*Princess Belasarius*
After Gravestone left, I turned to my father, Samuel, and Rutledge. I knew what to do. “So, Duke Rutledge,” I said, sitting in my chair and steepling my fingers. “How long are we going to keep this up?”
“I beg your pardon?”
“You’re saying it was him?” asked Samuel. My father was still lost in his thoughts, still shaken over the loss of his friend. Don’t worry father, I have the man responsible. Leave this to me.
“I mean, I didn’t want to be quite so blunt about it,” I said coyly. “But if you’re going to come out and say it, well…”
“I definitely hope you have proof,” said Duke Rutledge.
“Oh Gravestone is out gathering the proof now. I doubt your assassin has left the castle, because I doubt advisor Price was their only target. Indeed, if you want to spark a war, especially if it’s against your superiors’ orders I’d wager, you’re going to need to be much more thorough.”