Chapter 104 --104
"Keep her isolated for now. She’s evidence." Elara turned to the dead assassin. "And this one needs to be examined. Check for identifying marks, guild affiliations, anything that traces back to who hired them."
"Yes, Your Highness."
The physician left with the vial. Other servants entered to clean up the mess—glass, blood, the body. Elara watched them work with detached efficiency.
Two assassination attempts in one day.
The professional through the window—three thousand gold contract, direct attack.
The poison disguised as antidote—would have killed her if she’d trusted Fifth Princess.
Both timed for right before the succession dinner. Both designed to eliminate her before Duke Romian’s answer, before the Emperor’s final test.
Someone was getting desperate.
The fox knight returned, his ribs bandaged. "Your Highness, Fifth Princess is secured. She’s asking to speak with you."
"Later. First I need to understand who sent the assassin." Elara walked to the window, looking at the broken glass. "The attack came from outside. They climbed up—which means they knew which room I’d be in, what time I’d be there. Inside information."
"Your Highness... Fifth Princess’s visit provided that information."
"Yes. But did she know she was providing it, or was she an unwitting tool?" Elara turned back. "Either way, First Princess Eleana orchestrated this. The question is whether she acted alone or if someone else is also involved."