‘We just got word of some breaking news in the south.’ Bethan’s head snapped to the TV. ‘The Queen of Zakros was assassinated last night. Two of her heirs, Josan and Isla Finch, were murdered in this assassination.’

Circe rose to her feet and paced closer to the television. The healers stopped and crowded around their own TV in the hallway.

‘A new monarch has been declared despite the order of succession not being cemented before her death. It was announced just moments ago that Prince Sabien has taken the title of King.’

Bethan stared at the television in pure disbelief. Kellan’s mother was dead. Two of his siblings were killed. Sure, he didn’t care for them, but his mother was the only person who knew where his father was. And Bethan knew his last phone call with his mother wasn’t a pleasant one. She knew that Kellan would tear himself apart, knowing his last words to her were ones of scorn and resentment. And he’d have to live with that.

‘King Sabien stated that Prince Kellan, Prince Loren and Princess Tayven all renounced their claims to the throne. Loren and Tayven also went missing earlier in the spring; the king has accused them of the assassination as they were the only ones unaccounted for in the kingdom. They still remain hidden. We also believe they conspired with Kellan Finch.’

Bethan shook her head. Kellan never told her he renounced his claim to the throne.

She sucked in a breath; tears pricked her eyes. Kellan said he wanted them to be together. But was abdicating his place in the line of succession the only way they could be? It was useless to think about it, but the thought of anyone doing something like that for her was certainly unexpected.

‘Fuck,’ Circe gasped.

‘Do you think the Rennigans planned that?’

Circe shook her head, shrugging. ‘I have no idea.’

‘Julius did say they are working for someone; maybe it’s the twins.’

‘Plausible. But shit if the fae are involved,’ Circe murmured.

‘We need to be smarter.’ She walked back to her and sat on the foot of the bed. ‘Julius won’t keep me as minister for long.’

‘Shouldn’t we find a way to tell people the truth?’

‘Who will believe us? The Rennigans are the most influential family in Krete.’

‘It doesn’t make sense,’ Bethan said.

Circe listened; her feathered brows knitted together in a look of clear concentration.

‘Kellan told me that those twins were forbidden to talk to him. Now they are accused of working with him. That’s what doesn’t make sense.’

‘Maybe they aren’t working with the Rennigans but out of their own volition.’

‘That’s another thing; what’s the twins’ motive if they renounced their claims already? It’s not like they wanted the throne.’