Page 118 of The Twisted Throne
Ahnna paced the confines ofher rooms, hands balled into fists as she revisited everything that had happened, her imagination running wild over what Edward intended to do tonight.
And what price Ithicana would pay.
All this time, she’d seen the king as her only true ally in this nation. The one who wanted her presence the most, who wanted her to marry William, who wanted her to be queen of Harendell one day. She’d been taken in by his charm and kindness, and with all that she’d heard about Alexandra, it had been easy to see the queen as the one she needed to fear. Too swiftly forgetting that Edward had ruled Harendell for longer than she’d been alive, which meant his skill at politics and manipulation were rivaled by no one.
But worst of all, even now knowing that she was but a pawn on his game board, was that she still had no idea how Edward intended to play her.
Every part of that performance in the throne room indicated that he still intended to make her queen, but that meant nothing at all if he also intended to rip up the Fifteen-Year Treaty and begin trading north. She’d be trapped as William’s bride, as powerless as Aren had predicted she’d be, and likely used against her brother as leverage. Rather than an asset, she’d be the most extreme form of liability. Yet if she ran now, she’d only give Edward yet more leverage to use in his intent to turn his back on the alliance with Ithicana.
Had he always intended to turn on Aren? Or had George revealed his belief that Aren was negotiating with Katarina, and this was a reaction against what he perceived as a betrayal?
George had refused to answer any of her questions as she’d been escorted back to her rooms. Refused to say anything at all other than to inform her she’d be confined until the king ordered otherwise. Which likely meant confined until whenever Edward’s plans for announcing trade with Cardiff came to fruition and Ahnna could do no more damage. George had made no comment on her speculations, seemingly unmoved by the idea that Edward would open the border with Cardiff. When she’d tried to push the issue, he’d shut the door in her face. Whether it was because he already knew, didn’t care, or didn’t believe her, Ahnna didn’t know. But she’d been trapped alone ever since.
There was no way to escape. The walls were stone, the door solid oak, and the drop outside her window a thousand-foot plunge to the city below.
And the only warning Aren would have that all of this was coming was the cryptic message she’d sent with that cursed necklace. If it made it to Ithicana at all.
Why did I stay?
There were layers of logical reasons, but Ahnna forced herselfto set aside those justifications for the selfish motivation beneath all of them.
James.
She’d been trying not to think of his involvement. Trying not to allow her heart to drown in the depths of painful certainty that all this time, he’d been conspiring against Ithicana. That he’d…
“Stop,” she ordered herself. “Your hurt feelings are not the pressing concern.”
But all the admonitions in the world couldn’t silence her grief, because she’d trusted James in a way she hadn’t trusted anyone in so very long. Perhaps ever. To be rejected was a familiar pain, but to learn that her trust had been misplaced hurt the worst of all.
The door that led to what had once been Taryn’s rooms abruptly opened, and Hazel stepped inside carrying a tray of food. “My lady?”
In long strides, Ahnna crossed the distance to her. “Hazel, what is going on?”
“There is to be a ball tonight,” her maid told her, setting the tray on the table. “Announcements went out late this morning, and the whole palace is in turmoil to prepare, as are the nobles who were invited.”
“A ball with what purpose?”
“No one knows,” Hazel said. “Only that anyone who could make the journey in time was ordered to be here. The queen has only just returned.”
Not dead, then. But there was no doubt in Ahnna’s mind that part of Edward’s plans for tonight involved exposing the woman who’d murdered the love of his life.
Hazel drew in a deep breath. “I should say, though it pains me to do so, that you are not to be in attendance tonight, my lady. There are guards outside your door to ensure it.”
“Pardon?” Ahnna stared at the younger woman. “That can’t be correct. The king was very clear that tonight was critical for me and…” She trailed off, because no pawn’s presence was critical. Edward hardly needed her in attendance to make his announcements and likely much preferred her absence, given Ahnna wouldn’t remain silent as he betrayed his alliance with Ithicana.
“Lord George told me himself that the king had ordered you confined until tomorrow,” Hazel said. “I am only allowed to bring you food and to ensure you are well.”
Turning to the window, Ahnna took quick stock of her situation, which felt as though it grew worse by the heartbeat. Hopeless. Yet if Edward felt it necessary to keep her away tonight, that meant he believed she could disrupt his plans. And she goddamned intended to do just that.
Yet to succeed meant allying herself with the one person in Harendell that she’d been certain was her enemy. Allying herself with a known murderess. “Am I forbidden from sending messages?”
Hazel frowned. “I suspect it depends on who the message is for, my lady.”
“I wish to speak with the queen.”
“How very convenient, given that I also desire to speak with you.”
Alexandra’s voice cut the air as she appeared from the other room. Dressed in a simple gown as though she’d come directly from the road, her eyes were weary. “Georgie brought to me your fears that Edward aims to replace Ithicana with Cardiff. For once, you are better informed than I am, Ahnna Kertell. So tell me, what do you know of my husband’s ungodly plans?”
