Chapter 86: Treacherous Dealings
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Chapter 86: Treacherous Dealings
He'sthe prince!? Vir thought, appraising the man. He certainly had the orbs to back that assertion up.
Vir thought back to Maiyas ramblings about the princes and princesses, regretting that he hadnt paid more attention back then. If he recalled, there were two princes and one princess in the Hiranyan royal family. Mina was the middle child, with an older and younger brother.
Shed mentioned that the older brother, Sanobar Hiranya, was noble and gallant. He couldnt even recall the younger brothers name.
Now that Vir looked closer at the black-haired, clean shaven man, he looked to be only a couple of years older than Vir. Possibly twenty at most. Vir noticed he wore makeup, though not enough to drastically change his appearance. Just enough for anyone who knew him to pass him by.
Did Riyan have connections with the prince? But even if he did, how'd the prince know Vir was Riyan's agent? It seemed like a remote possibility, though Vir couldn't easily broach the topic without alerting the prince to his motives. Not yet, anyway.
Youre Sanobar Hiranya? Vir asked, his voice nearly a whisper.
Call me San, the young man said with a nod.
Is this a trap?
Do you think I would risk coming out here alone, if it was? Betraying the Brotherhood has its consequences, even for me.
I see, Vir replied.
So, what is it about Mina you wish to know? San said openly.
Youll tell me anything?
Anything about her, yes. Dont expect me to divulge state secrets. I am here because I believe this meeting will be in the best interest of my kingdom. Do not mistake me for a traitor.
Why would he be here? Vir thought. Whyd he be willing to give up his sister's details?
On the one hand, Sanobar would likely know more than anyone what his sister was like. But would he be honest? What if Sanobar was working with Mina?
Vir realized he could spend all day questioning and postulating, but hed get nowhere. Hed ask his questions and analyze Sanobars responses later. It wasnt like he had to believe whatever came out of the princes mouth.
Youre not going to ask me why I want to know?
Oh, I have plenty of suspicions. I expect the nature of your questions will reveal all. I need not ask you for such a thing.
Fair enough. No matter how much Vir wanted to beat around the bush, he was eventually going to ask the hard questions. Questions that could land him in hot water if he wasnt careful.
Mina comes across as a generous, kindhearted princess. Is that true?
Oh boy, San said, chuckling wryly. Were starting from there, are we? Alright, if were doing this, Im going to need a drink.
He flagged down a waiter, who brought over a mug of beer.
Anything for you?
Vir shook his head. I dont drink.
A beer for my friend here, on me! San said.
Itll look suspicious if you dont order anything, he muttered after the waiter had left. At least look like youre enjoying the drink, even if you dont drink any of it.
Vir nodded. He hadnt noticed any strong prana signatures nearby, but then, spies didnt have to be mejai. Prana Vision didnt give him omniscience.
I know you didnt come here for a history lesson, but to understand Mina, we must travel back in time first. To one fateful day. The day she was kidnapped. My little sister had once been an ordinary child. Spoiled rotten, yes, but innocent and somewhat pure. She always had a devious side to her, but it was a harmless quirk.
San gazed into the distance, reminiscing on some precious memory.
Then a royal retainer betrayed us. Royal ransoms could set a person up for life, and the temptation was too great for them. They took Mina to some lets say unsavory men who had a gripe with the kingdom. Who felt as though Hiranya had not treated them well.
Isnt that everyone? Vir asked. Look around. Your capitals not exactly a paragon of wealth and prosperity. Do you have any idea what its like in the Warrens? At least your sister sneaks out of the castle. Shes seen the slums and the sewers.
Sans expression hardened. Oho? You know about that quirk of hers, do you? Impressive. But yes, I do know, Neel. I am not the sort of spoiled child you might guess I am. I fully understand the sorry state of this kingdom, and that my father is partly to blame. But you do not understand the full picture, either. You do not know how the safety of our citizens hangs by a thread with the Altani on one end and the Kinjal on the other, waging a never ending game of tug of war.Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m
The prince cleared his throat. I digress. Mina was kidnapped, and subjected to sights no child should ever see. To trauma no one should ever bear. She watched as her captors killed innocents in front of her eyes. And in the process, something inside her broke. Something precious and irreplaceable. By the time our forces took down her captors, it was too late. When she returned to us, she had changed. Shed grown introverted and reclusive. She kept her thoughts to herself, and she never smiled.
