Page 21 of Loving the Alien Spy

“No.”

“I see.” He clasps his hands behind his back again. “How do I know what you say is true?”

“You don’t. Not even Horek or the queen knows about me or any of those who came before me. The only other person besides Alik who is aware of my true identity is my adviser. He served my father before his death as well.”

“Actually, that’s not true.” Queen Veroneek strides through the throne room, her expression just as subdued as it was the day I returned to Preska to take Bannik’s place in the guards. “I am aware of your identity, Carrik, and the role you serve for Alik.”

Shock rattles me. “What do you mean? No one other than Ivik is supposed to have that knowledge.”

The queen comes to stand beside her son. It is easy to see their resemblance this close up. She smiles fondly at him, although there is a staggering amount of sorrow behind it. Her gaze shifts to me.

“My mate told me. He understood all the reasons why his ancestors and yours kept the secret, but it was not anything he agreed with. Considering the situation we are in now—with Alik being incapacitated and unable to confirm your story—it’s a good thing Danik shared this with me. Why in all of creation these males thought it was smart that only two people had the knowledge of your ancestral line is beyond me.” Queen Veroneek shakes her head.

I remain in stunned silence while Janik paces several times before stopping. “It was Alik who sent you into the rebel camp to become his spy while pretending to be Bannik?”

“Yes.”

“Olivia told me it was Bannik who helped her leave the rebel camp that morning.”

I’d assumed she had done so even before Horek mentioned it being one of the only reasons the queen had been so lenient with me. Janik also doesn’t appear to want an answer, but I give it to him anyway. “Yes, it was me.”

“Which is why I so easily forgave you and allowed you to return to your guard duties when you approached me as Bannik to ask forgiveness. Because I knew Alik had placed you in that position as his spy,” Queen Veroneek adds.

“Why did you help Olivia?” the prince asks.

Not helping her escape would have been easier. Janik wouldn’t have hurt her. Not that Alik or Horek could have known that. But letting her remain meant the commander wouldn’t risk raiding the rain forest in search of the rebel hideout.

“Because her being there didn’t align with my plans.”

Janik strokes Mak’s head. “And what exactly were your plans?”

“Before the confirmation you are the rightful heir, it was to find Mohneek and Orvak, along with whoever remains loyal to them, and squash the rebellion for good.”

Janik studies me. “How does my being heir change how you proceed?”

I try for patience because did he not listen to what I have been telling him? “Because my task to bring the rebel leader to justice was given to me by Alik and was in reference to you. Since you are not the true rebel leader and I no longer serve him, however I proceed next is for you to decide.”

“Fuck.” Janik runs his hand through his hair.

“Your Highness?”

He grimaces and casts his mother an apologetic smile. “I hate that title.”

I dip my chin. “Apologies.”

Janik swivels his head. “It is something I will have to get used to.”

Yes, he will.

“Give me some time to think on it. I, too, wish to know where Mohneek and Orvak are hiding and what their plans are in regard to the throne now that they no longer have my loyalty nor can they use me as a pawn.”

Janik should be made aware of one more thing.

“I was approached by Ryvik several days ago. Something about him had me on alert. The guard who escorted me here mentioned Ryvik’s name as well and that he’d be contacting me soon.”

The queen jerks, but it is the prince who asks, “Ryvik?”

“Yes.”