#and has Lucanis leave to go find Zara was also interesting. could be nothing. could be something.

[sotc]

Honestly tho, as much as I hate to say it, I personally think Illario betrayed Lucanis. I know he seemed really torn over Lucanis' death in The Wake buuuuut if you've read TN then you know Illario has been gunning after being the next First Talon. Caterina said the body they found wasn't her grandson because the face was altered with blood magic to look like Lucanis and had his clothing. What would be Zara's motivations to do that? Why would she give a damn besides someone who needs a coverup? A story? Who needs Lucanis out of the picture (again)? Isn't it convenient the moment she voices what she knows, when you return with Lucanis, she's suddenly gone? How did Zara manage to get so close? Stares into the camera.

Maybe Illario had a set up planned with Zara? Maybe Zara learned Lucanis' weakness was his cousin and she got to him through Illario? Was Illario more manipulable because of his envy and resentment? Hmm! 🤔💭 Part of me thinks (hopes) it's not that simple. I know Illario loves Lucanis. Maybe he was approached by Zara in some way and didn't want to betray him. Maybe the betrayal or the hand in Lucanis' death was unintended and accidental or perhaps even forced/unwilling and he realized Zara had also played him and could make him culpable. Maybe he truly was beat up over the events of what happened and Lucanis' death! If it did play out this way could Lucanis forgive him? 🤔💭

Anyways, just musings. thoughts. speculations.