Crowned in Crimson Cinders

Chapter 34: The Traitor's POV

 "It's been a long time since you've given me anything useful."

"I know. I'm sorry." I kept my tone even, though my stomach twisted. "They've been more cautious lately. I think some of them are starting to doubt me. But I swear, I'm doing everything I can."

It wasn't a lie, but it wasn't enough for her. I could feel the chill in the air shift as she processed my words.

She sat in her usual pose—legs crossed right over left, notebook balanced on her thigh, pen poised, eyes trained out the window like she ruled the world beyond it.

"I trust," she said slowly, voice like poisoned silk from the corner, "that you're not thinking of betraying me. We both understand what that would mean for you."

The threat lingered in the room like smoke.

"I would never," I said quickly. "I serve you and no one else."

A soft, mirthless chuckle escaped her lips. She turned in her chair with a deliberate spin and rose, revealing a dagger in her hand. My breath caught.

She stepped toward me, casual and composed, blade glinting.

"You are very replaceable," she murmured. "I have people embedded closer to the targets than you can even imagine. People who move unnoticed, who don't need to be reminded where their loyalty lies. If I decide you're no longer of use, Miss Smith"—she brought the dagger up to my neck, her eyes dead calm—"then you're out. Permanently."

I didn't flinch, but every instinct in my body screamed at me to run. I should have known better than to trust someone like her.

She promised a stronger kingdom. A leader who wouldn't fold to Trithia's threats. A future where we fought back instead of kneeling. I thought she could save us and I still do but sometimes I question whether her plans will work.

"I wouldn't get too comfortable," I said, stepping in just slightly, my voice low and deliberate. "You forget that I know who you are. And I know people who would kill for that knowledge. People you've double-crossed. What happens if I share every filthy little secret you've kept from them?"

My hands trembled, but I didn't back down. My words had already left my mouth. There was no taking them back now.

For the first time, I saw something flicker across her face. Not anger. Not contempt. Fear.

"You're being bold," she said, daring me to press my luck.

"I've learned when it matters to be brave," I answered. My eyes didn't leave hers, even with the dagger still hovering inches from my skin.

"Or," she said, her voice lethal, "I could kill you where you stand, ensuring my identity never slips from your lips."

My body froze. I had been a fool for threatening her.

"You still need me," I said, almost a plea. "I've known the princess for years. She'll still let me in."

She held my stare for a long moment, then sighed and turned away.

"Well," she said, easing back into her chair, "now that we've properly threatened each other, I suppose that means we're bound by mutual trust?"

"Guess so," I muttered.

She picked up her notebook and pen again, tone suddenly casual. "So. Do you have anything for me?"

"Yes," I said quickly, afraid she might change her mind and hurl the dagger into my skull. "Your suspicions were right. About the dungeons."

"Splendid." She tossed the dagger into the air and caught it by the hilt without looking. I wondered how she did it. "Now I know just how desperate they are to uncover the truth."

She laughed to herself, quiet and delighted.

"It's like watching blind mice run through a maze. They'll never find us. Never know what we're really planning. Princess Breya's murder?" She grinned. "That was only the beginning. Her funeral will be in two days, at the royal church. And there," she said, voice thick with anticipation, "there will be a reckoning."