It was a relief to have Helian’s support, even though part of me was certain she’d never refuse – she was just that kind of person, and I’d known her long enough to understand that she put her friends and family first above all else. As long as she wasn’t forced to choose between me and Frost, I knew I’d be able to rely on her.

  And for her part, Frost seemed eager to get involved. My earlier suspicions bore fruit, as it seemed she had prepared a set of different contingency plans for scenarios like this together with Solana and the dame.

  “Frost… you probably shouldn’t have shown me these. It’s treason just to possess them.”

  Solana laughed. “Treason? Ridiculous. House Solana has always been a loyal ally of the crown and remains so. This is merely a matter of being prepared for contingencies, as you can never be sure what an unruly prince might get up to.”

  I sighed. “Of course, Solana. I believe you. Just… maybe burn these once we’re finished or lock them up somewhere more private. Under your bed is not the most secure location…”

  She seemed aggrieved by this. “What do you mean? It’s not as if I allow just anyone in here… especially not lately!”

  I had to admit, she’d cleaned up her act once she got back together with Selene. So perhaps she was right, and there wasn’t much to worry about.

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  On that note, it made me concerned to think that while all this went on, Selene would be stuck at the border cleaning up the remainder of the beasts. Even if we had sent urgent word the day I returned from the palace, it would likely have taken a week for the dame to return to the estate. So, in the end, we would have to resolve matters without her assistance, and without the support of most of the order.

  “Are you sure you don’t want to hire mercenaries, Your Highness?”

  I shook my head. “No, Frost. As I said before, the council would object. And it shouldn’t be necessary, since Sonem can’t issue orders of any significance until he’s coronated. Until that point, his words carry no more weight than mine or Gen’s. Between you, Solana, and my personal guards, I think we should have no trouble confronting him. And with any luck, we’ll have the support of the temple knights as well.”

  One disadvantage the central temple faced was that due to its proximity to the palace, they weren’t allowed to station temple knights on their grounds. As a result, the Radiant Order was fully under the control of the satellite temples, and I would have at least some of them at my disposal on the big day. Ernest had already sent a personal note pledging his support, along with that of his house.

  As I suspected, he was the son of a noble house, though I hadn’t expected his father to be an eastern duke. This at least put one mystery to rest – I could only assume he had enrolled in the order to settle an inheritance dispute.

  I closed my eyes and sighed. “I’m sure there’s more to discuss, but if you two don’t mind, I think I need a long bath and an even longer nap.”

  Solana nodded. “Of course, Rosa. Let me know if you need anything, okay? I’ll see you tomorrow, and we can finish preparing to assassinate your elder brother.”

  Helian grimaced.