Why do you think Illian wants to poison Lord Bayard? Do you think he always intended for Vasalie to do more than spying?
What do you think of King Anton sending Vasalie a dress for the evening?
Laurent observes that King Anton’s opulence is a way for him to study people. Do you think this could be true?
In retelling the story of Eremis, do you think Laurent is warning Vasalie?
Do you believe that the myth of Mercy is true or, like most myths, has been embellished? If you think it has been embellished, which part do you hope to be true?
While entering the wing for King Anton, Vasalie runs into a courtier, and he introduces her to Ishu. What do you think of the royal watch kitten?
Now that we have met Lord Bayard, what do you think of Vasalie pouring the poison into her glass?
What do you think of King Anton revealing that he believes that she has been sent there? What do you think Vasalie’s reactions will be going forward, knowing this?
What do you think of the bold conversation that came from this revelation? Why do you think Anton brushed off Vasalie’s questions with hollow answers?
Did you think Vasalie would have succumbed to the poison sooner than whatever Gustav was inflicted with, or do you believe the vial she was given wasn’t poison?
Which member of the Crown do you think Copelan’s partner got involved with?
We are starting to see a different side of Copelan each time he is around Vasalie. Do you hope something will happen between the two of them?
Do you think Emilia was the Fate Morta, or perhaps it is just how the Fate chose to appear to Vasalie?
What do you think of Illian being in Vasalie’s chambers?
What do you think of his well-laid-out plan? What do you think is Illian’s reason for doing all of this?
14 responses to “A Dance of Lies – Day Three”
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Yes, I do think he intended way more. I was wondering throughout if this was him testing her to see if she’d do whatever he asked her to do.
It was a nice gesture, but it’s more than a gesture. Maybe he likes her, but also hearing his suspicions later on in today’s chapters, it may have also been sending a message.
Yes, I think that there is truth to Laurent’s observations especially considering all we have learnt about Anton already. Anton is a stealthy observer and hides behind the opulence as a distraction.
Yes, Laurent did seem like he was warning Vasalie and it was a type of foreshadowing.
There is truth to myths, or at least there’s thrrrs a truth to how they started – and then they are embellished over time.. But with this one I kind of hope it’s true.
I absolutely loved Ishu. She’s just a cute (not so little) baby. How can you not adore her
After meeting him and learning more about him, I was starting to feel the same as Vasalie. It would have been easier had she not known him at all, but getting to know him humanized him. I think what she did was the right choice both for her morals but self preservation to make it look like she was an unintentional victim. Again, she’s smart and quick enough to think on her feet.
I loved that he revealed his suspicions instead of just hiding it or testing her. It already feels like he’s 10 steps ahead, so sending the dress and saying she’s a guest not a performer, telling her his suspicions are all part of his plan. I hope Vasalie is more cautious but also that she starts questioning things and the king more.
He’s strategic and he’s not going to show his hand unless he knows he needs to. I don’t blame him. There’s so much more to him.
I have my reservations about the poison as I suspected the entire assignment was a test from the king to see if she would do it.
Hmm I’m not sure yet but I suspect that it may actually be the queen.
I’m torn with Copeland. We don’t actually know that much about him, at least I feel that way. Part of my roots more for Anton than Copeland – I’m just not sure I trust Copeland just yet.
I think it’s the way the Fate chose to appear to Vasalie as it’s who she trusted and cared for above anyone else. But I do wonder though.. What happened to Emilia so I may be wrong.
Oooh Illian makes me so very angry. I don’t have any kind or redeeming thoughts about him.
Illian wants to rule everything and everyone. He wants power. He doesn’t want to share. That seems to be his end goal. Vasalie is just a puppet.
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After reading the scene with the servant, the rag and the ring-sized box, it seems as though the poisoning was simply a diversion instead of the main event. Vasalie’s “spying”, to me, is starting to look like a more of a method of distraction than an information gathering exercise. She’s being used to further others in their tasks.
