The Mirror King (The Orphan Queen, #2)(103)

No one moved.

My heart sped in my throat, and carefully I relaxed my grip on Claire’s arm. “My apologies for grabbing you.”

Claire shook it off as she sheathed her knife. “No harm done.”

“What happened to everyone? Where are they?”

She glared at a wall. “After Patrick was captured, the Red Militia fractured. When I stopped the riots, others began to question what we were doing or where orders were coming from. I could influence, but not control, what actions other sections took.”

I nodded. Those were things we’d already discussed.

“But yesterday, my people began to disappear. Astor, Laura, Darcy. Adrian was here this morning, but I haven’t seen him since the bridge explosion.”

“You think they’ve found someone new to rally around?” Muscles around Melanie’s jaw clenched.

“Not someone new.” Claire locked eyes with Melanie. “Patrick. He’s in control. He has been this entire time.”

“From prison?” I hadn’t been to see Patrick since the day we arrived, but I checked in with his guards frequently. James had selected them himself, so I’d trusted they were loyal to me.

But maybe not.

“The Red Militia is organizing again,” Claire said. “Since your return, Patrick allowed them to run loose, causing chaos and hurting refugees, but nothing too big. Nothing you’d need to come down on too hard. But now the Indigo Kingdom is gone, and you’re to be crowned queen. The anniversary is tomorrow.”

I glanced at Melanie, and she nodded. Our next stop would be to Patrick’s cell.

“You should return to the castle with us,” I said. “There could be a place for you on the Queen’s Guard.”

“I’m hardly the type to serve.”

“No, you’re the type to fight for a cause.”

“And that cause is you?”

“That cause is our kingdom’s freedom from tyrants and overlords. That cause is food and water and safety for everyone. That cause is acceptance of our abilities while keeping the land clean of wraith.” I shifted my weight to one hip. “I’ve had people working on the water problem. Within a few months, we’ll be able to use this factory to clean water and pump it to the lowcity without using magic.”

Claire released a smile. “Thank you.”

“I promised I’d look for a solution.” I glanced at Melanie. “We have to go.”

Claire gave a small bow. “Tomorrow, after you’re crowned, I’ll be there to swear my fealty and accept the position. I’ll fight for your causes.”

I saluted, a snap and thump. “Until tomorrow, Claire.”

Melanie and I were out the door and halfway back to the castle when she asked, “Are you sure you can trust her? She could be angling for a place closer to you to do more of Patrick’s work.”

“Am I sure? No.” We dodged a cart and group of people selling raw fish. “The Grays can keep an eye on her, but she’s risked her neck for me for months. I want to trust her. What do you think?”

“She was loyal to Patrick during the fighting, because she believed he’d make things right. If she truly believes you’re on the same path, with less bloodshed, she’ll be loyal to you.”

“Well, then I just have to be sure I don’t fail her.” Or anyone else.

An entire kingdom was counting on me.

Paige walked with us on our way to the prison.

“I’ve been preparing the throne room for tomorrow’s ceremony,” she said. “And the ballroom for the celebratory ball.”

The frivolous ball, but I didn’t say it out loud. It was necessary to keep peace with certain traditions. “What’s your progress?”

“Your mother’s crown has already been removed from the vault and is being cleaned right now.” Paige checked her list. “Oh, and Rosanne Wallace will fit you for the coronation and ball gowns the minute you can stand still.”

“Will she have time to make them?”

“They’re both already finished. They just need alterations. I hear Rosanne started working on the ball gown the day you arrived.” Paige winked. “People have been waiting ten years for this. The anniversary, your coronation, Aecor’s independence once more. Tomorrow will be glorious.”

So much pressure on one day.

“You’re doing a fine job. Let me know if there’s anything else you need.” I left Paige to her work and headed toward the prison with Melanie.

Sergeant Wallace was on duty in the guard room, along with a few other men in blue. They stood and bowed when I entered, and I took the time to meet their eyes and greet them by name.

Was one of these men the traitor? Or someone else?

“I need the visitor logs.” I didn’t move from my position, letting a guard named Jonah Hudson bring the current list to me.

“I’ll fetch the older logs for you.” He went to one of the filing cabinets and began pulling folders.

While I skimmed through the lists of names, looking for anyone who visited frequently or at odd times, Melanie moved around the room, scanning desks and shelves.

“Is there something I can help you find, Your Majesty?” Sergeant Wallace asked. Like the others, he stood at his desk, a hint of anxiety in his eyes and posture. That could be attributed to anything, though: my coronation, the bridge collapse, the fact that I was visiting the prison.