"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."
