Now… if Andros never recovered, Rozalind would find it difficult to prove the child’s parentage. The court would want to know why she’d concealed the pregnancy. Why Andros didn’t acknowledge the heir himself.

Moreover, if he did recover, how would she explain to her husband that she’d hidden a secret this huge?

Ren’s head swam.

Late in the afternoon, another knock came. This time, the Talons introduced her guest with all the formal flourishes that preceded a royal entrance.

“Akeylah.” Ren rose from her writing desk on shaky legs. Does she know? Was her sister working with Rozalind, or was she another pawn of the queen’s?

The moment she stepped inside, Akeylah swept across the room to kiss Ren’s cheeks. “I’m so sorry I didn’t visit sooner,” she said as the Talons bowed out of the room. “I keep trying to sneak away, but my schedule is packed. Between the council meetings and the nobles demanding attention…”

Once the doors shut, Akeylah collapsed onto the bed. “Honestly, I don’t know how Father does it. Ruling is exhausting.”

“I wouldn’t know.” Ren kept her tone carefully even. “Personally, I’ve had all the time in the world for relaxation, caged in here.”

Akeylah winced. “I apologize for that, too. It’s only temporary, until we can clear your name.”

“We?” Ren asked, voice sharpening as she studied her sister’s expression. She didn’t want to believe Akeylah knew about Rozalind, or that she’d been helping the queen all along. But Ren knew how close the two were. Despite Ren’s warning to Akeylah about sneaking around with their father’s wife, Danton informed her that Akeylah now spent every night in the king’s and queen’s conjoined suites.

Was it mere coincidence that Akeylah was the only sister whose secret wasn’t exposed?

“Yes, we. You and me. We’ll clear this mess up together.” Confusion warred with worry on Akeylah’s face. It seemed genuine, but Ren knew all too well how easily lying came to some courtiers. Maybe Akeylah’s innocent shy behavior had been an act all along.

Whoever they are, they’re smart, Mama had said. Akeylah was smart. Smart enough to fool everyone for this long?

“I doubt I have any say in the matter.” Ren lifted her chin. “From where I’m sitting, it’s you and your girlfriend holding the reins now.”

“Rozalind is trying to help us,” Akeylah started, but Ren spoke over her.

“Are you working with her? Is that why she’s left you unscathed?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m still being threatened by the heir.” Akeylah lowered her voice to an angry whisper. “I just got another message yesterday morning.”