It was a sad story, but Vir understood why the prince had narrated this tale. A knot formed in his stomach as he guessed where this was going.
Actually, for reasons you wouldnt suspect. Savar was good at his job. Too good. He was becoming a thorn in Kinjals side, and many in our government grew worried. In Mina's case, she saw an opportunity. It started amicably, at first. A win-win business relationship. Mina sent the man on her personal missions, usually in Kin'jal territory.
But now, with Mina's support, not even King Rayid could stop him. For Riyan, Mina was a blessing. She allowed him to fulfill his calling, striking blow after blow at the Kin'jal.
Never realized they had such a good relationship, Vir thought.
But then, Mina began making unreasonable demands of Savar. She reduced his forces and asked him to attack harder targets. She told him to go alone, for reasons of stealth. This made my father and the others quite happy, for it hamstringed Riyan. For years, he believed she had some plan, some ulterior motive behind these requests, and so he obeyed.
She didn't?
She did not. Her actions were purely to torment Savar. All to break him. When the missions weren't enough, she began killing his animals. Then his acquaintances.
Surely there were faster ways of removing him from power, Vir said.
Oh, hed been stripped of his position by then. No, this was just Mina being Mina. Ripping the wings off a butterfly just to watch it writhe in agony. Finally, she had his family slaughtered in front of his very eyes, by his own, most loyal soldiers. Then she burned his home to the ground. General Savar hasnt been seen after that. Some think him dead. Others say hes just broken, living out his days as a hermit somewhere. You asked what Savar was to Mina? Just another toy. Used up and cast aside. Thats all.
Vir fell silent. To think Mina had done all that for such a stupid reason. Hed thought there wouldve been more. Something deeper. To slaughter someones family for ones own sick desires?
Virs blood boiled. Yes, shed been subjected to trauma at a young age. And yes, Riyan had blackmailed him to assassinate her. But hed also sheltered and trained Vir. And right now? He wanted nothing more than to see Minas head on a pike.
Even so, the risk was too great. If Vir was going through with this, he needed something more. Something that would benefit himself.
Sanobar continued on. Look, I understand your position. You worry that one wrong word and I could have you executed. And youd be right. But I will not. I know not what your intentions are, nor do I wish to know. You came recommended by the Brotherhood, and that is not to be taken lightly.
That's a lot of trust on your part.
It is, but the Brotherhoods influence runs far deeper than you can imagine. They transcend the bounds of countries and are beholden to no one. And the one thing they prioritize above all else is trust. Trust and reputation. If the Brotherhood recommends you, it may as well have come from the lips of my own father. My trust in you is sound. The question is, do you trust me?
I think I might, Vir replied. But theres one thing I dont understand. Youre a prince. Surely you have access to skilled soldiers. People whod do anything to get in your good graces. Yes, I might come recommended by the Brotherhood, but dont you have people of your own for this task?
I do. And both myself and my brother have tried to take action against Mina in the past. But my little sister is more than merely sadistic. Shes unbelievably intelligent in the art of subterfuge and intelligence gathering. So much so that it shocks me at times. If I were to use one of my men, and if they were to fail, it would be the end of me. Mina would expose me to the world, and Id be done for.
And because I have no link to you, that makes me useful. It makes me disposable.
San leveled his gaze at Vir. Yes. I will not lie to you. You are disposable. You are useful to me because we have no connection. If you fail, it is no sweat off my back. But if you succeed you can ask of me whatever you wish. Money? Ill shower you with seric. Fame? Ill anoint you Sawai. If it is within my power, it shall be yours.
Seric!? Vir did his best not to gawk. That was an incredibly tempting offer, but he wasnt a fool. If its ever revealed that I killed Mina, Ill be a fugitive. I doubt even you could protect me from that fate.
I will certainly try, San fired back. And if I cannot, I can guarantee you sanctuary in the Rani Queendom.
What exactly are you suggesting, San? Vir asked.
I will arrange an ambush. Getting Mina into the Commons will be difficult, but I can
No need, Vir replied. I havent agreed to anything, but I can make my own way there.
Thats Are you certain? San asked. For the first time, he looked surprised. Can you infiltrate her quarters?
Vir nodded. I have my means. San seemed trustworthy, but there wasn't any need to divulge the details of Mina's secret passage unless absolutely necessary.
