I buck my hips against Ronan’s hold, but he only presses the blade deeper into my windpipe. “You’re a coward,” I wheeze out. “Using me to get to him.”

“I am merely a practical man. When I see a problem, I find a solution.”

“What do you want?” Clearly, it’s not me. What is Ronan’s end goal?

“Just wait and see,” he breathes against my cheek.

The guards drag Ever to the dais. The queen pushes to her feet, her face a mask of ethereal calm while the king gasps for breath, still clinging to the throne. He unfastens the clasp on his mantle, letting the heavy fur fall to the ground as he fumbles with the buttons on his collar.

Nolan emerges from the crowd, his eyes as cold as death as his voice booms through the square. “Everett Gathin, you are under arrest for the murder of Trevor Dillon.”

Ronan finally loosens his hold on me and cleans my blood from his blade against his thigh.

Don’t they see? “Ever didn’t kill anyone.” I whirl to where the king still hasn’t said a bloody word. “Please, Your Highness, you must stop this. You know who he is.”

The king’s jaw drops, beads of sweat dripping down his brow. “I have never met that man before in my life.”

“That man is your firstborn, heir to the throne of Willowhaven.”

Those still within earshot gasp while the Unseelie trade confused glances.

“Lies,” the queen seethes, a red flush climbing her jaw.

Even if I’m wrong, at least I’ve given them pause.

Ever’s gaze falls to my neck, and he whips toward Ronan, leveling the prince with a menacing glower. “You are a dead man.”

Chuckling, Ronan holds out his hands to where the Unseelie have been cowed and the rest of the crowd is still hiding. “Have you looked around? You’re in no position to make idle threats.”

Ever’s sharp teeth flash. “You will see how idle they are soon enough.”

The king swipes a handkerchief across his brow and takes a step forward, still studying Ever. His eyes grow wider with every step. Now that they’re standing so close, their kinship is painfully obvious. Even Ronan shares some features with his older brother. I’m a fool for not seeing it sooner. For not asking more questions when Ever showed me his mother’s dresses.

The king stands up straighter, his shoulders rigid as he twists back to Ronan. “Son, whatever you’ve planned, it stops now. Your duty is to honor this kingdom, not to disgrace it.”

“You wish to speak of disgrace?” Ronan throws his head back with a barking laugh. “That’s fucking rich.”

“You will heed my warning. I am your father and your king.”