14th day of April R.A.

  4:00 a.m. District of Horizon

  It was discovered Captain Orleans of the Royal Guard had found out the queen’s glass podium had been replaced with a fake that held the bomb in its base. The fake podium was a glass composition different from the original glass podium that was given to Queen Reia’s grandfather, King Harlem Ash, over 80 years ago by a former Governor of the Toba Peaks District, Kevin Shard. The real podium was discovered in a broom closet in the basement in the middle of the night by a member of the custodial staff. In addition to what Captain Orleans found, Royal Inspector Miles Croft received lab reports on the bomb itself. The explosion was detonated via a remote receiver, which means the attacker had to be close enough to the balcony at Mortar Palace to send the signal to detonate the bomb. It was a short-range receiver, so someone in the palace or on the balcony was responsible for the whole explosion.

  King Philip’s POV

  Present Day

  14th day of April R.A.

  9:00 a.m. District of Horizon on News in the Morning

  “This morning after yesterday’s traumatic opening ceremony to Queen Reia Ash’s Challenge, the remaining judges have arrived and will have breakfast with the queen.” News anchor, Ulrika Huffman, reports. “I am live with Jaden Dee who was there yesterday afternoon during the unexpected explosion. Tell us, Jaden. What was your experience yesterday?”

  I watch as the camera pans out to show a dramatic-looking Jaden Dee sitting across from Ulrika at a table. Jaden straightens up with a plastic smile on his face. I swear this man has more makeup caked on his face than the female anchor next to him. He has a badge covering a cut at the top of his forehead that I don’t remember him having last night.

  “It was frightening, Ulrika. One minute the queen was fine then she disappeared right as the explosion was unleashed. Glass rained down all over the balcony.” His words had everyone in the studio engulfed in his story.

  Ulrika nods along. "Was there any sign of who set off the explosion?"

  "None," Jaden sighed. "Someone on that balcony or near it wanted to hurt Queen Reia, and when they failed, they hid like a coward. The event left many injured from the glass shards. It was fortunate no one was hurt in the blast. General Brown's quick actions saved our beloved queen."

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  "General Brown is indeed a hero," Ulrika confirms. "The kingdom is fortunate to have him." She adjusts in her seat. "Still, the kingdom is worried that the bombers will get away with the attack."

  Jaden leans forward pretending he actively cares about the citizens' concerns. "I wouldn't worry, Ashlanders. Queen Reia has everything in hand, I assure you."

  His words sounded reassuring, but there was something hidden in his tone that made me not want to trust him. This guy's charisma was on par with Reia's when he was focused. He could be trouble for Reia.

  "What makes you so sure?" Ulrika probed.

  “When Queen Reia emerged unscathed, it quieted the chaos on the balcony. She is the pillar of serenity with her calming presence. She commanded her assets gracefully and calmed the crowd below to send them home safely. It was inspiring.”

  “The queen was unaffected by the bomb?” Ulrika questioned Jaden.

  “Seemingly so. She is the epitome of grace, but in that moment when she was unseen the whole place was chaotic. I have to wonder what would have happened if she hadn’t been safe at that moment. Where would we be if she had been hurt or worse yesterday? At the moment, there is no clear line of succession for Ashland, which makes this challenge the queen is holding all the more interesting.” Jaden’s words make him as dangerous as a snake in the grass. It’s hard to tell if he’s building Reia up or tearing her down.

  Shit. What’s Jaden doing?

  “What makes it so interesting?” Ulrika plays right into Jaden’s hands.

  “It’s interesting because instead of looking for a natural successor through her family tree, picking from Ashland’s robust noble families, or one of the great public servants in our elected government, she has created a game to bring in a fresh face. No nobles or government officials are allowed to compete. One has to wonder why the queen has decided against someone with experience or familiarity with the lifestyle.” Jaden slyly leans back in his chair.

  Double shit. This isn’t a part of Reia’s plan.

  Ulrika looks gobsmacked in her seat, but she recovers quickly when she sees her producer giving her the symbol to wrap it up. “I suppose that does make this competition interesting.” She hums to herself. “A new face may just be a good way to shake up the monarchy after the death of King Philip.”

  Jaden nods in agreement. “I like that answer better than the rumors floating around the districts.”

  Someone shut this guy up!

  “What rumors have you heard?” Ulrika’s curiosity was fanning Jaden’s story.

  “I have heard whispers that the queen has no confidence in her officials and nobles, which is why it took her so long to return to the public eye after her husband’s death.” Jaden appears horrified by his words, but he’s got a smug expression in his eyes.

  “That’s quite the gossip, Jaden. I hope we learn the truth behind these rumors and who attacked Queen Reia soon.” Ulrika tries to close out the news segment with her statement.

  “I plan to shine a light on this competition when I interview the judges tomorrow morning. Hopefully, Queen Reia will have those answers for the Ashlanders.” Jaden smiles as the camera cuts to Ulrika once more.

  “Well, thanks for that, Jaden. This concludes the New in the Morning with Ulrika Huffman signing off. Have a wonderful day Ashlanders.” The cameras cut out and

  Jaden has something against Reia, which is evident from this newscast. I hope Reia knocks him down a peg or two like she did yesterday.