Chapter 17 · Blood Mark Rewind

"Don't." The prince's blade was already up, trembling in his grip. "Don't come closer."

I stopped three paces from the throne room's side door. Blood dripped from my knuckles onto marble that cost more than the Pits' entire foundation.

"I'm not here to kill you," I said.

"Liar." His voice cracked. "You just—Halrik said you—"

"Halrik's the liar." I took one step forward. "He framed me. Threw me in the Pits. You think I fought my way out to gut the one person who can clear my name?"

His sword hand shook harder. The kid was maybe nineteen, soft jaw, softer hands. Royal guard training but no real blood on him.

"You pushed me," he said. "Into the passage. Why would you—"

"Because Halrik wanted you dead." Another step. "Still does. You're leverage. I need you breathing."

"Stay back!" The blade jerked up. "I'll—I'll call the guard—"

"They're Halrik's now." I spread my hands, palms out. "All of them. The coup already happened, Your Highness. You just don't know it yet."

His breathing was too fast, too shallow. Panic made people stupid. Stupid got people killed.

"Listen to me," I said, slower now. "I need something from you.