The summons arrives early. A meeting of senior guards is scheduled before midday at the request of the queen. The message is short, but I already have an idea of what the meeting will be about.
Rumor has it that the Queen has been pushing to lift the palace lockdown. With her and the King’s anniversary approaching, she wants to hold a ball. On paper, she has justification. There hasn’t been another attempt on the palace since the day Prince Kaine was nearly killed.
Only Prince Kaine, Jake, and I know that the Queen might have played a role in the attack. The others think we’re still investigating the assassin’s motives. They don’t know how suspicious Lady Chantarelle’s abrupt return to court is, or about her father’s exile.
The meeting room fills quickly. The polished table is already l
