"Sequel to The King's Prize
Pan is poisoned and, though he recovers, King Seronisis will not let the matter rest. There is a would-be killer in the palace and the culprit must be brought to justice.
An afternoon spent with the royal accountant gives Pan the perfect opportunity to investigate the crime himself. Will he find the person or persons who want him dead? Or is there a deeper secret he runs the risk of uncovering?"
Pan awoke, squinting against the brightness of the room. All at once, he noticed how dry his mouth was, the dull thud beating a constant tattoo somewhere inside his skull and the sensation of nausea churning in his gut. “Close the curtains,” barked a voice he recognised as his beloved Seronisis’. “Incompetent fool!” His lips transformed into a weak smile as his eyelids closed against the glare of mid-afternoon light. “How are you, my darling?” Pan felt the king’s lips upon his forehead, then upon his lips. “I have a surprise for you,” said the king. “A very special surprise. Look who’s here. Look who has come all this way to see you.” With a great effort, Pan opened his eyes and then slowly turned his head in the direction the king was looking. “Mother,” he said, his voice no mo