I see. Very well then. This simplifies things. You will eliminate her in her sleep, but I can assist. I can ensure she sleeps soundly, if you catch my meaning. There will be no chance for her to resist.
Poison? Vir asked, cocking his brow.
Nothing so drastic. The entire royal household has taste testers who sample food and drink. Any potent poison would be immediately detected. Besides, if I killed her that way, Id be a prime suspect. My campaign is based on honor and integrity. If the world finds out Id be done for. My sister knows this. She has contingencies in place.
Then whats your plan?
Poison might be going too far, but sedatives that take hold hours after? That can work. I can ensure Mina sleeps like a log. If you can gain access to her quarters, you could slit her throat as she sleeps.
I can do that, Vir said, nodding. But theres something else. The royal priest, Harak. Who is he, really?
San waved his hand. Appointed by my sister. Hes one of hers. A real thorn in our side, but he hasnt done anything to justify ousting him yet. Why do you ask?
Ive got some history with that man, Vir said, barely containing his anger at the man whod executed Maiyas parents and caused Rudviks death. He wanted nothing more than to end this. To end his time here in Daha. To be rid of the nightmares and sleepless nights, agonizing about Maiya. Then he'd return to his friend. To the way things used to be.
I'll do this.
He had no intention of spending months here. The prince was giving him the perfect opportunity, and Vir wasn't about to refuse. While San might've been lying, Vir's instinct told him otherwise. Riyan hadn't been deceiving him. His methods might've been borne from desperation, but Mina was a blight.
On one condition. Harak must die.
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Chapter 86: Treacherous Dealings
He'sthe prince!? Vir thought, appraising the man. He certainly had the orbs to back that assertion up.
Vir thought back to Maiyas ramblings about the princes and princesses, regretting that he hadnt paid more attention back then. If he recalled, there were two princes and one princess in the Hiranyan royal family. Mina was the middle child, with an older and younger brother.
Shed mentioned that the older brother, Sanobar Hiranya, was noble and gallant. He couldnt even recall the younger brothers name.
Now that Vir looked closer at the black-haired, clean shaven man, he looked to be only a couple of years older than Vir. Possibly twenty at most. Vir noticed he wore makeup, though not enough to drastically change his appearance. Just enough for anyone who knew him to pass him by.
Did Riyan have connections with the prince? But even if he did, how'd the prince know Vir was Riyan's agent? It seemed like a remote possibility, though Vir couldn't easily broach the topic without alerting the prince to his motives. Not yet, anyway.
Youre Sanobar Hiranya? Vir asked, his voice nearly a whisper.
Call me San, the young man said with a nod.
Is this a trap?
Do you think I would risk coming out here alone, if it was? Betraying the Brotherhood has its consequences, even for me.
I see, Vir replied.
So, what is it about Mina you wish to know? San said openly.
Youll tell me anything?
Anything about her, yes. Dont expect me to divulge state secrets. I am here because I believe this meeting will be in the best interest of my kingdom. Do not mistake me for a traitor.
Why would he be here? Vir thought. Whyd he be willing to give up his sister's details?
On the one hand, Sanobar would likely know more than anyone what his sister was like. But would he be honest? What if Sanobar was working with Mina?
Vir realized he could spend all day questioning and postulating, but hed get nowhere. Hed ask his questions and analyze Sanobars responses later. It wasnt like he had to believe whatever came out of the princes mouth.
Youre not going to ask me why I want to know?
Oh, I have plenty of suspicions. I expect the nature of your questions will reveal all. I need not ask you for such a thing.
Fair enough. No matter how much Vir wanted to beat around the bush, he was eventually going to ask the hard questions. Questions that could land him in hot water if he wasnt careful.
Mina comes across as a generous, kindhearted princess. Is that true?
Oh boy, San said, chuckling wryly. Were starting from there, are we? Alright, if were doing this, Im going to need a drink.
He flagged down a waiter, who brought over a mug of beer.
Anything for you?
Vir shook his head. I dont drink.
A beer for my friend here, on me! San said.
Itll look suspicious if you dont order anything, he muttered after the waiter had left. At least look like youre enjoying the drink, even if you dont drink any of it.
Vir nodded. He hadnt noticed any strong prana signatures nearby, but then, spies didnt have to be mejai. Prana Vision didnt give him omniscience.
