She’d managed to sneak away when she returned to her own chambers to dress. She’d stolen into the dungeons with only a few minutes to spare, and the moment Zofi explained her plan, Akeylah had formulated one of her own.

A way for all three of them to bind Audrina at once.

A way to ensure Audrina took responsibility for her crimes. Crimes that could only have been committed by a member of the royal family. Half the menders in the Keep had seen Father cursed, after all. There was only one way to be certain they all recognized the true culprit now.

So Akeylah had returned to Audrina’s side, freshly dressed, and in her meekest voice yet, had made a suggestion. “I’ve been thinking,” she’d said, face averted, head bowed, in the manner she’d learned Audrina preferred. “If only you and I perform the Blood Ceremony, won’t it just prove we are related?”

Audrina had stared. “Of course, puppet. That’s the whole point.”

“But, I mean, who’s to say you couldn’t be a relation on my mother’s side, like my brother Siraaj or my sister Polla?”

Audrina had hesitated.

“It’s just, I thought about my sisters’ request to confess,” Akeylah had pressed on. “Perhaps this might be a way to accomplish two things at once. Hear their testimony before court, and prove your relation to our father. If all three of us perform the Blood Ceremony with you, there can be no doubt as to your parentage.”

“It would speed things up,” Audrina had finally admitted, after a long pause. “If they confess to their crimes, we can proceed with their banishments straight away.” She’d looked at Akeylah then, gaze sharp. “But if this is some sort of trick on their part…”

“I can ensure they’ll do as they’re told,” Akeylah had answered, head still bowed. “I told you what I want, Your Highness. Myself and my sisters free of all this. Alive.”

“Then see to it they obey me, and we’ll all get what we deserve today.”

I hope so, Akeylah thought now. Her gaze swept the crowd at the side of the dais. There. In a far corner, she watched a bevy of Talons lead Zofi and Ren into the room, still in chains. Murmurs swept through the gathered courtiers.

This would be tricky. They’d need to time their tithes perfectly with the proofs they offered in the Blood Ceremony. Only after Audrina’s relationship was proven before the court, yet before Audrina took the throne, could they speak.

Speak, and pray the court believed them over her. Three liars against one.

Akeylah drew a deep breath. “Ready?”