Chapter 19 The First Letter
Elara's POV
I stare at the poison vial until my vision blurs.
Three days. That's all I have before Queen Morgana starts cutting pieces off my sister.
My hands shake as I pick up the vial. The liquid inside is clear. Like water. So innocent looking. So deadly.
I could smash it. But Sir Marcus would just bring more. And the queen would know I refused.
I hide the vial under my mattress and try to sleep. But every time I close my eyes, I see Lily screaming. See Drakon falling dead. See Queen Morgana's cruel smile.
Dawn comes too soon. A servant brings breakfast I can't eat.
Faye arrives to help me dress. "You look terrible. Did you sleep at all?"
"Not really."
"The argument with King Drakon must be weighing on you. Don't worry. All newlyweds fight."
If only it were that simple.
"Faye, if you had to choose between saving someone you love and doing something terrible, what would you choose?"
She pauses, thinking. "That depends. How terrible?"
"Really terrible. Like hurting an innocent person."
"I don't think I could. Even to save someone I love. Because then I'd have to live with that guilt forever."
Her words hit hard. That's exactly what Queen Morgana is asking me to become. A murderer.
After she leaves, I pace. I need to tell Drakon about the poison. About the three day deadline. But how? Sir Marcus has spies watching.
A knock interrupts. A servant enters with another letter.
"For you, Your Majesty. Just arrived by messenger bird."
My hands tremble. Queen Morgana's seal. What does she want now?
I read:
"My dearest Celestia,
I hope this finds you well settled. I received Sir Marcus's report about the unfortunate wedding incident. How distressing!
Remember, appearances are everything. You must play your part perfectly. Lily's continued health depends entirely on your success.
I trust you're gathering the information we discussed. Sir Marcus will coordinate regularly. Follow his instructions precisely. He has my complete confidence.
Time is of the essence. The work we planned must proceed on schedule. No delays. No mistakes.
Your loving mother,
Queen Morgana
P.S. - Give my regards to Sir Marcus. He has important work to do in Drakenmoor. Work that you'll help him with very soon."
The letter slips from my fingers.
Important work. Very soon. She's talking about the poison. About murdering Drakon.
I need to show this to Drakon. But Sir Marcus said guards are watching Lily.
A thought strikes me. What if the rescue mission succeeds? What if Thorne grabs Lily tonight? Then Queen Morgana loses her leverage.
I decide to wait until morning. If the rescue team returns with Lily, I'm free. If not, I'll figure out another plan.
I spend the day in my chambers, claiming I'm too upset to face anyone. Hours drag by.
As night falls, I stand at my window, staring at the darkening sky. Somewhere out there, three dragons are flying toward Lily. Toward my only hope.
"Please," I whisper. "Please bring her back safely."
The hours after midnight are longest. I can't sleep. Can't rest. Can only wait.
Finally, I can't stand it. I throw on a dark cloak and slip into the hallways. I just walk, trying to exhaust myself.
That's when I see him.
Sir Marcus, moving through a side corridor. He carries a lantern and papers.
I press into a shadowy alcove, watching. Where is he going?
He moves quickly, checking over his shoulder. I follow at a distance.
Sir Marcus enters the east wing; storage for old furniture and artifacts. Things rarely accessed.
I creep closer. Through a partially open door, I see him spreading papers across a table. Maps. Detailed maps of the castle.
But he's not just looking. He's adding to them. Drawing. Making notes. Marking locations with red ink.
My blood runs cold. The treasury. The armory. Drakon's private chambers.
All the places you'd need to know for an attack.
Sir Marcus suddenly stops. His head lifts.
"I know you're there. You can stop hiding now."
My heart hammers. How did he know?
"Come in, Princess. Let's have a conversation."
I consider running. But he's blocking the exit.
I step into the doorway. "I couldn't sleep. I was just walking."
"Just walking. In this section. At this exact moment." His friendly mask is gone. His eyes are cold. "How convenient."
"What are you doing?" I nod toward the maps.
"Planning. The queen's timeline has been moved up. We need to act faster."
"Act? What are you planning?"
"You'll find out soon enough. But first, we need to discuss your next assignment."
"I already have an assignment. The poison"
"The poison is only part of it. The queen has bigger plans. Much bigger."
He pulls out another paper. Guard schedules. Patrol routes. Times when areas are unguarded.
"In two nights, there will be a council meeting. Every important person in Drakenmoor will be in one room."
My stomach drops. "What are you planning?"
"What do you think? The queen wants to eliminate the Dragon King. But why stop there? Why not eliminate all his advisors too? All his allies? Everyone who could organize resistance?"
"That's mass murder."
"That's strategy." He leans against the table. "While everyone is gathered, you'll make sure the guards are distracted. Away from their posts. And my team will do the rest."
"Your team?"
"Did you think I was working alone? I have two dozen trained assassins hidden throughout the kingdom. Waiting for my signal."
He watches my horror with satisfaction.
"You and I need to talk about your next assignment, 'Princess.' The queen has new orders for both of us."