I know you didnt come here for a history lesson, but to understand Mina, we must travel back in time first. To one fateful day. The day she was kidnapped. My little sister had once been an ordinary child. Spoiled rotten, yes, but innocent and somewhat pure. She always had a devious side to her, but it was a harmless quirk.
San gazed into the distance, reminiscing on some precious memory.
Then a royal retainer betrayed us. Royal ransoms could set a person up for life, and the temptation was too great for them. They took Mina to some lets say unsavory men who had a gripe with the kingdom. Who felt as though Hiranya had not treated them well.
Isnt that everyone? Vir asked. Look around. Your capitals not exactly a paragon of wealth and prosperity. Do you have any idea what its like in the Warrens? At least your sister sneaks out of the castle. Shes seen the slums and the sewers.
Sans expression hardened. Oho? You know about that quirk of hers, do you? Impressive. But yes, I do know, Neel. I am not the sort of spoiled child you might guess I am. I fully understand the sorry state of this kingdom, and that my father is partly to blame. But you do not understand the full picture, either. You do not know how the safety of our citizens hangs by a thread with the Altani on one end and the Kinjal on the other, waging a never ending game of tug of war.Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m
The prince cleared his throat. I digress. Mina was kidnapped, and subjected to sights no child should ever see. To trauma no one should ever bear. She watched as her captors killed innocents in front of her eyes. And in the process, something inside her broke. Something precious and irreplaceable. By the time our forces took down her captors, it was too late. When she returned to us, she had changed. Shed grown introverted and reclusive. She kept her thoughts to herself, and she never smiled.
It was a sad story, but Vir understood why the prince had narrated this tale. A knot formed in his stomach as he guessed where this was going.
Actually, for reasons you wouldnt suspect. Savar was good at his job. Too good. He was becoming a thorn in Kinjals side, and many in our government grew worried. In Mina's case, she saw an opportunity. It started amicably, at first. A win-win business relationship. Mina sent the man on her personal missions, usually in Kin'jal territory.
But now, with Mina's support, not even King Rayid could stop him. For Riyan, Mina was a blessing. She allowed him to fulfill his calling, striking blow after blow at the Kin'jal.
Never realized they had such a good relationship, Vir thought.
But then, Mina began making unreasonable demands of Savar. She reduced his forces and asked him to attack harder targets. She told him to go alone, for reasons of stealth. This made my father and the others quite happy, for it hamstringed Riyan. For years, he believed she had some plan, some ulterior motive behind these requests, and so he obeyed.
She didn't?
She did not. Her actions were purely to torment Savar. All to break him. When the missions weren't enough, she began killing his animals. Then his acquaintances.
Surely there were faster ways of removing him from power, Vir said.
Oh, hed been stripped of his position by then. No, this was just Mina being Mina. Ripping the wings off a butterfly just to watch it writhe in agony. Finally, she had his family slaughtered in front of his very eyes, by his own, most loyal soldiers. Then she burned his home to the ground. General Savar hasnt been seen after that. Some think him dead. Others say hes just broken, living out his days as a hermit somewhere. You asked what Savar was to Mina? Just another toy. Used up and cast aside. Thats all.
Vir fell silent. To think Mina had done all that for such a stupid reason. Hed thought there wouldve been more. Something deeper. To slaughter someones family for ones own sick desires?
Virs blood boiled. Yes, shed been subjected to trauma at a young age. And yes, Riyan had blackmailed him to assassinate her. But hed also sheltered and trained Vir. And right now? He wanted nothing more than to see Minas head on a pike.
Even so, the risk was too great. If Vir was going through with this, he needed something more. Something that would benefit himself.
Sanobar continued on. Look, I understand your position. You worry that one wrong word and I could have you executed. And youd be right. But I will not. I know not what your intentions are, nor do I wish to know. You came recommended by the Brotherhood, and that is not to be taken lightly.
That's a lot of trust on your part.
It is, but the Brotherhoods influence runs far deeper than you can imagine. They transcend the bounds of countries and are beholden to no one. And the one thing they prioritize above all else is trust. Trust and reputation. If the Brotherhood recommends you, it may as well have come from the lips of my own father. My trust in you is sound. The question is, do you trust me?
I think I might, Vir replied. But theres one thing I dont understand. Youre a prince. Surely you have access to skilled soldiers. People whod do anything to get in your good graces. Yes, I might come recommended by the Brotherhood, but dont you have people of your own for this task?