It feels like a reflection of King Illian’s control over her. She got his attention and now she’s his new “play thing” for the time being. He seems to know (or at the very least, suspect) that she was sent by Illian for nefarious reasons – why he would dress her up is a mystery.
It definitely makes sense – if you’re always someone to look at / someone worth being around due to this level of opulence, then you always have the opportunity of studying those who flock around you. King Anton is definitely a lot smarter than he’s rumoured to be.
It’s clear that Laurent isn’t as oblivious as he pretends/seems to be of the political powers at play. He also seems to genuinely care for Vasalie – I’m definitely taking it as a warning.
I do believe that all myths are embellished in a manner that best serves the purpose for the myth’s retelling. What that purpose is, however, I’m uncertain.
Ishu is an interesting turn of events that I most definitely did not expect! I live the concept though and am excited to see what the author’s plans are with her.
It’s clear that Vasalie is trying to free herself whilst minimising the amount of hurt she causes others in the process. It’s both smart and dangerous that she poured the poison into her glass as well – I hope this risk taking behaviour of hers doesn’t lead to much trouble (though we all know it will!)
It again just proves that King Anton is a lot smarter than people give him credit for. Him revealing that he knows was an interesting plot point – it is in light of this that I’m shocked that Vasalie went through with the poisoning. Why go through with a plan – that is VERY suspicious – when you’re already being suspected of being paid off? I doubt the fact that she poisoned herself as well in any way diverted the attention from her. Copelan, for one, seems to recognise this fact!!
He already revealed a pretty significant piece of information – the fact that he knows she is working for his brother. Him being evasive about the rest makes sense. Rather have her believe he is still smug and arrogant than him being blatantly aware. His reputation, though it might not be one of the best, definitely disguises the more cunning parts of his personality.
Later on we find out it wasn’t. It solidifies the theory that Vasalie (& the poisoning) is simply a diversion for what truly was happening.
I’m suspecting Illian… He seems to be the one causing the most problems around here.
Truth be told, I unfortunately don’t. Vasalie is finding comfort with the very first person to give her positive attention in years and I’m so scared that his intentions aren’t pure. I have a gut feeling that Copelan isn’t who we think he is, but I’m still hoping for the best.
It was mentioned before that the Fate Morta appears to you in the form you wish for, so I’m not suspecting anything just yet. It is an interesting theory though and one I’ll be keeping in mind going forward!
It was a very interesting feeling that I felt whilst reading this part! His hand simply hovering above her whilst she was sleeping was very off putting… I’m really starting to dislike his character and I hope he doesn’t get a redemption arc after those 2 years of imprisonment he put her through
His obsession with control truly is astounding… He is doing the absolute most just to get Vasalie to comply when it is clear she already is just on the basis of gaining freedom alone. He clearly isn’t scared of “going over the line” and I hope we don’t get to see it play out.
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I think he’s testing Vasalie, to see if she can actually be trusted. He must have bigger plans in the works.
I think King Anton is definitely up to something, but I feel like he could help Vasalie long term. Him sending her a gown, was a show of good will but also perhaps a way to show that she could be part of his court one day.
Anton is very good at studying people, as we were drawn to a number of times during their scenes together. I think Laurent’s warning was important, maybe you shouldn’t fully trust anyone.I absolutely adored Ishu!! Being a huge animal lover myself, particularly cats.. this was such a wholesome moment of interaction between the three of them.
Illian has got to be feeling threatened by others wealth and status and must be trying to slowly kill off all that threaten his standing. He’s greedy! I’m very thankful than Vasalie did what she did, showing she does have redeeming characteristics and won’t be swayed to commit murder just to save herself.
Anton is definitely smarter than he lets on, I find it rather intriguing he picked up on her possibly being a spy so quickly. Vasalie I’m sure will be much more cautious going forward with her interactions with him and his court.
I’m still trying to figure out who she may have been involved with, maybe it was Anton and that’s why Copelan was so worried about her interacting with him in the first place? Given the fact that he tried to warn her in the first place.
