“I have no idea,” the king replied. “He comes and he vanishes, often without saying more than a word. He said nothing when he appeared at Guilme. They call him the Painted Knight, but I think of him as my silent shield. When I am in danger, he is there.”

Trynne felt a shiver of warmth at his words, but she kept her expression neutral, her eyes focused on Morwenna.

“How did you escape Chandigarl?” Trynne asked suddenly, breaking the silence. She heard the accusation in her own voice, and Morwenna assuredly felt it too, for she bristled.

“I was going to ask you the same question,” the poisoner countered. “There are no ley lines coming or going from the zenana. I heard you attacked Gahalatine.”

The tension in the room was growing palpably. “No, I was the one who was attacked while rescuing Fallon’s mother. I brought her back with me to Kingfountain.” She looked at Fallon and added, “She helped sneak Genny away. They are safe, I believe.”

Fallon looked dumbstruck. “You found my mother?”

“And brought her back,” Trynne answered with a nod. “Morwenna, you have been to Chandigarl multiple times. Surely you knew that your disguise would be unmasked as we crossed the waters to the tower?”

“Are you implying that I am in league with our enemies?” Morwenna asked, her face betraying a look of fierce anger. She turned to her brother, who had stopped eating and was staring coolly at her. Taking a reflexive step backward, she said, “My lord, I must warn you to be wary. I believe you are in very real danger. When I last saw Trynne, we were both on a stone barge crossing the waters to the zenana. I had no idea that my illusion ring would cease working as we crossed. When the guards attacked, I had no choice but to leap off the barge into the water and swim to safety. My lord, I have contacts in the Forbidden Court, people I have bribed for information. I was told that Gahalatine has sworn an oath to marry Trynne Kiskaddon and make her Empress of Chandigarl.”

The king pushed away from the table and came to his feet. “That is quite an accusation to make, Morwenna!”

The poisoner nodded. “When I learned about it, I returned hastily and discovered the Wizr Rucrius had invaded the palace of Kingfountain. He was disguised as you, but I saw through his little trick. I found Lord Fallon and brought him here immediately.” She turned to face Trynne. “Do you deny this? Did not Gahalatine offer to make you his empress?”