Chapter 35 Isabel
Ilet my Sight fade as my mind raced to process what I’d just seen. Jess was truly convinced she would be able to escape her duty; but there were larger plans in play, plans Jess knew nothing about and would never understand, plans to give the Kingdom more power and wealth than we had ever enjoyed.
I had spent decades preparing for the coming spring, and nothing would stand in my way, not even my bullheaded, selfish little daughter. The answer to the question that had been weighing on me suddenly became painfully obvious.
I made up my mind.
I would do what needed to be done.
I would pay the required cost to set my kingdom on the most righteous of paths.
“Your Majesty.” Thorn bowed as he entered the study. “Were you able to See anything useful?”
“My Sight is always useful, Danai. Never forget that,” I snapped, unwilling to suffer foolishness this day. “They left Spoke by the King’s Road, headed east.”
“So, my innkeeper played her part well?”
“It appears. See that she’s well rewarded. We may need her services again one day.” I reached for my wine.
“Yes, Your Majesty. What about the loving couple?”
“It is past time we end this. Before they go beyond the limits of my Sight, send your men to follow them. There’s nothing but farmland and wilderness between Spoke and Cradle. Bring her in when they’re halfway between the two towns—but Danai, whatever you do, there can be no witnesses.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Thorn bowed, then backed out of the room.
I savored a sip as I stared into the fire.
The wine was sweet, tart, and black as blood.