I really hope something happens between them soon, it’s heartwarming to see her slowly come out of her shell and start to feel at home with someone again.
Ooo great question, maybe she is? Very interesting how she warned her of the danger and was trying to get her to wake up!
Illian honestly gives me the ick. The fact that he could sneak into her chambers is very peculiar.. surely there are guards watching and talking? He’s so manipulative, his plan to save himself and damn Vasalie is truly horrifying but it just reaffirms my beliefs that he framed her for the murder he had to have committed. -
I do think he intended for her to do more than spying, to see if she would actually do anything he says.
I am interested to see where this goes and what his intentions are.
Yes I do think it could be true. So far, I have also picked up on that.
I think he’s warning her and it looks like he cares about her.
I believe it’s true but over time the story could’ve been told differently, so it may have been embellished.
Ishu is so cute!! I loved that part.
I thought that was a very smart move, I was really impressed by her fast thinking. I was worried about her though and if she would really drink it or try to make him drink only.
It’s so interesting to read like how do you kind of know?? He picked up on that really quick.
I think she will be more cautious.I’m sure he brushed off her questions because he doesn’t trust her. Plus he doesnt seem like the type to talk about his business.
Before I knew it wasn’t really poison I was wondering is this really poison because of her delayed reaction.
Maybe king Anton.
I don’t fully trust Copelan so at the moment no.
Good question. Maybe Fate Morta appeared as Emilia because Vasalie would trust her, not to sure.
He’s just weird. It’s so hard to get a read on him and know what’s really going on in his head.
He’s actions show he wants to reshape power and eliminate threats.
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Lord Bayard is likely a threat to his plans. Illian never just wanted her as a spy, she was always a pawn.
Anton sending Vasalie a dress is flattering but strategic, he’s testing her loyalty and watching her reactions.
Yes, King Anton uses excess to disarm others and observe their weaknesses.
Laurent’s tale of Eremis is definitely a warning, he’s veiling real advice, likely to protect himself too.
The Myth of Mercy for me is likely embellished. I hope the part about her power rising from tragedy is true, it mirrors Vasalie.
Ishu, the watch kitten is adorable but its also unsettling as nothing seems to be just cute in this world.
Vasalie pouring poison in her own glass was a brave and clever thing she did as it gave her control of the moment and caught Anton off guard.
Anton knowing she was sent shows he has always been ten steps ahead. Vasalie will need to be sharper now.
The bold conversation was tense and revealing and Anton’s vagueness and hollow answers is a power move he wants to keep her guessing.
No Vasalie was not poisoned, her vial may have been harmless or slowed. It was meant to scare, not kill her.
The Crown member Copelan’s partner is involved with is possibly someone close to Anton or even Illian. It’s someone with real influence.
I do hope for something between Copelan and Vasalie as their chemistry is slow-burn and full of tension and it feels like it’s building to something deeper.
Emilia as Fate Morta could be Fate taking her form so an illusion but either way, it shook Vasalie and felt very real.
Illian in her chambers is just wrong, it is unsettling and invasive. He is crossing the lines and seem to be tightening his grip on her.
llian’s plan and motives is well-crafted but manipulative, he definitely wants power, vengeance, or to rewrite history but with Vasalie as the key.
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Yes, we don’t know what Illian’s motive is as of yet so it definitely feels like he’s up to something shady right now. I think he’s using Vasalie to get revenge and is starting to look like a very bad person.
He definitely likes her. But he might have also sent the dress with an ulterior motive.
Yes, I think he observes how people treat him knowing they can gain something from him. He observes what they are willing to do to get what they want.
Yes, it kind of feels like a premonition or a foresight of what might happen to Vasalie in the future.
I do think that the myths are partially true because the myth must have started somewhere. I do believe she healed a lot of people but I think that they romanticise her suffering a bit to add to they myth, giving people something to believe in after enduring suffering.
