“And I’m sure he wished you’d told him about the child,” she replied, and I flinched. “I meant no offense by that. What I mean is that it seems like you and Caden could’ve benefited from a very in-depth conversation.”
I laughed dryly. “No doubt.”
“But you have both been processing a lot,” she said, picking up the bag.
“Have you seen Caden?” He hadn’t been back.
“I believe he’s still carrying out the questioning,” she answered.
I wondered who was standing guard outside because I doubted Caden was relying on a locked door. But who had Caden deemed trustworthy enough? I picked at the blanket. “Who’s playing babysitter?”
She arched a brow. “Kalen.”
A slight smile tugged at my lips. “I owe him a lot. If he hadn’t…”
Luce inclined her chin. “He would make a fine Knight for our King.”
As far as I knew, Caden hadn’t chosen any of his Knights yet. I had a feeling Aric’s betrayal all those years ago played a role in that. “He would. I’m glad to see that Caden trusts him.” I watched Luce slip the vial into her pocket, thinking about what Tink had said. I actually hadn’t really stopped thinking about it. “Can I ask you something?”
She nodded. “Of course.”
“Do you really think the choice of poison had nothing to do with my pregnancy? That it’s possible that no one who knows spoke?”
“I’ve thought about this. It’s an herb that’s widely available—actually grown in our greenhouse as it has amazing healing properties. Some of the other poisons that Tink mentioned are simply not easily accessible. That could be the reason.” She smoothed the lapel of her coat. “But if Tink is right, that one of those who knows did speak, who would they have told that would’ve done something like this? Would it then be a coincidence that the person unknowingly told the fae who has been working with the Winter Court, and if not, then are we dealing with two fae who have done the unforgivable?”
I nibbled on my lower lip, mulling it over. I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was missing something. “Maybe this has nothing to do with the other fae. I mean, I’m sure there are tons of fae who would probably act upon the knowledge that I was pregnant.”
“You don’t seem to have a high opinion of the fae,” she replied, “if you think there are so many who would wish to harm an unborn child. If you’re to be our Queen, I hope that changes.”
Chastised, I realized that what I’d said hadn’t come out right. “I didn’t mean that I think there’s a ton of fae who would gladly harm a child, but I bet there are many who would do anything to protect their Court, right? Isn’t that what Kalen said about Benji’s family? That they wouldn’t even keep their own child alive if it was a risk to the Court?”
Luce’s brows puckered. “Yes. Many fae are willing to protect their Court,” she said slowly.
“And how many fae would see me as a risk to the Court? Even before the pregnancy. After all, Tatiana came to me before I knew I was pregnant,” I reasoned. “Without them knowing I’d been given the Summer Kiss, wouldn’t they see this child as a threat to their future? It’s why I hadn’t told Caden that I was pregnant. It’s why you agreed to remain silent, as did the others.”
“I see what you’re saying.” She sighed wearily. “It’s just that I have a hard time believing that those who knew would’ve said anything. That knowledge in the wrong hands doesn’t only mean someone viewing you as a threat, but it could also cause panic.”
“Then…then that person may have told someone they trusted. Someone who may have…” Someone who may not have been sent into a panic. Who would’ve already known that Caden was in love with me. Suspicion dawned, and I was grateful that I wasn’t hooked up to the heart monitor.
“What?” Luce asked.
I didn’t want to say anything in case I was wrong. “Can you do me a favor? Can you get Tanner for me?”
“Why do you want to see him?”
“I just thought of something he said to me, and I’m not sure if I heard him right,” I lied. “Please? Tanner cannot possibly be banned from seeing me.”
“The King decreed that no one without his express approval—”
“Or I can just go find Tanner myself. I doubt you’re going to chain me to my bed. So, do you think Caden would be more upset with me roaming around, or you getting Tanner for me?”
Her eyes narrowed. “That sounds like blackmail.”
“More like presenting you with options,” I suggested.
One side of her lips curved up. “Uh-huh. I doubt you’ll have any problems assuming the role of our Queen.” She turned away. “I’ll go find Tanner now.”
“Thank you,” I said, unsure if her comment about the whole Queen thing was a compliment or not.
But I didn’t have the brain space to really deal with that. If my suspicions were on point, then I might know who poisoned the drinks.
When a soft knock came about fifteen minutes later, I knew Luce had done what I asked. Tanner stepped in, quietly closing the door behind him.
“Luce said you needed to speak with me?” he asked.
I nodded. “Thank you for coming, even though I have a feeling that Caden has told everyone to stay away from me.”
A faint smile appeared. “He has, but Luce said that she sensed it was important.” Walking forward, he sat in the chair. He looked rough, as if he hadn’t slept well. Whether or not my suspicion was correct, he had to have a lot on his mind. “Luce told us that the child is well, which I’m grateful to hear. But how are you feeling?”
“I’m okay. Just a little tired. Thank you for asking.”
The shadows under his eyes looked like bruises as he nodded. “I don’t mean to be rude, but I’m confident that Kalen didn’t even want to allow me into the room. I imagine the only reason I was allowed is because the King is with Faye and her family.”
Benji.
Jesus, I’d practically forgotten about him. “He hasn’t gotten better, has he?”
Tanner shook his head sadly. “He is…he is lost to us.”
Sadness found its way into my already crowded heart. “They’ll…” What had Caden said? Peace. “They’ll give him peace now?”
He nodded. “Yes. Our King is there in case they have need of him.”
I glanced at the door, wanting to go and find where they were. I wanted to be there for Caden, even if he didn’t have to be the one to end Benji’s young life. That suddenly seemed as important as why I’d asked for Tanner.
“I wouldn’t want to further displease the King,” Tanner said. “What did you want to see me about?”
“Understood.” I drew in a shallow breath, fighting the urge to run off and find Caden. While I’d threatened to do that earlier, even I wasn’t that stupid when there was someone out there actively trying to harm the baby and me. “I want to ask you something, and I hope you’ll be honest. It’s an uncomfortable question.”
Tanner nodded for me to continue.