Chapter 57: Kingdom at War
Lucas then said calmly, "I would like to ask a question."
The Seer, standing with her hands gently folded before her, tilted her head slightly and nodded. "Then ask."
Lucas took a quiet breath, knowing what he was about to say was dangerous, but he wasn’t the kind to shy away from difficult truths.
"Do you have a hand in the poisoning of Prince Darius?"
The chamber went completely still. The Seer didn’t answer immediately. Her golden eyes narrowed, not in rage, but in icy disapproval. Lucas could tell she didn’t expect such boldness.
"That’s a bold accusation," she said, her voice even but carrying an edge beneath the calm. "Careful, young Alden... truth and death are often separated by a single breath."
Lucas didn’t flinch. He held her gaze, steady. "I didn’t accuse you," he said coolly. "I asked a question."
She stared at him for a moment longer, then turned her back to him. She walked slowly to her table, where the remains of her herbs and scrolls were still spread out. "No. I did not poison the Prince," she said at last. "But...I’m keeping something."
Lucas took a step forward. "Then why not tell the King everything?"
She turned her head only slightly, just enough for her voice to reach him. "Because sometimes... knowledge does more harm than silence. The King doesn’t need every truth, not yet. What I hold back is for the good of the realm."
Lucas frowned. "That’s not your choice alone to make."