Ishu was definitely a very nice surprise, but I also think she serves a purpose. Animals tend to sense what people feel so I think that is her purpose. She in a way helps Anton observe people.
I think she’s doing the right thing, even though I don’t know what her plan is right now. But I know it will work out for the best.
I think Anton knew all along but he has no way of proving it. I think Vasalie will be more careful going forward and will try and keep her distance from him.
Vasalie is surely a bold one facing Anton like that but I think he kept his answers vague hoping she would reveal more as she asked her questions.
I don’t think it’s a lethal poison, but poison nonetheless. Knowing whatever she gave him with make him sick Illian just gave it to her to see if she will do whatever he asked of her.
It must be Anton, then it would make sense as to why he was trying to warn Vasalie against him. Or it might be Illian, just because I don’t trust him at all.
I really wish something happens between them but I also think Anton is also a contender. A love triangle perhaps?
I think Morta showed up to her as the person that means the most to her. Morta knew she would listen to Emilia and wake up.
I genuinely think he came to check up on her himself but also threaten her again.
Illian is definitely smart but also a snake. He is only using Vasalie to get what he wants and even though it seems like he cares for her sometimes he’s not afraid to throw her under the bus if he doesn’t get what he wants. What even it the point in him doing all this. No one seems like a threat to him. But I do think that the success of his brother’s kingdom is his biggest threat. I think he knew about the invention and thought that if he poisons Gustav he will delay the invention or even stop it from happening.
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Gustav is probably close to completing some amazing new invention that would get Anton a tonne of praise and recognition in the realm for encouraging the creation of, and Illian doesn’t want that.
I was surprised that he wanted her to poison someone. I thought this was just going to be about her collecting information for him, but considering he blackmailed her, I shouldn’t have been surprised that he wanted her to do more than spying. In fact, but the time this is over, I’m sure his tasks for her would’ve increased in risk.The man is great at observing people. He probably sent it to her in an attempt to make her feel more comfortable (something along the lines of: if he personally extended an invite, and got me this expensive gown as a present that seems tailored to me, then he must like me/ consider us close enough for me to be comfortable around him).
Most definitely. In the previous chapters, we saw how easily he diffused the situation with the king of Brisendale. And he has a way with people. His parties are a way for him to study people and find out what makes them tick. In the story Laurent told Vasalie about the Fate of Morta, Anton is the prophet who learns people’s weaknesses.
Yes. He was trying to tell her Anton’s appearances and rumours around him are just there to disguise the man he is: clever and observant. It was a warning that she shouldn’t fall into the trap of believing people’s unserious assumptions about his character.
I actually really like that myth about her, so I hope it isn’t embellished. But I know that stories change over time so it could’ve been. I hope the parts about Mercy caring about wounded people and that she stole the power of a Fate to create a realm of souls and fix a problem the Fates were neglecting.
Ishu is adorable! She’s like a gentle giant cat. Reading about her reminded me of the tiger spirit from Kpop Demon Hunters🤭
I thought that was really clever! I kept wondering how she’d be able to get out of this situation without killing him while also following Illian’s orders, but Vasalie’s solution was ingenius! At first I thought she’d just chosen to kill herself (to get freedom from Illian while also making sure that she doesn’t kill Gustav) but when the rest of her plan was revealed, I was so surprised and honestly a little impressed by her ability to think of such a solution so quickly.
My initial reaction was: “From only two interactions with her, he’s figured it out already?!”
His comments just prove that Anton is, in fact, really observant. I think that Vasalie will be more cautious around him in future, but won’t change her behaviour too much for fear of his suspicions worsening.I think he brushed them off because the rumours aren’t true and are more amusing to him than anything else. That and he’s keeping his cards close to his chest in case his suspicions about her are true, and he doesn’t want any information that can be used against him getting back to Illian.
I thought that the poison would’ve affected them both at the same time, killing them within seconds of each other. So I was blindsided once again when the poison used on them wasn’t lethal.
Probably Anton. Judging by Copelan’s unfinished warning to Vasalie after her performance, he probably was trying to warn her not to get involved with him because of what happened with his previous dance partner.
