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I shook my head, trying to shove down my anger.He knew what it meant this whole fucking time.
"You mean to kill the wolves and the King, but why?" A soft growl pushed from Byriel's chest."What do you get out of this, Stray?Where's the rest of the prophecy.How did you know it was eight wolves?"
She shook her head, her eyes filled with rage.
"Tell me." Byriel's tone eased a little softer, breaking his sister's resolve.I could see it in her eyes even from here.She wanted to tell him. "Who is going to kill the King?I know you have a plan. You're too brilliant not to have every moment planned.Who are you hoping will put you on the throne?"
Strayton pressed her lips together, her eyes flickering to me briefly.I nodded at her, hoping she'd see my encouragement as support and not curiosity.
She turned back to her brother, and she whispered, "You."
The air in the room seemed to still and heat.Thick anger and confusion flooded the tight space.Byriel took several steps back—Strayton meeting his movements.She placed a hand on his arm, her expression clearly trying to calm him.
"He's crazed, Byriel. He's convinced war will break out with the Fae.He means to kill all of them," Strayton said in a rush of words."No one will touch you for saving Havre from his bloodlust.And, as Queen, I'll be able to protect you.The people of Ossory have always loved you, and they'd see your actions as a love letter to them.And since you can't take the throne and have always been so devoted to Havre, no one could accuse you of trying to gain anything."
"Are you fucking kidding me?"
I couldn't turn away. I stood and watched, unable to believe this ridiculous female could actually think Byriel would kill the fucker.He didn't have the balls.
"I've always tried to take care of you," she said, cupping his cheeks.He pressed his lips together as his clawed fists went tight.Blood slipped out from between his fingers."I sent Hida and Byna to protect you.I asked Heath to help. I wanted you done and home as quickly as possible.."
Byriel jerked out of her hold."Fucking liar. You wanted me watched.You wanted me killed when it was over."
She shook her head fiercely.
"Did you realize too late that you had no one else to do the old man in?" Byriel spat."Did you think one of the stewards or a lover would kill the King of Wolves for you?"
"No!" A few tears slipped down her cheeks, but they smelled fake.
"I'm done." Byriel moved to the tent entrance, but Strayton grabbed his arm, keeping him from leaving.
"If you did this for me," she said, desperation flowing off her in waves."The things we would gain go far beyond sitting on a throne.Oh, Byriel, the things we could do for Havre.But I can't kill our father and keep the throne.The marked wolves set everything into motion, and if they're all dead like it's rumored, all that's left is our father's head, then..." She let out a restrained breath.
"Then what?" Byriel narrowed his eyes, watching his sister's reaction carefully."None of this makes any sense.You're destined for the throne anyway.Why is carrying out this prophecy so important?What is it you get out of killing so many?"
"We have everything to gain, my sweet brother." She placed a hand on his shoulder."All the magic that the witches, elves, and fae hide and hoard.It would belong to us. I'll share it with you.I just need your help."
Byriel took several steps back, his lips curled in disgust."Father isn't killing the wolves of Havre.You are."
"I have no power to command the King's guard," Strayton tipped her head back, looking offended at such a thought.
"But you've encouraged him, haven't you?"
The she-alpha narrowed her eyes at her brother.I could see it in her face. She knew he wouldn't do it.She was fucked.
Byriel grabbed her upper arms and pulled her to him."Where's the rest of the prophecy, Stray.Tell me."
Her face hardened, and she twisted, pulling herself free.She smoothed down the front of her dress and tipped her head back."That's it. There's no more." Byriel bared his teeth, and Strayton smirked before speaking again, "I will remember this.When I am Queen, I will remember how you failed me."
"You've failed all of Havre by not stopping any of this.Have you seen how our people suffer?Can you not feel the pain seeping into the earth?You are poisoning the land with your greed."
"I haven't stopped him because I can't, and you know it.No one tells him what to do." She crossed her arms."If nothing else, his actions will make his death a relief to our people.A transition of power will be welcome."
Byriel took a step back, shaking his head with disgust."So that's your plan? A crazed king, killed by his son, and the lands are so relieved no one will challenge you for the crown?"
"You make me sound evil." Strayton's pretty face pinched with restrained anger.
"Because you are," he spat. "If Father's continued reign means saving Havre from you, I'd weather his worst days willingly.Find someone else to do your bidding.I'm done washing blood off my hands."
