Page 198 of The Fifth Heir

“So they can construct a test that tries to kill me, then use the result to claim I’m unsafe.”

“Yes.”

I waited for him to qualify the answer.

He did not.

“At least you’re honest now.”

“I intend to remain so.”

“Even when it damages your own claim?”

“If the truth damages my claim, I shouldn’t hold the crown.”

The answer sounded noble.

I no longer accepted noble answers without examining what supported them.

Leander had already proved that duty could sound honorable while carrying information straight into his family’s hands.

“You’ve wanted the crown your entire life.”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

Leander leaned back.

“It is not relevant to the challenge.”

“It’s relevant to whether I trust your help.”

He looked toward the sealed cabinets.

“My grand-uncle’s reign prevented three territorial wars.”

“I know the official history.”

“You believe there is another version.”

“Sebastian found altered records. Your father mentioned an unapproved account.”

His attention returned sharply to me. “How do you know that?”

“The walls carry sound.”

“They do not carry conversations from the North Council Chamber.”

“Bastian reads expressions. Rafe learns things people don’t tell him. I ask questions.”

“And which of them told you?”

“None. I guessed.”

The study runes turned gold.

Leander looked annoyed.