I kind of do, actually. They have great chemistry that may have tappered off due to his frustration and her fear, but I think him and Vasalie being open and vulnerable with each other was a step I the right direction for their relationship, whether it happens to be platonic or not at the end of this (although I’m really kind of hoping it becomes romantic 🤭).
I think this is a Percy Jackson and Aphrodite situation where the Fate Morta just appeared to Vasalie in the form of someone she deeply trusted, loved and cared for.
What a gross invasion of privacy and safety. And the fact that Illian came so close to touching her while she was asleep, without her being awake, and expected to get away with it? Absolutely not. I hate this character.
My jaw dropped when I read it and the slow realisation crept in before he broke it down for her. His carefully laid out plan is so smart and well thought out that it’s infuriating. I can’t believe Vasalie was imprisoned for nothing! I hope she’ll be able to escape from his control and get her revenge on him at the end of this book.
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1. Illian wants to poison Lord Bayard to remove a threat and assert control. Yes, he always planned for Vasalie to be more than a spy, she’s a tool for manipulation and distraction.
2. Anton sending the dress is both flattering and strategic. It signals attention, ownership, and perhaps a test to see how she responds under pressure and spectacle.
3. Yes, Anton’s opulence is a psychological tool. It allows him to observe how others react, who flatters, who envies, and who resists.
4. Laurent is absolutely warning her. The tale of Eremis mirrors the dangers Vasalie faces: being admired, used, and ultimately discarded.
5. The myth of Mercy has likely been embellished, but I hope the part about Mercy’s transformation and rise is true. It echoes Vasalie’s potential path to power.
6. Ishu is adorable but clearly symbolic. A watch kitten, unexpected and eerie and it shows that in Anton’s court, even sweetness has sharp claws.
7. Vasalie pouring the poison into her glass was a defiant move. It gave her control in a powerless moment and shocked everyone into remembering her strength.
8. Anton revealing that he suspects her motives changes everything. Vasalie will become more calculating, careful, and possibly even more daring as a result.
9. The conversation was layered and tense. Anton’s hollow responses suggest he’s not ready to trust her, or he’s hiding something deeper, possibly to protect her or himself.
10. The vial likely wasn’t traditional poison. I think it was part of a psychological game, or it had different properties and slower acting or placebo-like.
11. Possibly someone from Razam’s court or even close to Anton. The scandal would have major political implications, especially if Copelan was betrayed personally.
12. Yes, I hope something happens between them. Their chemistry is strong, and their tension feels like it’s building toward something important, whether romance or alliance.
13. Emilia may have been the form the Fate chose. Using someone Vasalie knew makes the vision more impactful and personal, tying her fate to her grief.
14. Illian in her chambers is creepy and shows his obsession with control. He sees Vasalie as a piece on his board, not as a person.
15. Illian’s plan is cunning. He’s playing a dangerous political game for power, control, and perhaps revenge. His motivations seem rooted in ambition and manipulation, not justice.
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1. Given the events of this chapter, there was clearly something he was after. Maybe to aid him in his trade or one up his brothers. I definitely think he did, as a test!
2. It was odd…and a somewhat intimate gesture. He clearly wanted her to fit in with the rest of the crowd instead of showing up in a dance costume. I’m just uncertain of his angle and why he cared.
3. Yes, I do! I feel quite certain that he uses it as a front for his actual endeavors and likely wants people to underestimate him in some way.
4. I think it was meant to be a warning. He is much more familiar with the crown and their way of life and he seems to care for Vasalie.
5. I think elements are true and I am hoping it is true! It really adds to that whimsy and fantasy to the book.
6. Tigers are my favorite big cats, so I was thrilled! However, a part of me does think it is a little sad that the tiger is cooped up! I hope they have royal gardens for Ishu to roam.
7. I liked him and thought he was calm and kind. I loved how conflicted Vasalie was about the poisoning because it felt so authentic. Self preservation is a real thing. I think it was so brave of her to take that chance so that she didn’t kill him.