I do. And both myself and my brother have tried to take action against Mina in the past. But my little sister is more than merely sadistic. Shes unbelievably intelligent in the art of subterfuge and intelligence gathering. So much so that it shocks me at times. If I were to use one of my men, and if they were to fail, it would be the end of me. Mina would expose me to the world, and Id be done for.
And because I have no link to you, that makes me useful. It makes me disposable.
San leveled his gaze at Vir. Yes. I will not lie to you. You are disposable. You are useful to me because we have no connection. If you fail, it is no sweat off my back. But if you succeed you can ask of me whatever you wish. Money? Ill shower you with seric. Fame? Ill anoint you Sawai. If it is within my power, it shall be yours.
Seric!? Vir did his best not to gawk. That was an incredibly tempting offer, but he wasnt a fool. If its ever revealed that I killed Mina, Ill be a fugitive. I doubt even you could protect me from that fate.
I will certainly try, San fired back. And if I cannot, I can guarantee you sanctuary in the Rani Queendom.
What exactly are you suggesting, San? Vir asked.
I will arrange an ambush. Getting Mina into the Commons will be difficult, but I can
No need, Vir replied. I havent agreed to anything, but I can make my own way there.
Thats Are you certain? San asked. For the first time, he looked surprised. Can you infiltrate her quarters?
Vir nodded. I have my means. San seemed trustworthy, but there wasn't any need to divulge the details of Mina's secret passage unless absolutely necessary.
I see. Very well then. This simplifies things. You will eliminate her in her sleep, but I can assist. I can ensure she sleeps soundly, if you catch my meaning. There will be no chance for her to resist.
Poison? Vir asked, cocking his brow.
Nothing so drastic. The entire royal household has taste testers who sample food and drink. Any potent poison would be immediately detected. Besides, if I killed her that way, Id be a prime suspect. My campaign is based on honor and integrity. If the world finds out Id be done for. My sister knows this. She has contingencies in place.
Then whats your plan?
Poison might be going too far, but sedatives that take hold hours after? That can work. I can ensure Mina sleeps like a log. If you can gain access to her quarters, you could slit her throat as she sleeps.
I can do that, Vir said, nodding. But theres something else. The royal priest, Harak. Who is he, really?
San waved his hand. Appointed by my sister. Hes one of hers. A real thorn in our side, but he hasnt done anything to justify ousting him yet. Why do you ask?
Ive got some history with that man, Vir said, barely containing his anger at the man whod executed Maiyas parents and caused Rudviks death. He wanted nothing more than to end this. To end his time here in Daha. To be rid of the nightmares and sleepless nights, agonizing about Maiya. Then he'd return to his friend. To the way things used to be.
I'll do this.
He had no intention of spending months here. The prince was giving him the perfect opportunity, and Vir wasn't about to refuse. While San might've been lying, Vir's instinct told him otherwise. Riyan hadn't been deceiving him. His methods might've been borne from desperation, but Mina was a blight.
On one condition. Harak must die.
Chapter 86: Treacherous DealingsHe'sthe prince!? Vir thought, appraising the man. He certainly had the orbs to back that assertion up.Vir thought back to Maiyas ramblings about the princes and princesses, regretting that he hadnt paid more attention back then. If he recalled, there were two princes and one princess in the Hiranyan royal family. Mina was the middle child, with an older and younger brother.Shed mentioned that the older brother, Sanobar Hiranya, was noble and gallant. He couldnt even recall the younger brothers name.Now that Vir looked closer at the black-haired, clean shaven man, he looked to be only a couple of years older than Vir. Possibly twenty at most. Vir noticed he wore makeup, though not enough to drastically change his appearance. Just enough for anyone who knew him to pass him by.Did Riyan have connections with the prince? But even if he did, how'd the prince know Vir was Riyan's agent? It seemed like a remote possibility, though Vir couldn't easily broach the topic without alerting the prince to his motives. Not yet, anyway.Youre Sanobar Hiranya? Vir asked, his voice nearly a whisper.Call me San, the young man said with a nod.Is this a trap?Do you think I would risk coming out here alone, if it was? Betraying the Brotherhood has its consequences, even for me.I see, Vir replied.So, what is it about Mina you wish to know? San said openly.Youll tell me anything?Anything about her, yes. Dont expect me to divulge state secrets. I am here because I believe this meeting will be in the best interest of my kingdom. Do not mistake me for a traitor.Why would he be here? Vir thought. Whyd