Handy had enquired why the nobles had not revolted, why the king had not stripped him of his title and disowned him. What he learned only made things worse. Geoffrey had allies, something powerful and certainly not a griffon. Or at least that seemed to be the case. As soon as someone entertained dissent, an ankle or wing was sprained. As soon as someone entertained doubt, a limb was broken. As soon as someone spoke out, a child suffered an accident. Nothing could be linked to Geoffrey himself. As for the king, he had been getting worse since he had been appointed crown prince. If anyone so much as moved a muscle against him, something happened. With the court cowed and the king reduced to an invalid, Geoffrey did what he want to practically anyone he wanted. Guard, serving girl, Ivorybeak’s youngest son…