8. It just reiterated Anton’s observation skills and also that he is more cunning and knowledgeable than he lets on. I think Vasalie is going to have to be very careful going forward so that he does not catch onto her plans. But his words stuck with her, so a part of me if afraid that she might think Anton could free her.
9. I thought that they would both be ill but wouldn’t die. I didn’t suspect that it was not poison.
10. Hmm I want to say Anton but I think it may be Illian.
11. I do, but I feel like I need more of them! Their time together feels too short. I am a little conflicted by the hot and cold behavior as well.
12. I think it was how the Fate chose to appear to Vasalie…as the thing she wanted the most.
13. Creep alert. And almost touching her thigh of all places? Seems so wrong! It made me so uneasy!
14. Illian clearly wants something thag Anton and his court have built. I’m not sure what it is and why he wants it though! Im so intrigued by it all!
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Honestly I think King Illian is in some sort of power play with Vasalie. Showing her that he has control over her.
I don’t understand King Anton yet, I think I may end up liking him but at the same time he seems very devious and has the potential to be a villain.
I definitely agree with Laurent, Anton definitely uses his gatherings and parties as a front to gage his guest. Knowledge and information are powerful in the right hands.
Sort of yes. I think he’s just stating a fact, that this is what Eremis did and this is what got him killed and I don’t really know King Anton but if he is so vain, be careful.
I really am not a religious type or a type to believe in any sort of higher power, gods or deities so yes, I think most of it is embellished.
I think that I want to cuddle with Ishu so badly.
Gosh I have been dreading it! I absolutely adore Gustav.
I think King Anton is extremely smart and I think Vasalie is going to have to act in a way that does not draw suspicion. Hard to do after she just poisoned someone from his court.
King Anton definitely has something to hide. There are secrets circling so many of these characters.
King Illian is a very very devious man. And he obviously knows that Vasalie does not want to work for him, she is only doing it out of necessity. If he can pull a stunt like that, I wonder what else he is capable of just to get his way.
I would go for Illian, everything points to him. But then again, that could just be meant to mislead us.
Yes yes yes!!! I love Copelan so much.
I think it is just how the fate chose to appear to her.
That he is dangerous and that she should tread lightly.
I think he wants to overthrow his brothers. Vasalie already mentioned the fact that he thinks he should rule the entire kingdom. And I think that he might be working with someone else. Like the Queen of Razam for example or King Rurik. I’m not sure why, I just have a feeling.
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Illian has an ulterior motive and always wanted Vaselie to do more than just spy. He knows he can control her to do whatever he wants.
I was quite surprised that Anton sent Vaselie a dress but he does also seem to be quite the charmer so maybe there is a reason for him sending the dress. Perhaps to get Vaselie to trust him? Anton uses his opulence to gain peoples trust and he uses this to study people.
Laurent seems like a nice person so yes i do think so. The more we get into the book the more appealing Laurent seems to get. I think he knows something and is indirectly trying to warn Vaselie.
Like all myths there is always some truth to it and over time it becomes embellished to fit the narrative of the current situation at hand. Thus I do think the myth of Mercy is true.
Ishu is adorable and im curious to see what role she has to play in this story.
It shows us that Vaselie cares and that she wont just go around killing anyone. Anton directly addressing Vaselie about believing she was sent here didnt take me by surprise as he has always been a little skeptical of her from the beginnign and he knows how to read people. This will make Vaselie more cautious with whatever she has to do going forward. Anton has secrets up his sleeves as well and his upended answers to vaselies questions tells us that he doesnt wholly trust Vaselie. So instead he gives her just enough about himself to keep her interested.
At first i thought it was posion but then remembered that Illian is a cruel man and loves playing games. Which made me think that it wasnt poison and that he was testing vaselie to see what she would do.
