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“Perhaps, I am,” I said. Cari looked at me with compassion in her gaze. It was so out of place on her that I instinctually searched for a hint of sarcasm. There was none. It nearly took me off guard, but I went on. “That doesn’t change the fact that the realms are worse off because of what I did. I’m glad the monsters are fae again, and I’m glad the truth is out. But what I did caused both realms to be ruled by tyrants.”
“How is a king different from a tyrant?” Cari asked.
“My father did not kidnap children to threaten their parents,” my voice was colder now as I stared at Cari. Did she really think it was all the same?
“I do not know your father,” Cari replied quickly. “But I know I don’t trust kings and queens, no matter how good they claim to be.”
“Why are you here, then?” I asked. “Why are you helping us?”
“I thought you didn’t want your throne back,” Cari replied. “You are not a king.”
“So you trust me because I’m no longer a prince?” I asked.
“I trust Jasmine,” she replied, more honestly than I thought she was capable. “And she trusted you.”
“Trusts,” Casja corrected her.
“It doesn’t matter,” I turned to Gethin. “I am not saying that our current situation is ideal.”
“What are you saying then?” Gethin asked, his voice carrying an edge now.
“The realms are not at war,” I replied. “If we do what Fiona says, that could change.”
Gethin opened his mouth to respond, but he could not start.
The door opened, interrupting our conversation.
It was Marlian. She stayed on the other side of the door, her hand clutching the handle as she quickly scanned the room.
“Hide here,” she said. Her face was contorted with worry, but her voice was calm as she spoke. “Once I’m gone, you can stay here as much as you want, but you might have to keep watch to make sure no one searches this place. Don’t try to stop it.”
She said that last word while looking directly at me.
“What are you talking about?” I asked, getting up. “What’s wrong?”
Marlian raised a hand and shushed me.
“I am sorry you have to see this, Prince Kieran,” Marlian said. “Know that it is not your fault. Not yet at least...”
Before I could react, she left, closing the door behind her.
“What’s happening?” I asked the others.
“I think the soldiers are here,” Cari said.
I stared at her, unbelieving.
“What?”
“Marlian told me about it last night,” she said. “The crown raised taxes for everyone, and Marlian was going to pay her dues, but an officer came a few days ago, demanding she pay before the end of the month. She says she doesn’t have it.”
“We could’ve...” I stopped myself. I did not have any gold to my name anymore. I could not offer Marlian to pay in her stead.
“We should help her,” I said instead.
“Marlian said you would say that,” Cari paused. “I didn’t believe her.”
We heard a loud knock coming from downstairs. As I moved to get out of the room, the others followed me.
