The Monster and His Queen

Chapter 41

Elaria's blood ran cold. She knew that name. She'd heard it once, years ago, in a conversation she wasn't supposed to overhear.

"Mother," she said slowly. "Who was your personal advisor when you were pregnant with me and my sister?"

Queen Lyra's face went pale. "Lady Selene's mother. Lady Margot. She was my closest confidante. She helped me through the entire pregnancy."

"And she had silver jewelry. Always wore it. Called herself the Silver Voice in court circles because she was so persuasive." Elaria stood abruptly. "She knew you were carrying twins. She knew one was void-marked. And she told the physician."

"But why?" Lyra asked, confused. "Margot was my friend. She had no reason to hurt me or my children."

"Didn't she? Her daughter was supposed to marry into Northern royalty. Was supposed to become Draven's bride." Elaria's mind raced, pieces falling into place. "But that required the alliance between our kingdoms to happen eventually. And an alliance wouldn't happen if Astoria had a void-marked royal child. It would make us look weak. Cursed."

"So she eliminated the problem," Draven finished. "Made sure the void-marked twin disappeared so your kingdom would be marriageable material."

"That's insane," Saphira said. "She murdered a baby for politics?"

"People have done worse for less," King Tavian said grimly. "Is Lady Margot still alive?"

"Yes," Queen Lyra said, her voice hardening. "She lives in the Eastern Cities now. Retired there after her daughter died."

"After her daughter was possessed and used by the Devourer," Elaria corrected. "Maybe that wasn't coincidence. Maybe the Devourer specifically chose Selene because it knew about her mother's crimes. Poetic justice."

"We need to confront her," Draven said.

"Agreed. But carefully. If she's connected to void magic somehow, if she's more than just a conspirator, this could be dangerous." Amariel looked troubled. "I'll need to research more. See if there's any history of Lady Margot having void connections."

"Do it quickly," King Zarek ordered. "I want answers. And I want them before Lady Margot has a chance to run."

The meeting dispersed with plans being made. Elaria stood at the window, staring out at the rebuilt headquarters. So much pain. So much loss. All because one woman had decided a baby's life was less important than political convenience.

"Are you alright?" Draven asked, coming up behind her.

"No. But I will be. Once we make her answer for what she did."

"She can't bring your sister back. No amount of justice will fix that."

"I know. But she can tell us if there were others involved. If there's still a conspiracy we haven't uncovered." Elaria turned to face him. "This isn't over, Draven. It feels like every time we solve one problem, three more appear."

"Welcome to leadership. It's exhausting and terrible and you're stuck with it." He pulled her close. "But at least you're not stuck with it alone."

"Small comfort."

"It's the best I've got."

Two days later, Amariel returned with disturbing news. She burst into Elaria's study where she'd been reviewing security reports.

"Lady Margot isn't in the Eastern Cities," Amariel said, breathing hard. "She hasn't been there for months. Council Leader Talira checked her residence. Empty. Cleared out like she knew someone would come looking."

"Where is she?" Elaria demanded.

"That's the problem. No one knows. She disappeared three months ago. Right after news of the Devourer's defeat reached the Eastern Cities." Amariel spread papers on the desk. "But I found something else. Lady Margot's family history. Her great-grandmother was a priestess. Void-touched. Banished from the order for dark practices."

"She has priestess blood? Like me?"

"Yes. Which means she has potential access to void magic. And if she's been hiding that for decades, covering it up, using it secretly..." Amariel's expression was grave. "She could be incredibly dangerous."

"We need to find her. Now."

"Already working on it. I have contacts searching. But Elaria, there's more." Amariel hesitated. "Your mother asked me to tell you something. Lady Margot was there the night you were born. She was the one who took your twin from the healers. Said she'd prepare the body for burial."

"So she definitely handed my sister to the physician. Probably threw her into the void rift herself." Elaria's hands clenched. "When we find her, I want answers. I want to know if she had any remorse. Any guilt. Or if she slept perfectly well knowing she'd murdered a child."

"Elaria," Amariel said gently. "When we find her, what will you do? Kill her?"

"I don't know. Maybe. Is that wrong?"

"I can't answer that. But I can tell you that killing her won't ease the pain. Won't bring closure. It'll just add more blood to an already bloody situation."

"Then what should I do?"

"Make her face what she's done. Make her see the consequences of her choices. That's often worse than death." Amariel touched her shoulder. "You're not your father. You don't execute people for convenience. You're better than that."

Before Elaria could respond, an alarm bell rang through the headquarters. The warning for intruders.

They ran to the main hall where Captain Ryver was organizing guards. "What's happening?" Elaria demanded.

"Someone breached the outer wards. Moving fast toward the main building. Single person, but radiating massive void energy." Ryver pointed to the entrance. "They'll be here in seconds."

"Everyone back," Draven ordered, his shadows rising. "Let them come to us. We'll have the advantage."

The doors exploded inward.

Standing in the smoke and debris was an elderly woman in traveling clothes. Her hair was silver, her face lined with age. But her eyes glowed with void fire, and shadows swirled around her like living creatures.

"Hello, Princess Elaria," Lady Margot said, her voice cold and controlled. "I believe we have much to discuss."