Copelans previous partner may have been involved with Anton as copelans reactions towards vaselie and her interactions with anton have been a little frantic. Which then makes me think that he does genuinely care about Vaselie but also i have no idea if i want to see something more happen between the two of them. I still have this feeling that he is bad and that Anton and Vaselie will somehow endup having something happen between them.
I think it was just how to the Fate chose to appear to Vaselie rather than Emilia being the Fate Morta.
Finding Illian in vaselies chambers made my skin crawl. I do not like him one bit! He is up to something and im still very unsure of his character.
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Maybe to ruin something of Anton’s. Yes I do, Illian is a planner, extremely calculative and aware. He definitely has everything planned out perfectly, he seems like someone that’d even have backup plans in place.
I think it was sweet that he did once she put on the dress and complained its not suitable for dancing in, I knew Anton wanted her to just be his guest and not to perform.
Definitely seems true, its right & smart for Anton to be wary and wanting to observe/decipher someone in a way thats more one on one & private-ish.
In his own subtle way perhaps. There’s so much more to everyone and so many secrets withheld.
I feel like it’s true which is why its being told on page.
I find the Tiger to be super cool, kinda surprised it didn’t pick up on the poison immediately.
I honestly hope nothing happens to him coz he seems like a good person, it was smart tho of her to poison herself as well.
No surprise there coz again Anton is observant & intelligent. Vasalie will definitely have to thread extra cautiously now. I kinda hope he finds out though and helps her to escape Illian.
He isnt ready to share and maybe what happened with Faith Morta was something that had to be kept a secret.
She ingested less than Gustav I suppose hence why it took the effects longer to hit her. I believed it was poison.
I wanna say Illian or someone from Vasalie’s previous home.
I like Copelan! He is coming off as really great right now but so is Anton… so I’m torn between the 2 men for her.
I must say Vasalie has sizzling chemistry with both especially Copelan.I think its just the way it appeared to her.
Invading her privacy much? Illian is mean so thats expected though but I do believe theres so much more to him I just wish he’d finally grant Vasalie some answers instead of being cryptic and dismissive.
No surprise there, he came across as a proper planner. I wonder what exactly is his endgame… he surely has a reason whatever it may be. We need to find out soon.
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Firstly, I love this art so much! It really shows Vasalie’s gracefulness as a dancer.
I feel he poisoned him because he wanted his territory, but I do think he tested Vasalie to see if she would do whatever he says, even if it means doing someone harm. Like a puppeteer controlling a puppet.
I think it was nice of King Anton to send the dress, but I feel there’s more to it. With these royals, you must be wary at all times. Many a smirk hidden behind a mask.
I feel that Laurent has a point; he has been there a long time and has had ample time to observe King Anton. When he says ‘Decoration, meant to distract’, it makes you wonder.With the retelling of the story of Eremis, there’s definitely a warning. Especially when he gave her a sly grin and spoke of the revenge. I found the story interesting and learning more about the Fate of Morta might be clue of what to expect during the story. I don’t think Laurent just mentions it for no reason.
With any myth there are usually some embellishments added, but I’m still not too sure what is myth and what is truth.
I adore Ishu! It was so unexpected and a pleasant surprise. Imagine having a tiger as a watch dog, or in this case watch kitten 🙂 I hope we see more of Ishu.
When Vasalie poured the poison into her own glass, I got so nervous, but I knew something would happen since we’re only in the first couple of chapters. But I did hold my breath through the entire scene. It might even have been a smart choice to make sure no one expects her of poisoning him. She’s covering herself.
King Anton knows more than he’s letting on, and suggesting she’s sent means he has his doubts and already the sirens are blaring. It’s now a cat-and-mouse game. From here on, Vasalie needs to be more careful.
I think that Anton would never answer any questions about himself or his territory to make sure there’s no information to be used against him. He might have caught on that Vasalie is a spy, and with no answers, she’ll have nothing to use against him.I am still unsure about the vial, it seems it was more sabotage than anything sinister. The kind of person Vasalie is, I would never expect her to poison someone, and perhaps Illian knew that. Even though he doesn’t care about her anymore, he thought ahead that she might act selflessly and added something else instead of poison.
