Dividing Eden (Dividing Eden #1)(51)

Carys glanced at Andreus and he could see fear. This time it wasn’t of a blade that might kill him, but of a secret being revealed. A secret that would lead people to ask questions.

“I taught her,” he said, straightening his shoulders as if unconcerned that someone tried to put a blade in his back. “She used to watch me practice throwing and asked to learn. Since Father didn’t think girls belonged fighting with steel, we practiced in my rooms.”

“Andreus lost a lot of pillows and more than a few vases and mirrors,” Carys said.

“You must be quite a teacher, Prince Andreus.” Captain Monteros smiled. “Once the Trials of Virtuous Succession are over, I would be honored if you would come demonstrate your style to the guard trainers. Our guardsmen would benefit from your tutelage.”

“Of course,” he gulped. Trapped by his own lie.

Trumpets blared. Chief Elder Cestrum stood on the center platform, waiting for the crowd to settle down. Standing just behind him was Elder Jacobs with his black falcon perched on his gloved fist and most of the other Elders. Elder Ulrich, however, was standing far to the side in what looked to be an intense discussion with Lord Garret.

After a moment, Elder Cestrum spoke. “I am certain I speak for all of us when I say that I am relieved Prince Andreus is unharmed after this dramatic footrace. Captain Monteros has verified the would-be assassin is dead. The guard is watching for anyone else who might be so brazen as to hurt our Prince or Princess, and I promise all of you that we will hunt down any who may have plotted with this attacker and the Kingdom of Adderton to once again strike at the very heart of our kingdom. They will pay for their actions.”

A swell of approval rang through the tournament grounds. As Elder Cestrum waited for the sounds to abate, Andreus noticed his sister slide the stilettos into slits on either side of her mud-stained dress. She had never mentioned that she carried the stilettos with her. And she certainly didn’t say they were on her person today.

The Tears of Midnight, and this. Two secrets now she had kept from him.

“The next trial,” Elder Cestrum announced, “will be held later tonight in the castle. Prince Andreus and Princess Carys will entertain the court, the visiting dignitaries, and winners from today’s tournament at a ball.”

He saw Carys stiffen. She hated the public pageantry of balls where her every word and gesture were judged. It was at the last ball two years ago that everyone had become aware of her need for their mother’s drink.

This next trial was designed to give Andreus the clear advantage.

“But before we can move on to the next trial, we must complete this one,” Carys pointed out. “A winner has not been chosen.”

Elder Cestrum scowled. “Quite right.” He cleared his throat. “I ask the audience once again to pledge support to the successor they believe won.”

Andreus straightened his shoulders as Elder Cestrum called his name, grateful for the guard standing close in case any other attack came.

Yellow banners waved for him. People shouted his name. But perhaps not quite as loudly. They must be more subdued because of the assassination attempt. He had almost died. He could appreciate that.

“And who here at this tournament supports Princess Carys for her efforts in the final event?”

The words were barely out of Elder Cestrum’s mouth when the crowd roared. Strips of blue fabric were hoisted into the sky. People stomped and waved to Carys, whose mud-streaked face looked pale as she turned in a circle while the tournament spectators chanted her name softly, then louder.

His sister hadn’t won the race, but she’d won the event by saving his life.

So he did the only thing he could do. He applauded, too.

He forced himself to smile and to praise his sister’s skill, but he couldn’t help the spark of resentment that flared.

He was supposed to be ahead three to nothing on the enormous scoring board above the steps leading to the entrance of the castle. Instead, there were two yellow pegs in the board that had room for ten pegs from one side to the other. Beneath his two points was one peg painted bright blue. For Carys.

When he arrived at the white steps that led to the castle, Andreus handed his horse’s reins to a groom and hurried over to help Imogen climb off her horse.

“Your Highness.” She looked over her shoulder then back at Andreus with eyes filled with warning. Behind her Elder Jacobs stood next to his horse with the hooded falcon on his arm, waiting to dismount. “I failed you. I should have seen the danger. After Micah’s death, my visions have been blocked by my sorrow. I promise that I will not fail you again.”

She curtsied deeply. He reached down, took her hand to help her up, and felt her squeeze his fingers tightly.

“I have news. I will come to your rooms as soon as I can,” she whispered as she rose. Then she turned, gathered her skirts, and hurried off into the crowd. When he lost sight of her, Andreus headed up the steps. While there were guards all around, he would feel better when he was inside the castle walls.

His would-be assassin could have been part of the same plot that killed his brother and father. If the man had succeeded—

“Prince Andreus,” a voice yelled from up above. “Prince Andreus, you’re okay.”

Max. Andreus looked up and saw the boy barreling down the steps toward him. A guard stepped in front of Andreus and put a hand on his sword.