Even Adelina’s own brother didn’t know her very well, not more than what was on the surface. Asher knew Adelina cared for the people, and he loved her. That was enough for him. Such a typical male.
“Actually your sister had the most wonderful advice on how to get a sharper edge on my spear,” Veri said, twirling the item around as if it were a baton. She was careful to keep the blade on the end away from her prince, but she let the wind whip his face.
“Did she really?” Asher asked. “Well, I must certainly ask her about my own blades then.”
“You should,” Veri told him, letting her galina prance around his own. “It might help when you realize I’ve won the Hunt.”
Asher grinned and made to grab her but she leapt out of his reach, laughing as they wove through the trees. When they slowed back down to a sedate pace Veri watched Asher’s face grow contemplative as he studied his sister.
Perhaps—perhaps now was the time.
Veri had been sitting on information about Avvis, and she had wanted a second confirmation before she moved on what she had. Now that Hayden had tried to kill her brother, when he knew exactly how Veri felt about him – it was no surprise really, the message she’d gotten from the quiet servant girl on Avvis.
She’d always liked her, and Mary had promised to keep sending intel when Veri mentioned how Indra had plans to harm the royal family. At the time Veri hadn’t cared that the servant girl was loyal, it had only furthered her purpose and ensured obedience. But now…she glanced at Asher. Now she cared what happened to the royals who’d proven themselves fit to rule their galaxy.
“There is something I’ve been meaning to ask you,” Asher said.
Veri was surprised. She was just about to say something similar. “What is it?” she asked, directing her galina closer until her knee brushed Asher’s.
“There are a few things Raena knows that I am positive she didn’t find out herself. I’ve been getting reports from my sources and they point to one person,” he said, dropping his voice.
Her heart rate ratcheted up as she tried to think of who it could be.
“He is very close to the royal family, and I’m worried about what he could accomplish.”
Veri frowned; filtering through every male she knew who lived at court.
“What do you think I should do?” Asher asked, switching his bow to his right hand.
The spear was heavy, but she had the stamina to carry it all day and night if she needed to. Veri twirled the spear until it rested across her shoulders and she let her arms rest on it as she thought. “Well, it depends on what you believe their end goal is I suppose. Is it something you want, or something you don’t want?”
Asher’s eyes sparkled at her before he turned back to surveying the forest. “It’s something I don’t want to occur.”
“And this person has the power to get what they’re after?” She steered her galina with her knees around a massive tree and leaned back a bit. Veri closed her eyes and scented the wind. There was something musty and large close by.
“In a fashion,” Asher responded. “They have received a promise for their service.”
“It would be easy to make their death look like an accident out here, if he happens to be among us. Or, you could use him for your own end, and we both know there is only one person who could outrank and out-dominate you.” Veri caught the scent again and flipped the spear into her strong hand.
Instantly Asher was on alert, searching the trees for what she sensed.
The scent came from the east and she altered her course. “There is something I need to tell you as well.”
Asher arched a brow. He nodded for her to continue and Veri closed her eyes once more, trusting in her galina to avoid any obstacles as she tracked the scent.
“Archduchess Indra is working with the Neprijat.”
She smelled his fury, but she’d expected it. The galinas crouched and their hackles rose. Veri stroked her cat and murmured soothing words in the old language. “I haven’t told you or anyone, because I needed proof. It was a dangerous claim to make, especially after Indra denied a marriage between our Houses. Then I had to see who knew and who didn’t.”
Asher was furious, but it wasn’t directed at her. “You have proof?”
Veri nodded and took a disc from the compartment in her brassiere. She tossed him the information that she’d held onto for the last twenty-four hours. “Everything is there,” she told him in the Ancient language, as quietly as possible. “The messages between the Archduchess and the Neprijat King, who knew of her plans and who didn’t, and then there is the proof of that as well. It seems she thought Masha at tenth in line to the throne was close enough to tempt the Neprijat who had no qualms murdering ten people to achieve their end. Adelina would have been better, and Raena the best option, but Adelina and Raena are protected here in the core. Giselle managed to escape, but just barely per the reports. They want a royal, Asher – a royal female.”
He glanced around the forest. The other hunters had gotten far ahead of them and that was perfect. They were headed in the wrong direction regardless. The deer were there, but there was something much bigger east, where she had her galina headed.
“I’ve only heard rumors about this. It’s why my sister’s courtesan is here in the palace. My father wanted extra protection due to hints of a plan to assassinate the royal family. We didn’t know why until recently. To hold power the Neprijat want a queen…” Asher trailed off as he followed behind her.
“Do you think he has a Corinthian wife then?” Veri mused.
Asher jerked as though she’d slapped him. “You mean, one of Prince Nash’s sisters?”
“Well, it doesn’t have to be one of his sisters. The Khara galaxy rules with strength and not dominance,” Veri reminded him. “Any with royal blood would do.”
The prince shook his head. “I hope for her sake the Neprijat King doesn’t.”
Veri opened her eyes and caught a flash of brown. “There is also the possibility he has no need of a Corinthian royal. If the Neprijat King possesses something akin to royal blood – he won the fight for strength…I wonder how he rules the Drakesthai.”
“You have a keen mind,” Asher murmured, watching the way her eyes studied the trees, the lack of bird calls, and the minute sound of rustling. “It’s why I wanted your opinion on the other matter.”
“You can always come to me, Asher,” she whispered. “Whatever you need, I’m here to serve.”
Veri bared her teeth as she saw movement. The beast was hers.
One split-second to judge the wind and the trees and she drew back. Veri threw with all her strength. The spear whistled through the forest. A roar reverberated through the trees as she hit her mark. She spurred the galina forward and slipped the sword from the sheath on her back.
The spear had gone right through its throat. Veri sheathed her sword then and dismounted. She ran up and slipped her knife from her boot instead. In one quick, smooth motion she plunged it into the beast’s heart, ending his pain and suffering.