Page 96 of The Crown’s Temptation

Arabar’s voice pulled him from his thoughts.

“My sources tell me Vaelor’s ship arrived in Morrath.” He paused. “And the other Vaelor ship is now docked here in Veynar.”

Colsar nodded.

He had expected Eravic not to be aboard. After receiving word of Asharin’s death, the man had assembled a new crew and left immediately for Morrath.

What surprised him was that Junis had not remained with the ship.

Arabar had confirmed that Junis had not been aboard when the vessel docked in Veynar.

Colsar supposed his cousin had gone after Eravic.

It was the logical conclusion. Morrath was where Eravic had gone, and Junis would not abandon him easily.

Still, the absence disappointed him. Junis was one of the few people Colsar still considered unquestionably loyal, and lately that list had become painfully short.

At least Eravic had reached Morrath.

Weeks had passed without so much as a message from Teorin. The snake.

If Teorin harmed her, Colsar would never forgive himself.

And yet…

He had seen the look in Teorin’s eyes.

Teorin cared for her, twisted though it was. He cared enough to abandon the perfect opportunity to seize Rathmor’s throne.

“Report,” Colsar said, his voice flat.

“Word has been sent quietly to Uralish and Syle of Alarna. I have heard both have made haste and are already on their way.”

That was also good news. He trusted the two of them.

“Anything else?”

“The poison was identified. It is called Evkar.”

“And?”

“There is no known antidote.”

“I know,” Colsar snapped.

Arabar hesitated.

“However… the poison was found in Edrin’s chambers.”

Colsar froze. “Edrin? Rorin’s son? The page?”

The words sounded wrong even as he spoke them.

No. The boy lacked both the knowledge and the nerve. Rorin had nearly died protecting Asharin only a year ago. Why save her then only to poison her now?

None of it made sense.

He rubbed a hand over his face. “Take Rorin and Edrin to the dungeons. Separate them until I decide otherwise.”