Trynne felt certain it was true. She turned to the king. “We have to get away from the palace. There was a magic staff in the poisoner’s tower that made everyone fall asleep. I broke it before coming to you, so it cannot harm anyone now. It’s my belief that the Wizr was planning to harm or imprison you and then pretend to be you to disrupt our defenses. I don’t think Gahalatine would condone his actions.”

King Drew nodded in agreement. “Master Woodsman—we share the same name. Right now, you must act on my behalf. Find Lord Amrein of the Espion. Tell him that we’ve escaped and that there is an imposter in the palace. Tell him to rally our forces to Dundrennan. We will fight for Kingfountain from the North. Then get you and your wife to safety. Can I entrust you with this mission?”

The woodsman nodded sternly. “I will not fail you, my lord.”

“Thank you. I depend on it.”

They would away to Dundrennan, and Drew would send warriors to meet them. Lady Evie would try to bring Genevieve and the baby to the sanctuary of Our Lady. Trynne told herself that it would all work out as planned. She had to believe it.

The woodsman hefted his axe and returned to the garden. Trynne and the king emerged into the immaculate grounds. In her heart, Trynne believed Gahalatine was not part of the ploy. He intended to win his victory on the battlefield, not through trickery. But his own servants were actively plotting against him as well.

Together, Trynne and Drew hurried across the gardens. Trynne looked at the shadowy magnolia trees. The reminder of Fallon struck a bitter chord inside of her.

“Where is your protector?” Trynne asked. “Where is Fallon?”

“He’s still at the palace. I ordered him to summon his army and bring it to Kingfountain,” Drew said, shaking his head. “His messenger has probably just arrived at Dundrennan.”

Trynne sighed. She saw the fountain ahead. The waters were stilled at night, so there wasn’t the sound to guide her to it.

“I can’t thank you enough, Trynne. If you hadn’t returned when you did, all would have been lost. I can imagine someone like Rucrius pretending to be me.” His voice was swollen with anger and resentment. “Genevieve will see through the disguise if he tries to lure her out of Our Lady. He might pretend, but he cannot be me. Now I regret that we didn’t execute him the moment you arrived with him as your prisoner.”

“Wizrs are the most powerful piece on the board,” Trynne said. “Your Wizrs have always served you and the interests of Kingfountain. In Chandigarl, it is a different culture. Men like Rucrius feel they are above the king.”