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appearance surprised many soldiers, but Lazo had never seen another best the man. Despite his thin, gray ponytail and well-weathered skin, Fraul had the brawn of a soldier half his age. Fraul gave an imperceptible nod as his eyes drifted to the library door.
    “I’ve called Bentzen and Galvin to recount that night,” Lazo said, glancing at the two motionless men beside Quinton.
    Ramie turned to face the trio he had failed to acknowledge before. After a brief inspection, he inclined his head. “Quinton,” he said in greeting before he focused his hawk-like gaze on Bentzen. “You confirmed Ren’s presence in Wyrick’s chambers?”
    Lazo winced at Ramie’s chosen words. Bentzen blamed himself for Ren’s capture. The look on Bentzen’s face wavered between dismay and horror. It was the first emotion Lazo ever recalled seeing on the soldier. Bentzen was a harsh man, as tall as a mountain and as hard of heart. No one could befriend the guard, and few knew his name. But in all of Lazo’s years he had never seen greater loyalty. After fulfilling his duties, Bentzen voluntarily stationed himself at Ren’s door every evening: a silent, trustful companion. Ren had tried on numerous occasions to lure Bentzen away, but Bentzen merely met his eyes and shook his head. Ren had finally given up, and over the years an unbreakable bond had formed between the prince and the guard.
    “Yes,” Bentzen said, intense blue eyes filled with self-loathing. “Valor asked us who entered Wyrick’s chambers before we knew of the murder. We would have never – ”
    “We know, Bentzen,” Lazo said in reassurance. “No one questions your loyalty.”
    Bentzen nodded but his face flared with shame. Galvin fared no better. His deep brown eyes were bloodshot and weary and his long blond hair was tousled from turbulent sleep. If Bentzen was the mountain, Galvin was the stream. When you looked in Galvin’s eyes you felt cleansed in some profound way. His eyes held his heart and his heart belonged to his prince. Both would die before betraying Ren.
    Lazo turned back to Ramie, trying to keep the regret from his voice. “When the guards entered Wyrick’s chambers they found him dead and immediately reported it to me. Valor was conveniently with me at the time and came along to question Galvin and Bentzen. When Ren was implicated, Valor immediately took command as ranking king.”
    “And Valor has the right?” Ramie asked.
    Lazo gave a grim nod. “Valor has every right. The only Razon heir has been accused of treason, and Ren’s closest relatives, Paul and Sass of Ketes, are related to the queen, not Wyrick. Ren is the last of his line. With Wyrick dead and Ren sentenced to die, Valor’s kingdom reigns supreme.”
    “But didn’t Wyrick have a brother?”
    Justin nodded. “Michel Razon lives at the base of the Sierra Mountains. He left Stardom over twenty years ago, but he still breeds stallions for the crown. I fear for him,” Justin said, pale blue eyes filling with memories, “but Valor refuses to let anyone leave the grounds. We tried three times to send a messenger to warn Michel of the danger. It’s been days now.”
    Although Jasta murmured internal reassurances to her twin, she said, “We fear Michel is already dead.”
    “Not yet.”
    Lazo blinked in stunned confusion as Michel emerged from the far side of the library, strides away from the door. Fraul rose to his feat, sword in hand, poised to strike on Lazo’s word.
    Michel was filthy, covered from head to toe in dirt. Blood seeped from a wound on his shoulder, and his hands were raw and bleeding.
    “Fates, Michel,” Lazo said. “How did you get through the guards?”
    In reply, Michel stepped aside and motioned to a section of the library wall. It was hollow.
    “There are false walls all over Stardom,” Michel said in explanation. “Their secret was given to me and only me. They saved my life when Wyrick … ” Michel let his voice trail off as he glanced at Ramie.