My people would demand answers I could not yet provide. It was crucial to act quickly.
It was necessary for me to uncover the people behind the poisoning and to determine if I too was under threat.
Krin joined my side just as we were about to enter the holding room. Right now, the only people I could trust were those from our ship.
The room held two new staff members that worked in the kitchen. Both Krin and I questioned them and probed their thoughts, but found them to have no knowledge of who poisoned the King.
Xilta sent in the next two suspects who though nervous, appeared to be innocent as well.
“I’m going to have a conversation with the new royal medic.” I stated.
In just a few minutes, we were in front of Nivar. His dismissal of my questions didn’t sit well with me. He was arrogant.
I gave him an intense stare. “Have you uncovered the toxin responsible for my father’s death?”
He swallowed audibly, shooting me a brief, venomous glare that vanished in an instant. “Not yet. Our tests are still ongoing.”
My fists tightened, tension mounting, before I gradually loosened them.
Someone made a mistake by allowing this medic to work within the palace. The condescending smirk on his face made it clear he disrespected me. “Given the technology we have, you should have been able to detect something definite.” Anger and suspicion laced my accusation.
“Well...if I can focus on my work, I might uncover the answer soon,” he snapped.
I shook my head, a gesture of disbelief, and pursed my lips in frustration. “My ship’s medic, Rekna will assist you.”
Rekna reached out to me mentally. “I will keep my eye on him. Something feels off to me as well.”
Krin and I exchanged a look and walked away. When we were halfway down the corridor, I spoke.‘I am going to visit the females and make sure they are okay.’
Krin nodded.‘I will join you.’
Before we reached the guest suites, Vimur approached, his face pale.
“Your highness, some of the citizens are protesting outside the gates. Perhaps a planetary address over our communications system is in order?” He watched me.
I spread out my arms to either side. “Do you think it is wise right now? Why inform them of his death when we have yet to determine who is responsible?”
Xilta cleared his throat. “The announcement will have to be made soon. There are already those who know of his demise. News of the death of the King is spreading. They may wonder what is going to happen.”
I huffed. Why were there protestors? This was unsettling and something I’d not seen before.
Vimur twisted his hands in front of himself. “Perhaps just seeing you will be enough?” he insisted.
“Fine. I will address the crowd shortly over the communications system from my father’s office. Then I will speak to the protestors outside.”
The faces of the advisors dropped and I could see their concern, but it was important that I be available to the people of Alara who had questions.
I walked away with a determined stride. Before addressing the citizens of Alara, I needed to see Grace.
28
Grace
I WANDERED OVER TOa glass door that opened up to a magnificent balcony adorned with flowers and featuring a couple of carved wooden chairs. The railing surrounding it was constructed from white stone.
When I looked behind me and motioned for the others to approach, I spotted Orin, and his facial expression revealed he was communicating telepathically.
In a swift blur, he hurried to Riley who had just poured herself a glass of water from a pitcher. In his haste, he pushed her away, causing the glass to fall from her hand.