I have an idea that Copelan’s partner got involved with King Anton. I might be wrong, but when Copelan says ‘attention’, I immediately think of Anton.
I secretly hope that something happens between Copeland and Vasalie, but it might be too predictable, so we’ll see what happens.
I never considered that Emilia was the Fate of Morta; if it so happens, then everything seems predestined. But it might just be that she appeared in the form of Emilia since that is who Vasalie cared for the most and would be most comfortable with. I am still not sure.
That is nothing new to expect of Illian; he is sly and sneaky. I actually waited for the moment when he would appear.
I am unsure of Illian’s plan, but he is using a strange way of getting what he wants. I feel it’s dragged out for his pleasure, and he’s sitting on the sidelines and enjoying it. Meanwhile, Vasalie is going through all kinds of things at the moment. -
Q: Why do you think Illian wants to poison Lord Bayard? Do you think he always intended for Vasalie to do more than spying?
A: Definitely for political reasons that I can’t fathom. It seems like he’s taking out Lords, maybe direct competition for something? Q: What do you think of King Anton sending Vasalie a dress for the evening?
A: I think it’s a beautiful gesture but I didn’t think much of it as his character is very ostentatious. If was a nice way of trying to tell her that she is a guest, not a performer – which is probably something she isn’t used to. Q: Laurent observes that King Anton’s opulence is a way for him to study people. Do you think this could be true?
A: Yes. Most people’s true colours are revealed with money or wealth in the picture. Q: In retelling the story of Eremis, do you think Laurent is warning Vasalie?
A: Maybe. If he did, I was not getting the warning 🤣 I’m sure we will find out soon though! Q: Do you believe that the myth of Mercy is true or, like most myths, has been embellished? If you think it has been embellished, which part do you hope to be true?
A: I hope it’s true! I have a feeling Vasalie is connected to her somehow… Q: While entering the wing for King Anton, Vasalie runs into a courtier, and he introduces her to Ishu. What do you think of the royal watch kitten?
A: I am obsessed with Ishu! Where can I get one 😭😭😭 Q: Now that we have met Lord Bayard, what do you think of Vasalie pouring the poison into her glass?
A: I was so scared for her safety and wellbeing, thinking Illian will punish her for it. Luckily it worked out for her. It shows that she values family and good people. Q: What do you think of King Anton revealing that he believes that she has been sent there? What do you think Vasalie’s reactions will be going forward, knowing this?
A: She might either be more careful or give more signs that she has been sent. Q: What do you think of the bold conversation that came from this revelation? Why do you think Anton brushed off Vasalie’s questions with hollow answers?
A: I thought his mind might just be somewhere else but I think he’s also playing his cards well. Q: Did you think Vasalie would have succumbed to the poison sooner than whatever Gustav was inflicted with, or do you believe the vial she was given wasn’t poison?
A: It definitely was poison but I’m surprised it took her longer to react to it if we’re calculating by body weight. Maybe she had less. It was a really smart and risky move on her behalf nonetheless. Q: Which member of the Crown do you think Copelan’s partner got involved with?
A: Maybe someone from Anton’s court if there is so much tension between them that he feels the need to warn a newcomer of getting too close with him. Q: We are starting to see a different side of Copelan each time he is around Vasalie. Do you hope something will happen between the two of them?
A: Yes! Fingers crossed Q: Do you think Emilia was the Fate Morta, or perhaps it is just how the Fate chose to appear to Vasalie?
A: I think it’s just the way she chose to appear to Vasalie. Q: What do you think of Illian being in Vasalie’s chambers?
A: I really did not like that! Especially with his hand above her thigh in the air. What were you doing there, sir? 🧐 Q: What do you think of his well-laid-out plan? What do you think is Illian’s reason for doing all of this?
A: I hope it crashes down on him. I think it’s very cruel to pin someone down for a murder they did not commit.
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