili’s ear, but he is a patient man, predictable. Jili will be safe with him awhile. The feud between our families had to end with me to keep Jili safe.

My guards are standing watch, Enot said to me. I sent Renit to collect your son and ready the carriages. I doubted he’d done anything to dirty his hands since the Eldermen’s War when Cavasil invaded Envasil, but he had no qualms about using others.

Kila stopped the girls, shushing them before they saw their mother. Evi broke into hysterics, but Anto, her betrothed, intervened, speaking in the Island tongue I used to soothe her and wrapped her in his lanky arms.

Anto will care for Evi, I whispered to Lili. The words stole my breath. Evi was two when our father died, and she had refused to let go of me for days. To her, I was faultless. I can’t lose you both, I cried.

Jili kneeled beside us, shaking like a leaf as silent tears fell onto her smooth brown skin. She removed the glass, careful not to touch it, and washed away the blood. With the removal of each piece, she bandaged the injury. It was unnecessary, but Jili needed it, and I let her. In doing so, she said goodbye. How would I do the same?

The winter storm raged outside, obscuring preparations to which I was numb. Shadows moved about the stone walls as the men spoke in hushed tones, but I comprehended nothing. I nuzzled into Lili’s lifeless body, and my tears bathed her neck as I hid my face. The moons were setting, we were running out of time. I pressed my forehead against hers. I couldn’t fall apart. I had to do as I promised.

Olnes, back a wagon into the kitchen dooryard. You and I will take your mother to Weselder. Your sisters must go west to subvert Balia’s edict that holds them here. Be quiet. We can’t have anyone alerting the guards.

Enot stepped between us. If you want proof to stop the queen, you will let the boy take his mother, son.

I’m not your son. I glared at Enot.

You said the poison that killed your parents came from the rainforest. This poison probably did as well. Come with us to Cavasil, and I will help you find who sold it. He wasn’t suggesting, and his reasons left little room for choices.

I had no connections with Rainforesters, and he intended to use it to control me. I wanted to find those who sold the poison, but I shook my head. I’m not leaving her.

There is no time for this. Enot changed tactics and turned to Olnes.

Go, Cam. Let me do this. Balia will be glad to rid herself of me but if she catches the girls… Olnes glanced at them. I can’t help them, but you can. I’ll see Mother to Grandfather’s estate and take the post in Wescasel.

He