Crown of Thieves by Peyton Reynolds

Author:Peyton Reynolds [Reynolds, Peyton]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-06-15T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11

In light of Siris’s threat the day before—and despite his assurance that it wouldn’t be implemented before they spoke again—Aharon wasn’t partial to the idea of leaving Neco behind while he and Aya entered the tunnels. On the chance Siris was lying and aimed to have Padus’s knights attack while he wasn’t present, Aharon decided that the prince would have to accompany them.

While also a dangerous scenario for Neco, Aharon didn’t intend to reveal the man’s presence to the jester. He further instructed Neco’s private guard to remain on high alert during their absence, and to barricade the chamber’s entranceway door. Displeased with having their prince removed from their protective sight, however briefly, the knights nonetheless did as he asked.

Looking to arrive early, it was still dark when they entered the shaft within the fireplace. Aharon crawled in first, followed by Aya and then Neco. Per Aharon’s suggestion, and much to Neco’s displeasure, the prince then halted at the end of the shaft, remaining concealed within.

“This is extremely uncomfortable,” he mumbled.

“Deal with it,” Aharon replied, now standing within the oddly-shaped room beyond, “and keep quiet.”

Neco fell silent, and Aharon hefted the candle in his hand, its flame glowing dully. In an effort to keep Aya’s pyromancy a secret, she wouldn’t be accessing her Magic unless a threat arose. Given how the jester was also a mage, Aharon was very much hoping this wouldn’t happen, since any Magic-fight to occur in these tunnels was guaranteed to end disastrously, particularly when the powers involved included fire and lightning.

With Neco remaining wedged inside the shaft, his presence successfully concealed within the darkness, Aharon and Aya were left to wait, neither speaking as the minutes passed by.

The jester arrived a short time later, his figure noiselessly appearing from the downward-sloping corridor. Holding aloft a small torch, he drew to a stop on the other side of the room and gave a cautious look into the surrounding shadows before speaking.

“Princess,” he then opened to Aya, before glancing over and adding, “Aharon.”

Aya moved a few steps closer, and Aharon kept with her. “Siris,” she responded, her tone calm and inviting. “I’m glad you were open to speaking with us.”

“I was open to speaking with you.”

She nodded. “Aharon relayed your threat, and I think we can all agree that the outcome is far too risky for everyone involved. With your help, we can avoid this uncertainty.”

The jester frowned. “I know you mean to ask me to kill Padus, but before you do, there’s something you must know. Something I can only hope will give you pause.”

“I’m listening,” Aya told him.

“Padus,” Siris started, “wanted none of this. He’s not been masterminding me, but rather, I him. Besides yourself, he’s the only one of you I deemed worthy of living, much less gaining the crown, and he’s therefore the heir I chose to support.”

Aharon was frowning but remained silent, giving Aya control of the dialogue.

“What exactly are you saying, Siris?” she asked.

“After his majesty made his announcement,” the

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