he be willing to give up his sister's details?On the one hand, Sanobar would likely know more than anyone what his sister was like. But would he be honest? What if Sanobar was working with Mina?Vir realized he could spend all day questioning and postulating, but hed get nowhere. Hed ask his questions and analyze Sanobars responses later. It wasnt like he had to believe whatever came out of the princes mouth.Youre not going to ask me why I want to know?Oh, I have plenty of suspicions. I expect the nature of your questions will reveal all. I need not ask you for such a thing.Fair enough. No matter how much Vir wanted to beat around the bush, he was eventually going to ask the hard questions. Questions that could land him in hot water if he wasnt careful.Mina comes across as a generous, kindhearted princess. Is that true?Oh boy, San said, chuckling wryly. Were starting from there, are we? Alright, if were doing this, Im going to need a drink.He flagged down a waiter, who brought over a mug of beer.Anything for you?Vir shook his head. I dont drink.A beer for my friend here, on me! San said.Itll look suspicious if you dont order anything, he muttered after the waiter had left. At least look like youre enjoying the drink, even if you dont drink any of it.Vir nodded. He hadnt noticed any strong prana signatures nearby, but then, spies didnt have to be mejai. Prana Vision didnt give him omniscience.I know you didnt come here for a history lesson, but to understand Mina, we must travel back in time first. To one fateful day. The day she was kidnapped. My little sister had once been an ordinary child. Spoiled rotten, yes, but innocent and somewhat pure. She always had a devious side to her, but it was a harmless quirk.San gazed into the distance, reminiscing on some precious memory.Then a royal retainer betrayed us. Royal ransoms could set a person up for life, and the temptation was too great for them. They took Mina to some lets say unsavory men who had a gripe with the kingdom. Who felt as though Hiranya had not treated them well.Isnt that everyone? Vir asked. Look around. Your capitals not exactly a paragon of wealth and prosperity. Do you have any idea what its like in the Warrens? At least your sister sneaks out of the castle. Shes seen the slums and the sewers.Sans expression hardened. Oho? You know about that quirk of hers, do you? Impressive. But yes, I do know, Neel. I am not the sort of spoiled child you might guess I am. I fully understand the sorry state of this kingdom, and that my father is partly to blame. But you do not understand the full picture, either. You do not know how the safety of our citizens hangs by a thread with the Altani on one end and the Kinjal on the other, waging a never ending game of tug of war.Updated from novelbin.comThe prince cleared his throat. I digress. Mina was kidnapped, and subjected to sights no child should ever see. To trauma no one should ever bear. She watched as her captors killed innocents in front of her eyes. And in the process, something inside her broke. Something precious and irreplaceable. By the time our forces took down her captors, it was too late. When she returned to us, she had changed. Shed grown introverted and reclusive. She kept her thoughts to herself, and she never smiled.It was a sad story, but Vir understood why the prince had narrated this tale. A knot formed in his stomach as he guessed where this was going.Actually, for reasons you wouldnt suspect. Savar was good at his job. Too good. He was becoming a thorn in Kinjals side, and many in our government grew worried. In Mina's case, she saw an opportunity. It started amicably, at first. A win-win business relationship. Mina sent the man on her personal missions, usually in Kin'jal territory.But now, with Mina's support, not even King Rayid could stop him. For Riyan, Mina was a blessing. She allowed him to fulfill his calling, striking blow after blow at the Kin'jal.Never realized they had such a good relationship, Vir thought.But then, Mina began making unreasonable demands of Savar. She reduced his forces and asked him to attack harder targets. She told him to go alone, for reasons of stealth. This made my father and the others quite happy, for it hamstringed Riyan. For years, he believed she had some plan, some ulterior motive behind these requests, and so he obeyed.She didn't?She did not. Her actions were purely to torment Savar. All to break him. When the missions weren't enough, she began killing his animals. Then his acquaintances.Surely there were faster ways of removing him from power, Vir said.Oh, hed been stripped of his position by then. No, this was just Mina being Mina. Ripping the wings off a butterfly just to watch it writhe in agony. Finally, she had his family slaughtered in front of his very eyes, by his own, most loyal soldiers. Then she burned his home to the ground. General Savar hasnt been seen after that. Some think him dead. Others say hes just broken, living out his