A pit fills my stomach. Devastating her all over again with news of his betrayal is the last thing I want to do. “I don’t know, love. The alchemist was able to recognize the herbs but was unable to figure out the exact recipe. You have my word, Rae, even if there’s no hope left, I will continue fighting for you.”
She looks down at her plate, a soft thank you coming from her lips before she makes a valiant effort to eat. It’s clear to me, however, that she’s hardly eaten a thing and merely rearranged the food on her plate a dozen times over.
“He will pay,” I vow.
“What?” She looks up.
“I promise, Lord Havordshire will pay for what he did to you.”
She gives me a solemn nod, and we spend the rest of the meal in deafening silence.
Chapter Forty-Four
KIAN
When the king’s summons comes, dread sluices through my body. I loathe the man more each and every passing day. From his selfish rule of our kingdom to his accusations toward my wife. How like him to take the side of his lord instead of the woman who clearly couldn’t defend herself.
Father will have to wait though.
Giles ushers a harried and distraught-looking Lord Astoria into my private study. Feigning an air of nonchalance, I sit behind my desk with my feet propped up in an irreverent manner.
“Nice of you to show up,” I spit out without preamble.
Lord Astoria gives the barest of bows before dropping into the seat across from me, a sneer on his face. “Don’t forget, princeling, I knew you before you could even walk. A little respect goes a long way.”
I shake my head. Forget niceties. I mean to get straight to business. “Why have you been poisoning your eldest and stealing her memories?” I demand.
The affronted look gives me pause. He’s a good liar.
“That is preposterous,” he retorts. “I have poisoned no daughter of mine.”
“That might actually be true,” I muse, “considering we both know Raelyn isn’t your daughter.”
His face blanches, and he reaches for the liquor I poured before his arrival. His hand shakes as he brings the glass to his mouth. “I’m not sure what she’s told you, but that simply isn’t true. Raelynismy daughter. I raised her.”
I scoff. “Some father you pretend to be, stealing her memories and withholding the truth. I know you spoke with her a few days ago and spewed only more half-truths to her.”
I hold my breath, hoping he’ll slip up. I don’t know for sure that he’s altered her memories, but it’s my best guess with how many times she’s forgotten me over the years. Lady Astoria must have found out somehow and decided to use it for her own gain.
Lord Astoria bristles. “You don’t know what you’re messing with, princeling. This is far beyond your understanding.”
“Try me,” I grit out. “I know about her godsblood.”
Lord Astoria throws his hands up in frustration. “You have been a bane to me for years now.”
I frown. “I don’t quite understand what you mean.”
“Every time you and Raelyn meet, her godsblood activates.”
“What in the ever-loving hells are you talking about?”
This, I had not expected.
“I don’t understand it myself,” he mutters. “But without fail, despite the tonic I gave her, you’d show up, and she’d start exhibiting symptoms—they’d break through. The first time was when you visited when she was only seven, but I didn’t make the connection until it kept happening with each meeting.”
“Why is that so terrible? It’s who she is!” I argue. “What harm is there in admitting her blood is a little more golden than the rest of ours?”
Lord Astoria shakes with rage, and I sit back in my seat at the sudden fury.
