Page 144 of The Fifth Life of Alicia
“You could have woken me up like a normal person.”
“That’s what you get for sleeping on a hunt.”
“Pfft.” Ezra got to his feet and stretched his arms up, yawning. “What did you want to see me here for? I thought you said it was too risky.”
“My head mage has an impenetrable privacy barrier erected. We’re fine here.”
“I could have done that.”
“I told you to come and work for me in Stein.” I shrugged. “You’re the one who refused.”
“Oh, come on. I can’t go anywhere as the heir. Especially not while my father is publicly neutral on House Alansia’s position over who the next Emperor should be.” Ezra rubbed the back of his neck. “You know how tense things are getting amongst the nobles.”
Mm. He wasn’t wrong. Not only had my achievements on the battlefield gained me a great deal of support despite my reputation but so had my position as Grand Duke of Stein. The changes I’d implemented had already made big differences, and those who supported my succession to the throne were convinced that such political successes only strengthened the argument that I should be heir to the throne.
After all, the position of the Grand Duke was akin to that of a king, and I’d already shown I was a more than capable ruler.
“Is that why those rumours about Allie are going around?” I asked, folding my arms as I leant against a tree.
“Allie?” Ezra raised his eyebrows. “My, aren’t we affectionate, Your Highness?”
“Shut up and answer the question before I take her your hand as a trophy instead of a bearwolf.”
He shoved his hands in his pockets. “Yes. I’m sure you’ve already figured it out, but they started from Marchioness Vermillion. From what I can deduce, it originated with one of the errand boys, but they covered their tracks well.”
“Not well enough if you found out that easily. What purpose does it serve the marchioness to spread such rumours?”
“Nothing but spite. She’s furious that Marquess Vermillion has put his foot down and taken control of some of the household affairs to bring her and Lady Sophia in line, so she’s seeking to discredit Lady Alicia’s work. The nobles supporting Torin have latched onto it.”
“What good does it do them? Her policy has been lauded across the empire as a good thing, so why would his faction seek to accredit it to me? Surely, they can see it only strengthens my side’s position.”
“Simple. Very few people are aware that she was the top choice for Crown Princess. Even the Empress hasn’t shared her thoughts publicly. Marquess Vermillion only knew about it because he’s so close to His Majesty.” Ezra smacked his lips together. “They’re discrediting her to weaken you, essentially saying that this empire cannot be ruled by someone with a weak Empress who would take credit for her husband’s work.”
“So, they’re using her. How does the palace feel about it?”
“The Emperor is furious, and his aide reached out to us overnight to find the source of the rumours. How should we handle that?”
Interesting.
My father was following through with his promise.
Of course, only four people knew who the true owner of Illusion was—me, Ezra, Duke Trelawney, and the legendary Silent Assassin, Jinx. Ezra was playing the part of the guild master under my instruction, and even the fact that he was the guild master was a closely guarded lie. He was merely known as ‘Master’ amongst those who were bold enough to request his presence.
Which made it all the more interesting how Allie had waltzed in and blackmailed her way into meeting him.
How did she know?
“Tell him the truth but fudge it a little. Quietly notify Marquess Vermillion before you hand the information over to the Emperor. There will be repercussions, but if he’s aware, he’ll be able to deal with them.” I rubbed my chin. “What of Eudocia?”
“She’s not saying a word, and even Torin’s closest people are quiet outside of stirring up the gossip mill.”
“So, they’re planning something?”
“It seems that way. We already know they’re behind the old mages in the Magic Tower refusing to cooperate with Stein. It appears Duke Egerland and Count Stratlin were responsible for that wyvern attack you recently handled. Duke Egerland was in Polaril not long ago, but he doesn’t seem to have any business there, and there’s no reason for him to make such a long trip.”
“Hmm. Firstly, keep an eye on him. I’ll send someone from Stein to find out what he was doing in the Polaril Kingdom.” I ran my hand down my horse’s nose. “See if you can plant anyone else in the Magic Tower. The rift there will only deepen once it’s discovered that Lord Ivan is meeting with Aerwyna this week.”
“How did that happen?”
