Binding Fate: Betrothed to the Otherworldly Duke

Chapter 27: Mind Control, Treason, and Other Crimes

My thoughts churned like dark storm clouds. So much had happened in such a short time. I kept replaying breakfast in my mind, wondering if I had said too much to Samara.

I had hoped that mentioning marriage might spark some buried memory in her, some flicker of our promise. But her eyes remained vacant, as if none of it had ever happened.

The door suddenly burst open, and I whirled around, hand instinctively reaching for the dagger at my belt. But it was only Belmont striding in, uninvited as always. His fiery red curls were windblown and messy, no doubt from riding hard from Aeloria.

"I've come to give you my morning greetings, brother," Belmont declared with a flourish, sweeping into an exaggerated bow. I rolled my eyes but couldn't help the smile tugging at my lips.

Hurried footsteps echoed down the hall, and Henry appeared in the doorway. He shared a loaded glance with Theo before offering me a curt nod. "Your Grace."

"What news?" I demanded, the brief moment of levity fading as their grim expressions registered.

Belmont threw himself onto the settee with a huff. "Aldric can no longer detect anything from the convergence energy pulse." He fixed me with a look of sincere sympathy. "I'm sorry, brother."

Why was Belmont apologizing? Unless...they didn't know. About Samara. About who she really was to me.

Theo cleared his throat delicately. "I thought it best for you to share the news, Your Grace," he said, clearly reading my mind as he so often did.

Belmont and Henry turned to me expectantly, curiosity burning in their eyes. I waved a hand. "I will, shortly. Finish your report first."

Henry straightened, every inch the perfect knight. "After returning from the temple, we noticed undercover holy knights in the city."

My blood ran cold. "Did they follow you back from the temple?"

"No, Your Grace. But they must suspect whoever infiltrated the temple fled to Aeloria." Henry's jaw clenched. "They focused their efforts near the mages' towers. And in Dampshaw."

I nodded slowly. It made sense for them to look where magic use was prevalent. "Did they speak with the Grand Mage?" An image of the cunning Second Prince flickered through my mind.

"No," Henry replied. "But they spent considerable time at the Pig's Tail Tavern."

I frowned. That caught my interest. I doubted holy knights went there to throw back a pint. "The Pig's Tail...Tabitha's place?"

Belmont nodded. "The very same."

"You think they suspect her involvement in the break-in?"

"Doubtful," Belmont said. "More likely fishing for information. Tabitha's skills extend beyond running a mercenary guild, after all."

Indeed, her network of secrets rivaled even my own spies. I steepled my fingers, mind racing. The holy knights, Tabitha, Samara...so many threads to untangle. So many possible threats are looming like shadows waiting to strike.

Belmont leaned forward, green eyes sharp with interest. "Speaking of the break-in, what of the vial we sent you?"

I nodded to Theo, who stepped forward and adjusted his glasses. "I've studied the contents, Your Grace. The potion contains shadow moss and mind root sap, among other ingredients I'm still working to identify."

"Yes, yes, but what's it bloody for?" Belmont huffed impatiently, earning a reproachful look from Henry.

"Based on my analysis, I believe it's designed to dull the mind, rendering the drinker susceptible to outside influence and control."