She relaxed. She’d won the battle.
“Ezaara, what is it?” Lars asked. “Are you ill?”
She opened her mouth, about to speak, when Roberto melded. “Careful, Ezaara. Everyone is watching you, and it’s obvious you’ve been attacked mentally. Stay cool. Don’t give anything away.”
Someone had prevented her from sharing vital information with Lars. A bead of sweat trickled into her eye. Either Alyssa or Fleur via one of their dragons. She coughed. “It doesn’t matter, Lars. It was nothing.”
Fleur, it had to be. Ezaara melded with Roberto, “Shards! Fleur’s the murderer, and her whole family are in on it.”
“Come on,” said Fleur, “we need some privacy to prepare Shari for her death rites.” She waved the men out of the room before Roberto could answer.
“I’m sending Adelina to help you,” Roberto melded from the corridor. “I don’t want you to be in there without support, but we need to catch Fleur in the act.”
“Thank you.” Although relief washed through Ezaara, she kept her face neutral.
Fleur opened one of Shari’s drawers and pulled out a pristine white tunic and breeches edged with golden dragons. “This is fitting for her final passage.” She shook her head. “Such a tragedy that she’s died so young. So much vitality snuffed out.”
She sounded so sincere. The woman was demented.
Adelina arrived, her usual perky attitude missing. “Please let me know how I can help.”
Fleur laid the robe on the bed and then turned, as if she’d just spotted the bowl on Shari’s bedside table. “Oh dear, we can’t have food next to the deceased.”
“Why not?” asked Ezaara.
“Fleur is from Montanara,” Alyssa answered. “Montanarians never leave food near those who die. It’s considered disrespectful. Here, Fleur, let me get rid of it for you.”
“No, I’ll do it myself,” she replied. “Alyssa, please show Ezaara how to wash and dress Shari. I’ll be back shortly.”
A chill shivered down Ezaara’s neck. Fleur was trying to destroy the evidence.
Adelina whisked the bowl away before Fleur could reach it. “Master Fleur, allow me to perform this menial task. The dressing of a master is of utmost importance and must be performed by our distinguished master healer.” Before Fleur could utter a word, Adelina slipped out of the room with the food.
“Excellent,” said Alyssa. “It is fitting that you dress Master Shari for her death rites, Fleur.”
“It would’ve only taken a moment,” Fleur said stiffly. “But it’s kind of Adelina to help.”
“Roberto, Adelina is bringing poisoned food. Save it for their trial.”
“Will do.”
They disrobed Shari and washed her. Adelina returned and helped Fleur and Alyssa fasten her tunic and arrange her hair.
A knock sounded at the door. Ezaara opened it and nearly leaped backward when Simeon gave her a dazzling smile.
“Ah, My Honored Queen’s Rider, or soon to be again, I’m sure.” He bent and tried to kiss her hand.
Ezaara snatched it back. This creep had attacked her. Mauled her. She’d never noticed how slimy Simeon was: getting her onside at the feast; poisoning her with that tea; and driving a wedge between her and Roberto. He’d probably broken her cane, too.
“I do wish I could welcome you back to Dragons’ Hold under more pleasant circumstances,” Simeon continued. He turned to Fleur. “Mother, you’re needed urgently. Someone is gravely ill. Please come at once.” Fleur hustled out the door after him, without a backward glance.
Simeon and Fleur were up to something. Was Alyssa in on it too? Would she believe them if they told her? Or would she stop them from following Fleur?
Ezaara stared at Adelina, stricken.
Adelina gave a subtle wink. “My Honored Queen’s Rider, you look weary. You must’ve had a long journey with my brother. Why don’t you take some time to freshen up? Alyssa and I will keep vigil here overnight.”
“I can manage on my own.” Alyssa commandeered Ezaara and Adelina toward the doorway. “Shari was my dearest colleague.” She backhanded a tear from her eye. “It’s a privilege for me to keep vigil until her death rites in the morning. Adelina, you must see your brother. Ezaara, you need to be reunited with Queen Zaarusha.”
As she and Adelina rushed out the door, Ezaara melded with Roberto. “Fleur and Simeon are up to something.”
“I’ve been called away to a tharuk attack.” Roberto sounded torn.
“Have you got any idea where they’ve gone?” Ezaara asked Adelina.
“Along this way, but I’ve no idea where they’re heading,” Adelina answered as they ran past the guards, along the tunnel. “While you were away, I’ve been volunteering in the infirmary. Over the past few days, I’ve taken a sample of every substance stockpiled in that alcove we discovered.” She patted the bag she always wore, slung over her shoulder. “They’re all right here.”
“Good work. I may be able to identify some of them,” Ezaara replied.
“While you were away, a girl arrived from Lush Valley. You may know her—Lovina. She was poisoned, but I healed her.”
“Lovina? Here?”
“Apparently your brother helped her get here,” Adelina replied.
Tomaaz—the first news she had of her family. “It’ll have to wait. We have to catch Fleur first. Have you any idea who she’ll target next?”
“If it was me, I’d go for the queen.”
“Zaarusha!” No answer. “Roberto,
