Fionn, Silene, and Admon enter the chambers, followed by Carex, Aria, Margery, and the other advisors assigned to tackle the rebel problem. Carex is still tense, his eyes roiling with a building storm. Once everyone sits at the large circular table, I brief them on what we discovered at the manor, and Carex has barely let me finish before he’s spewing vitriol. His eyes don’t leave Thorne, and the hatred I see in them has taken on a new level.

“This was an excellent excuse to get your best soldiers and the Captain of your Royal Guard out of the palace while you were attacked, Your Majesty.”

“I’ll say it again, Captain. Say what you mean,” Thorne growls, and I think I sense the barest hint of aether in his voice, but that can’t be true. Only sitting monarchs can use the aether-voice. I’m too distracted by the thought that I don’t step in before Carex makes his accusation.

“The Velmarans have betrayed you. This was a trap set by them. There’s no other explanation.”

The room erupts in chaos. Fionn stands abruptly, and Silene has to hold him back from Carex. Several of the guards draw their swords and point them towards Fionn, Silene, and Thorne, Carex included. Half of the advisors look like they’re frightened, and the other half have their own magic swirling in their hands, ready to attack. And Thorne—Thorne has subtly pushed my chair back from the table and behind him, cooly and effortlessly angling his body in front of mine while making it look like he’s only leaning back in his chair in nonchalance. Together we make the perfect picture of royal indifference, unbothered by the chaos of the room.

“Those blades are awfully close to being pointed at me,” I say coolly. Carex immediately lowers his weapon, and the guards follow his lead, their gazes dropping in shame. “I’ve stated numerous times to this Council, and to you specifically, that the Velmarans have my full trust. Sit,” I command. I stand and pace to the front of the room, taking control of the meeting, an unusual occurrence. “Did the rebels tell you anything that might explain this when you let them in?” I ask Fionn and Silene.

“No, nothing,” Silene says, and Fionn nods.