Many people here are forming a negative attitude toward Alaina simply because of her question: "Do you trust me, Elis?" That's a bad question for her to ask.
Because the obvious and rational answer is, of course, no.
There's no trust in someone who hid such a wealth of information.
But the world isn't black and white.
You're all simply ignoring the fact that even his mother hid this important information from him, so what? Should we just beat her into a bloody pulp with a goblet too?
Decisions need to be based on facts, not emotional responses.
And the fact is that no one, literally no one, has done more for Elis rule than Alaina.
If her lies, her manipulations, her intrigues, her murders led to Elis coronation, then it was worth it.
To understand how an individual will act, you need to understand their motivation. Alaina's motivation is obvious: to give the elves a better life. And for that, Elis is needed on the throne. As a half-human, to be accepted by humans. As a half-elf, to be accepted by the elves.
The next fact is that Konrad's very position, in the light of this information, is dangerous for Elis. He rightly said that if Konrad finds proof of all this lies, Elis will be dethroned as an illegitimate king, and Konrad himself will ascend to the throne as the only legitimate heir.
The point is that Alaina cannot use this information to harm Elis, as she is part of this conspiracy. She is literally in the same boat with him, and if they sink, they will sink together. Moreover, not only will Alaina suffer, but the elves will also be discredited.
And she herself is useful. How much effort has she already invested in Elis? How many people has she killed for his rule?
And how many more will she kill?
Who is using whom here? Who is manipulating whom here? Who benefits whom more here? All Elis needs is to pin Alaina down. He literally has more power; he can force her to act openly.
But Conrad, no matter how you feel about him, is in a very good position. Because plans must be made based on the worst-case scenario. The worst-case scenario for Elis is if Conrad truly desires the throne. The very existence of this possibility seals his death warrant.
Because we cannot guarantee Conrad's loyalty.
Obviously, the author will prepare betrayal scenarios for both Conrad and Alaina. But these are simply the conventions of plotting a novella, a game.
And if you think rationally, the question of whose skull should be smashed with the goblet doesn't even arise. Because Conrad threatens Elis rule simply by his very existence.
