Page 156 of Accomplice to the Villain

Sir, I hate to belittle your successes, but there are people who go their entire lives without killinganyone.

How dull.

When Trystan had first told Sage about the rat in the office. A lifetime ago.

He shook his head in wonder, plagued with both pride and pain. “Accomplice indeed.”

“Watch your step. These bricks are uneven.” Arthur broke the spell, motioning to the uneven ground. The hallway was nearing its end, and Trystan could see light spilling in from small cracks in the panel at the end of the stretch.

Kingsley hopped on, not slowing for them, not stopping, and who could blame him. Freedom was near. “Kingsley,” Trystan hissed. “Halt.” The frog kept going until they all skidded into one another. A dead end. And a portrait.

A portrait of someone familiar.

“Who is that?” Evie asked, tilting her head at the man painted there. Warm dark-brown hair, curly and carefully slicked back. Gold threads woven throughout his attire, one hand on a throne, one on a sword. Wearing a crown.

A gold crown, tilted just slightly too far to the right.

“Alexander Kingsley. Crown prince of the southern kingdom.” Winnie’s voice sounded hollowed, as if she were numbed to the whole endeavor, staring at the portrait with something that bordered on indifference. Or was it dislike?

“That’s Kingsley?” Evie gaped, and Trystan felt like his collar was getting tighter. “He doesn’t look at all like I thought.”

“What were you picturing, dear?” Tatianna asked, amused.

“I don’t know. Someone…froggier.”

“His eyes are kind of big.” Clare hummed, straightening the frame. “Frog-like, now that I think of it.”

Tatianna scoffed. “His eyes aren’t big, Clare; that’s just how his head is.”

But Kingsley didn’t enter the argument, just slammed his small body into the portrait, pushing it open like a door, and then he disappeared in a flash on the other side.

Clare yelled, “Alexander! No!”

Sage hesitated, trying to find something within the portrait. “Is this another dungeon entrance? Why would they use a portrait of Kingsley as the door?”

Oh gods. No.

“Clare, don’t!” Trystan called.

But it was too late.

Kingsley hadn’t led them to the dungeons. He’d led them to the throne room, and waiting on the other side were King Gavin and Queen Brina.

Along with the Lily Pad Knights.

Chapter 80

Gideon

Gideon Sage awoke tied to a chair in the middle of the office space, staring at the face of a man he never thought he’d see again.

His father.

“Hello, Gideon.” Griffin Sage smiled. “I am happy to see you.”

“Where is Mother?” Gideon pulled at his restraints. “Where is Lyssa?”

Griffin frowned. “I’d hoped for a warmer greeting from my only son.”