"Pardon?"
Margrave Nicholas felt he must have misheard. Why would King Valentin order him to join the side plotting treason against him?
Noticing the margrave's confusion, King Valentin explained, "You'll be a spy in Elder Alfred's plans. Since your daughter is close to Lisbeth, he'll question your loyalty—but that's for you to handle."
That made more sense than simply throwing Nicholas into the lion's den. He gave a firm nod. "Understood, Your Majesty."
He didn't yet know how he would explain his sudden shift in loyalty, but he would need a convincing story. Not because Elder Alfred was particularly sharp, but because Lady Tanith was. And she would be far harder to deceive.
"You will give me updates every three days. Someone will come to your manor to collect your report in person. If anything urgent comes up, send a messenger directly to Margrave Boris," the king instructed.
"Yes, Your Majesty." The margrave once again gave a firm answer.
