She was getting ahead of herself. One thing at a time. Thisbe followed the man, enjoying the echo of her footsteps. Imagining the Revinir hearing her coming. What was in store for Thisbe? She had no idea. She’d imagined several scenarios but didn’t want to spend too much time on them. She wanted to experience this without rehearsing any specific reactions—she’d be more authentic that way. More believable.

They went up several flights of stairs—the same ones they’d climbed before when trying to escape the drawbridge fire. Finally they entered the grand ballroom, where many of the king’s old servants had escaped to when the smoke became too thick elsewhere.

The large doors to the balcony were open wide, and the Revinir was standing with her wings and tail toward Thisbe. A few attendants surrounded her. “Here you are, Revinir,” said the man dully. He left the room, leaving Thisbe standing there.

Slowly the Revinir backed into the room and turned around. She wore a smug smile, revealing her rows of teeth. Thisbe stood firm.

“So,” drawled the Revinir, “what brings you here? Have you had enough of the palace already? I was just thinking of paying you a visit.”

“I’ve come to work with you,” said Thisbe. “On one condition.”

The Revinir snorted in surprise. Fire flew from her lips. Thisbe let out a warning growl and shot fire back. The attendants ducked.

“Well!” said the dragon-woman, clearly delighted by the exchange.

Thisbe glared. “I can leave.”

The dragon-woman tried to hide her smile, but she wasn’t very good at it. “No, you can’t,” she said matter-of-factly. “You’re here now, and here you shall stay. But let’s talk about your ‘one condition.’ What’s that all about? I’m not sure I like that idea.”

“If you want me to help you fulfill the deal to make us true rulers of Grimere, you’ll have to do what I ask.”

The Revinir looked condescendingly down her snout at Thisbe. “You have become so bossy,” she said. “It’s not a pretty look on you.”

“I’m not here to be pretty. I’m here to rule this world.”

“Well!” the Revinir said again. She was continuously surprised by Thisbe. Suspicion crept in. “Why? What changed your mind?”

Thisbe, who was still gauging just how confident and straightforward to be, took a moment to meander to the sideboard where a teapot sat on a silver tray. “The last straw was being stuck at that place, whatever it was. I had plenty of time to think.”

The Revinir eyed her carefully. “And what has become of your sister?”

“I left her there. She’s… not exactly on board with my plan.” Thisbe shifted, then turned and folded her arms defiantly. “But then again, you never expected her to go along with this, did you?”