Marcelo remained silent, but Efren could practically see the wheels turning behind his widened eyes.
“Third,” Efren continued. “We know that Gagel’s economy benefited from the war between our two kingdoms.”
Marcelo inclined his head. “They provided many of our army’s provisions.”
“Correct. And their economy has suffered greatly during the ensuing peace.”
“I see.” Marcelo’s jaw tightened.
“You’ve connected the dots?”
“It would be in Gagel’s economic interests if Sheburat were to become entrenched in another war. Framing an assassination attempt on Zioneven would contribute greatly to making that happen.”
“Excellent, my darling. And dosing Marcela’s horse with Shalmo would do that because…?”
Marcelo lips quivered. “If she’d been riding the horse with any gait less than a full gallop