days as a hermit somewhere. You asked what Savar was to Mina? Just another toy. Used up and cast aside. Thats all.Vir fell silent. To think Mina had done all that for such a stupid reason. Hed thought there wouldve been more. Something deeper. To slaughter someones family for ones own sick desires?Virs blood boiled. Yes, shed been subjected to trauma at a young age. And yes, Riyan had blackmailed him to assassinate her. But hed also sheltered and trained Vir. And right now? He wanted nothing more than to see Minas head on a pike.Even so, the risk was too great. If Vir was going through with this, he needed something more. Something that would benefit himself.Sanobar continued on. Look, I understand your position. You worry that one wrong word and I could have you executed. And youd be right. But I will not. I know not what your intentions are, nor do I wish to know. You came recommended by the Brotherhood, and that is not to be taken lightly.That's a lot of trust on your part.It is, but the Brotherhoods influence runs far deeper than you can imagine. They transcend the bounds of countries and are beholden to no one. And the one thing they prioritize above all else is trust. Trust and reputation. If the Brotherhood recommends you, it may as well have come from the lips of my own father. My trust in you is sound. The question is, do you trust me?I think I might, Vir replied. But theres one thing I dont understand. Youre a prince. Surely you have access to skilled soldiers. People whod do anything to get in your good graces. Yes, I might come recommended by the Brotherhood, but dont you have people of your own for this task?I do. And both myself and my brother have tried to take action against Mina in the past. But my little sister is more than merely sadistic. Shes unbelievably intelligent in the art of subterfuge and intelligence gathering. So much so that it shocks me at times. If I were to use one of my men, and if they were to fail, it would be the end of me. Mina would expose me to the world, and Id be done for.And because I have no link to you, that makes me useful. It makes me disposable.San leveled his gaze at Vir. Yes. I will not lie to you. You are disposable. You are useful to me because we have no connection. If you fail, it is no sweat off my back. But if you succeed you can ask of me whatever you wish. Money? Ill shower you with seric. Fame? Ill anoint you Sawai. If it is within my power, it shall be yours.Seric!? Vir did his best not to gawk. That was an incredibly tempting offer, but he wasnt a fool. If its ever revealed that I killed Mina, Ill be a fugitive. I doubt even you could protect me from that fate.I will certainly try, San fired back. And if I cannot, I can guarantee you sanctuary in the Rani Queendom.What exactly are you suggesting, San? Vir asked.I will arrange an ambush. Getting Mina into the Commons will be difficult, but I canNo need, Vir replied. I havent agreed to anything, but I can make my own way there.Thats Are you certain? San asked. For the first time, he looked surprised. Can you infiltrate her quarters?Vir nodded. I have my means. San seemed trustworthy, but there wasn't any need to divulge the details of Mina's secret passage unless absolutely necessary.I see. Very well then. This simplifies things. You will eliminate her in her sleep, but I can assist. I can ensure she sleeps soundly, if you catch my meaning. There will be no chance for her to resist.Poison? Vir asked, cocking his brow.Nothing so drastic. The entire royal household has taste testers who sample food and drink. Any potent poison would be immediately detected. Besides, if I killed her that way, Id be a prime suspect. My campaign is based on honor and integrity. If the world finds out Id be done for. My sister knows this. She has contingencies in place.Then whats your plan?Poison might be going too far, but sedatives that take hold hours after? That can work. I can ensure Mina sleeps like a log. If you can gain access to her quarters, you could slit her throat as she sleeps.I can do that, Vir said, nodding. But theres something else. The royal priest, Harak. Who is he, really?San waved his hand. Appointed by my sister. Hes one of hers. A real thorn in our side, but he hasnt done anything to justify ousting him yet. Why do you ask?Ive got some history with that man, Vir said, barely containing his anger at the man whod executed Maiyas parents and caused Rudviks death. He wanted nothing more than to end this. To end his time here in Daha. To be rid of the nightmares and sleepless nights, agonizing about Maiya. Then he'd return to his friend. To the way things used to be.I'll do this.He had no intention of spending months here. The prince was giving him the perfect opportunity, and Vir wasn't about to refuse. While San might've been lying, Vir's instinct told him otherwise. Riyan hadn't been deceiving him. His methods might've been borne from desperation, but Mina was a blight.On one condition. Harak must die.
