The Traitor by A. Lombardo (i can read with my eyes shut TXT) 📕

for Rayna. He knew she would not understand the wolf, but the Alpha knew her, trusted her, and would protect her for Kai’s sake. The rest was up to Sabastian and Kendra, as Beastmaster they would be able to speak to the Alpha.

Trying to buy time, Kai focused on Grand Duke Dante Carmelo, one of his father’s closest friends. His brawny stature sagged as if he carried the weight of the world, and his tired eyes pleaded for the truth. Kai could not yet tell if he acted under his duress or if Nola’s desires influenced the man.

“Please, Dante, let me speak.”

Sweat ran down Dante’s temples since he refused to remove his decorated winter overcoat like many of high rank. The Grand Duke shook his head and glanced at Cazier. “Sheath your weapon, Master General. We will hear the Prince speak. If it is the last thing we do today, I will learn the truth.”

Yielding to the Grand Duke, everyone went back to their respective seats. Even Maxwell drew a chair behind the Queen’s throne.

Although Kai knew he could not accuse Nola directly, he had to distract them. Somehow, he needed her to remove the necklace so he could destroy the crystal. “I did not kill the King,” he said, following Riome’s advice, “and I can prove it because there was a third person in the room.”

Nobody would ever question Admiral Roark's loyalty to the King, and since he spent his days in For Pohaku, Kai hoped he remained uncompromised. “Name your accomplice,” Roark shouted, again drawing his blade as if prepared to kill the guilty person the moment Kai or some stranger uttered the actual murderer's name.

In the next breath, a wave of pressure flooded Kai’s crystal. It struck Kai hard. Looking at Nola, he noticed she felt it, too. Unaccustomed to significant shifts in power, she swayed forward, clutching her chest, and Maxwell rushed to her side. Steading herself upright, she continued to hold her chest. Kai glanced over his shoulder—Rayna, Sabastian, and Kendra were collecting magic and shoving it toward the tent.

“My queen, are you unwell?” Maxwell held her hand in his and knelt at her feet.

Everyone turned to Nola, but she waved them off. “I am fine, continue,” she ordered.

Feeling the magic’s weight, Kai allowed it to build slightly and flow through him. It continued to flow like a river into his crystal and out toward Nola. “The other man in the room spoke to me before I ran out . . .”

“Lies!” Nola shouted, cutting Kai off midsentence. The power Nola held floated outward on her voice, controlling the others. “Do not listen to his lies! Kai is a murderer, and he intends to assassinate me. Protect your queen!” she demanded, crumpling in pain.

This was how Nola manipulated those around her. Kai watched her bring each person within range to heel with her words. Regent Maxwell drew his blade and stood in front of the Queen. Sigry, Dante, Roark, and Cazier all advanced a step toward Kai.

Robert, Drew, and Dresnor unsheathed their weapons and closed in around Kai and Seth. Riome slipped Kai a set of throwing stars, and he caught a glimpse of three more, two daggers and three other throwing blades on her person. “Really, not even a dagger, I thought I taught you to be prepared? You could have hidden something from the guards.” She jutted her chin, shoving a sword in his hand.

“Who was with you, Prince Kai?” Cazier challenged, holding his sword in one hand and holding the surge back with the other. “Let him speak. I will have my answers. We all will if you let him finish!”

The tent felt suddenly small with so many drawn swords. Friends pointing weapons at friends. “So, you do care about the third person, what they witnessed?” Kai stalled for time, feeling a second surge of power rush into his crystal, and again he let it wash over him toward Nola.

“Of course we care!” Dante stepped forward, pulling on Roark’s shoulder. The Admiral did not budge to give him space, forcing him to talk over the taller man. “We must know. I must know what happened to Iver. Roark—let him speak!”

The Grand Duke's forceful tone made Roark step aside. Dante rubbed his head and appeared visibly confused as he sheathed his blade. He eased around Roark to stare through Kai as if the knowledgeable person might be among them. “Please, Kai, if your father meant anything to you, tell us the truth. Where is this third person?”

“This is a trick.” Nola pressed her hand to her heart, and more dark magic swirled around the tent. Even Kai felt her anger and hate seep into his pores. “There is nothing you or some stranger can say that will undo what I saw you do.”

When the next wave of magic stuck, Nola doubled over in pain, grabbing for the chain around her neck. Even Kai’s crystal started to burn his skin as it surged with unrequested magic sent by his friends. Using some of the power, Kai called to one of the Mryken sentry dogs.

Tears welled in Nola’s eyes as she yanked the chain free from her bodice and ripped it from her neck. She panted in relief. “Kai killed the King! Do not listen to his lies!”

The smoldering crystal dangled from the chain within her grasp only for a moment before a Mryken guard dog sprinted through the crowd, snatched it from her hand, and ran from the tent. Kai saw the beast run to Sabastian and his friend smashed the tainted shard on the rocks.

The shattered magic dissipated like the morning mist in sunshine. Her control over everyone was dispelled, and they drooped like puppets on cut strings, free to think and move for themselves. Everyone but Cazier and Roark—that is. Both held their swords upright. They remained focused on Kai, taking a step