Page 79 of Courting the Dragon King

The grand monk dropped his head into his hands. “She was a wonderful woman and an incredible healer. Why would anyone kill her? Why? She was a gentle soul, always wanting the best for everyone. I don’t understand it.”

“So, she was killed?” Gerard asked. “It was not a mishap or accident?”

The grand monk shook his head. He gestured to the warrior monks Konrad had seen run into the hall. “They say there is a dagger buried in her back.”

Well, that definitely sounds like murder.

Konrad shared a look with his sister and brother. This was not good. They only had a couple more days until the treaty was meant to be finalised. Why did this have to happen now?

“Why would someone do this? Are they against the peace treaty?” The grand monk gripped the copper chains he wore in his veiny hands.

Konrad turned to Gerard and Senta. “We should immediately get all our people to their rooms. Alert the guards to this newest development. Make sure they remain vigilant.”

Gerard and Senta nodded.

“We’ll see it done,” said Senta.

Konrad turned back to the grand monk. “Can I see the body?”

The grand monk lifted his head. He hesitated. “I suppose. The grand shield has already gone to investigate.” He glanced at the monks who’d run in. “Can one of you escort him?”

Clara stepped forward. “I can.”

“Thank you, Sister Clara,” said the grand monk.

“I will ensure my people get to their rooms and make sure our guards are on alert.” Onyx looked to Konrad. “Please send me an update after you’ve seen the body.”

“Will do.” Then Konrad turned to Senta and Gerard. “I’ll meet you back in our quarters.”

The grand monk looked out over the hall. He took a deep breath and stood, seeming to collect himself. “I must inform everyone of this horrible tragedy.”

But Konrad had already gestured to his cousin to lead the way. They began to walk towards the exit. Then he stopped. He looked at Wraith, who still sat with Luther.

“Wait one second,” Konrad said to Clara and walked towards Wraith, weaving through the crowds and tables.

“Excuse me, I have an announcement,” the grand monk said, sounding far less poised than usual. “It is with great sadness that I must inform you all of the death of Grand Healer Eveline.” He paused. “And the horrible truth cannot be hidden. She was murdered.”

There were several gasps. Murmurs spread.

“This is a terrible tragedy.” The grand monk’s voice echoed throughout the banquet hall. “We can only assume that this wretched act was an attempt to thwart the peace we are all working so hard to create. But we cannot let this deter us. We cannot let these hidden enemies win. Peace must prevail!” His voice trembled.

“I need you to come with me,” Konrad said to Wraith when he reached him.

“Okay.” Wraith rose without question.

Luther stood too, but he had lots of questions. “What is going on? Did he say the grand healer was murdered? Where is Onyx going?”

“Onyx is going to the Grey Mountain quarters.” Konrad did not have time to say anything more.

From the other side of the banquet hall, Onyx gestured to Luther to come to him. Luther grabbed his cane and rushed towards his husband.

Konrad put his hand on Wraith’s lower back and led him towards his cousin. “We are going to see the grand healer’s body. Can you tell me if her spirit is still there, and if so, what she says?”

“I can,” Wraith said. “But the dead are often very bad at being questioned. They get details wrong. They rarely remember how they died or they get confused. But I can try.”

“That’s all I ask,” Konrad said as they reached Clara. “Please take us to the grand healer.”

“Of course.” She set off.