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‘But the key?’

‘Perhaps Father found it amongst Ivan’s or Mother’s things? It’s possible that this belonged to Mother and Ada has no idea what it is for,’ Areanel countered. She did not believe in coincidences, and there were far too many for this to be chance. It must be a test.

‘It is possible. But we need more information.’

Areanel considered her brother’s words. He was right. Of course, he was right. They couldn’t bring this to the Andrean Council until they were certain where the rebels were hiding, or evidence that the chieftain was working with the traitors, as they’d been informed. They needed more concrete information.

But what if it was a test? She could not disappoint her father. Not again.

‘I will make contact with Ryyen. They will gather the information we need. In the meantime, we need to tell Ada about what we found, and I will suggest we search Vennedove again in case we missed something.’

‘Only if Ada agrees—and that is a feat in itself. He will not agree to it. Especially if we mention what we are actually doing: searching for who is using Tar-Angulócë’s name. If we don’t find the rebels and execute them, Ada will definitely throw us both in The Pit for insolence,’ Percival added.

Placing the torn page back in the journal, Areanel closed the box, shutting the latch with a resounding click. ‘I know,’ she sighed. ‘That is why we have to make father think it was his idea all along.’

‘You want us to manipulate him?’ Percival’s brow quirked. There was a gleam in his eyes, one Areanel was sure replicated her own—he was intrigued by the danger should they be caught. ‘He’ll catch us.’

He was right. Their father may catch on. He could punish them as he saw fit. But Areanel knew that would not deter her brother from helping her. The corners of her lips twitched. The tips of her pointed teeth grazed her bottom lip as they slowly pulled into a feline grin. ‘Not if we’re careful.’

‘We’ll need a plan, sissy.’

‘And we have one.’ Their father had taught her well. Too well. ‘In order to convince anyone of anything, we must first make it seem like it was their idea. Ada will send us back to Vennedove.’

Percival walked around the edge of the table, standing directly opposite her. He braced his hands against the wooden desk and cocked his head to the side. The action may have been innocent to anyone else, but Areanel knew that it meant he would challenge her. ‘And why would he do that?’ he probed.

‘Because of the rumour we will spread. You remember what Ada used to teach us as children.’ Areanel met his stern, calculating gaze with one of her own. She knew he only questioned her to ensure her plan was foolproof, but it still stung to know that he didn’t trust her to complete this without problem. ‘The best lies are often mixed with truth, but where information originates also holds precedence. When the people hear of Vennedove’s betrayal, they will revolt. Demand justice. It will push him to make a hasty decision.’

‘Vennedove was not at fault.’

‘No, but their chieftain was, and he represented the village. If the council know about how he favoured certain groups, they will certainly try to sway their king. Father will have no choice. We can use Father’s spies against him to spread the rumours.’

‘You’re going to use Ryyen!’ Percival’s sudden outburst shocked Areanel, but she did not allow it to show on her face.

Schooling her features into a mask of indifference, Areanel blinked. Slowly, in a calming tone, she reminded her brother of their situation. ‘Ryyen is my spymaster. They work for me. If we want to avoid being caught, we must push Ada to make a hasty decision so he does not have time to check its credibility. We will have to manufacture a scheme. One where we use what we already have at our disposal.’

‘There are plenty of eyes and ears within these castle walls. Use them,’ he firmly urged, tone laced with withheld protest.

Areanel was taken aback by the look in his eyes. Defensive, yet vulnerable. Her gaze narrowed, lingering with a calculated sharpness at what she was seeing. Was that for him or Ryyen? ‘I will call Ryyen here and inform them of some very sensitive information.’

The slight tensing of his shoulders and the way a muscle ticked in his jaw told Areanel all she needed to know. She knew exactly how he felt about Ryyen. Of course, the dim-witted fool would never admit it. Perhaps he needed a little push.

‘I will have Ryyen doctor documents, writing down our suspicions about the chieftain and what he allowed to transpire in Vennedove. I will then leave them unattended, easy for any of the palace aides to see or access.’

‘And then what?’ Percival’s fists clenched, veins bulging in his hands like vines.

‘With luck,’ Areanel answered, ‘whispered rumours mixed with lies will travel through the servants’ quarters. Like wildfire, they will eventually reach the eager ears of the councilmen. It is no secret that Father’s council members have their own people embedded within the palace walls. We will use what we have. Gossip will reach them sooner or later.’

‘If they don’t believe the gossip, they will believe the documents that were found unattended in your possession.’

‘Exactly.’ A feline grin—wide and toothy—spread across Areanel’s features. ‘The councilmen are far too conceited to think that their influence and control were being exploited. But we will have to work quickly so that Ada can’t send his own spies to check the credibility of the evidence.’

‘You think this will work?’

‘It has to, Percy.’ Areanel securely tucked the ornate box with Ivan’s possessions under her arm. ‘I will eradicate this world of all rebel scum, no matter the cost.’

Chapter 6

Rymedur