The Queen of Nothing

Locke’s inquest is being held at the High Court. Jude-as-Taryn observes that Taryn doesn’t command the same deference as Jude, the king’s seneschal. She also notes that the place of seneschal next to King Cardan is still empty. The questioning begins, with Nicasia, the princess of the Undersea ocean realm, accusing Taryn of killing Locke, perhaps with the help of Jude. Jude denies the charges. Cardan tells her he believes her but must place a glamour on her for the court’s satisfaction. Jude doesn’t feel the glamour, possibly because of her protective geas. Once again, she denies Taryn’s murder of Locke. Nicasia suggests Cardan ask her if Jude killed Locke, since Jude is a known murderer. (In The Wicked King, Jude killed Balekin, Cardan’s cruel older brother.) Lady Asha, Cardan’s mother, suggests that Jude would have wanted Locke dead because she too was in love with him. Jude-as-Taryn denies the accusation, saying Jude was in love, but not with Locke, and would want this other person dead instead of Locke. Cardan understands the jibe is meant for him and winces. Nicasia is unconvinced by Jude’s responses, since she may be wearing a protective enchantment that resists the truth spell. Cardan says he will question Jude privately to decide the trial.