“So my grandfather never suspected your true identity?” asked Thomas, his voice reminding me of his presence in the corner of the room. His eyes were fixed on Sierra. “That was just lies from Damon? You killed him purely because he was the Lord Chamberlain, and Damon wanted his position?”
“Not just his position.” Sierra sounded frustrated with our slowness of understanding. “He needed the palace in chaos so he could come in as rescuer. It was a brilliant move.”
When I considered how nearly it had succeeded—as well as the resources the position would have given him access to—I had to reluctantly admit it was a clever plan. And the image of Damon as rescuer brought the rest of the picture together in my head.
“But he never told you his true plan,” I said. “The truth was you were just another pawn. The real reason he wanted you to swap places with me was so he could rescue me too. He intended to swoop in, romance me, use me to help make his version of the truth look convincing, rescue me, and then marry me. He proposed in the prison, and the handkerchief told me the proposal was genuine—although not his declaration of love.”
Philip made a disgusted noise, but I kept my attention on Sierra.
“I believed Rangmere was using my ties to the other kingdoms to ensure my supposed crimes, along with my death, cut Arcadia off from her allies. But in truth, Damon intended to use my rescue and marriage to turn all those kingdoms into his allies. With Prince Max and his children dead, he would have been crown prince of Arcadia. And with the blame for their murders pinned on Rangmere, no one would have stood in the way if he led a campaign against his father’s kingdom.”
“He was cunning,” Philip murmured. “I wonder how long it took him to forge the ‘evidence’ he found among the viscount’s papers? He knew enough not to point the finger at Queen Ava initially—not when she’s so well regarded here. But once the kingdom was in mourning, enraged by the merciless attack on their royal family, no doubt he would have begun to find evidence that suggested her involvement. I wonder how long he planned to string things out before it became sadly necessary for him to depose the queen and take her place?”
“The audacity of it,” King Henry said in enraged tones. “He thought he could take the crowns of both kingdoms.”
“And he might have succeeded,” Philip said, “but he didn’t account for Princess Giselle.” I could feel his eyes on me, and my cheeks flushed. “She didn’t fall for his flattery. She realized his insincerity, and she exposed him, saving the prince and princess.”
He sounded warm and admiring, but it made me feel small.
“No, it was my pride and determination to prove myself that let him get so far,” I said. “I should have insisted he reveal the truth as soon as I discovered he knew Sierra. But I was determined to be the one to unravel everything. I was playing at rescuer, just as he was.”
Queen Eleanor crossed over to me, taking my hand gently in both of hers.
“It is not the same thing,” she said firmly. “For one, you actually wanted to rescue people—he only wanted to appear to do so. Ask yourself—what would have happened if you had insisted on such a course? Would he have agreed? Of course he would not. And we have seen that he was willing to adjust his plan and kill you if you tried to stand in his way. It is fortunate for you, and for Eldon, that you didn’t give him reason to mistrust you until the last.”
She squeezed my hand. “And we all make mistakes, my dear. Sometimes grave ones. It is a hard lesson to learn, but one we all must accept.” She threw a knowing smile at the king. “Older heads than yours have lived in foolish error for longer than the mere weeks you have been here. It is not our perfection that matters, but our growth, and how we learn from our mistakes. And I feel sure you will have learned from this.” She sighed. “I suspect we will all be a little older and wiser after this.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” I said, tears pricking at my eyes.
“I am glad to know the truth of my grandfather’s death,” Thomas said wearily. “Although I can feel no rage against his murderer now I understand how she was manipulated by Damon. His is the true blame. But I notice he has not been dragged before us by Markus. Should we be concerned?”
Max looked at me, his eyes narrowing. “Where exactly were you when the men who attacked you vanished? Where in the park?”
Philip jumped in, explaining in more detail than I could have done.
As soon as he mentioned the fig tree, Max turned worried eyes to his father. “Is it possible? I thought no one but family…” His voice trailed away.
“Yes. No one but family,” the king said grimly. “It appears Mina’s stories to her son were complete indeed, although I cannot believe she ever thought he would use her knowledge in such a way.”
“Your Majesty?” Thomas asked.
The king sighed and rubbed his face. “I suppose there is no point in maintaining the secret. The way will have to be destroyed now. The royal family has a secret bolt-hole which starts inside the park and exits far outside the walls. It was a last resort, a way of escape, in case of siege or attack. That is how the men who served Sierra were able to travel back and forth between Sierra and Damon without being seen, how they brought in the poison, and how they escaped when you injured them.” He growled. “And no doubt, it is the way Damon has just used to escape my men tonight. And we thought we had him cornered.”
He looked at me. “And thus you see the wisdom of my wife. Older—and I hope wiser—heads than yours still make errors.”
“We will have to warn Ava,” Alyssa said. “From everything Sierra has said, it sounds like he considers Rangmere his true kingdom. He has lost his chance to gain a position here, but I don’t think he will so easily give up on Rangmere.”
The king sighed. “I know you trust her now—and with reason. She has proved herself an ally these last ten years. But I must admit I do not like having to go to her and explain we let Damon slip through our fingers. She will have just cause to be angry.”
“No one knows more of making mistakes than Ava,” Alyssa murmured. “I think she will prove understanding.”
“And I think we should also send a ship to this island,” Max said. “Damon may have thought to take temporary refuge there.”
Alyssa nodded approvingly at her husband. “And even if he did not, we may find some people there appreciative of rescue. Sierra said Damon took the only ship and left the island with those who remembered their true loyalty.” She rolled her eyes.
“A ship will be sent as soon as it can be outfitted,” the king said.
Their talk of Damon’s escape reminded me of the final, impossible thing I had seen in the palace yard. I couldn’t believe I had nearly forgotten it, but so much had happened in the last few hours.
I wet my lips. “I’m afraid there’s some other bad news you might need to relay to Queen Ava.”
Everyone turned to look at me.
“About Damon, you mean?” Alyssa asked.
I nodded. “It seems impossible but, given we have a talking horse in the room, I hope you’ll believe me.”
Of course they’ll believe you, Arvin said, entering the conversation for the first time since he had been the topic under discussion.