“Archie didn’t disappear, Your Majesty,” Xenia continued. “He was attacked by an assassin…” she paused for dramatic effect. “...hired by Commander Edmund Duche.”

The grand hall erupted in chaos. Micah and the rest looked at Xenia with shocked expressions. No one would openly accuse someone in the royal family of something like this. So openly. Yet, Xenia was calm, watching King Regald’s expression.

“She’s right,” Cristobal said flatly, stepping forward. “Aside from the assassination attempt, we were attacked on the seas by one of Duche’s warships. Even Archie couldn’t stop them with the secret signal.”

Duche’s expression darkened. “This is treason–”

“You’re one to talk about treason,” Micah snarled, his...