“It’s in code,” Vidal explained as he showed Mother the letter. “It says a curse killed him, and the whole Keep is on lockdown while they hunt for the perpetrator. But I must be misunderstanding the code. This can’t be right.…”

“Why?” Zofi managed through a tightened throat. It hurt just to speak. In the back of her mind, she kept reliving the last time she saw Andros. The fury and hurt in his eyes as he shouted for the Talons to take her away. That was the last time she’d ever see her father.

“It sounds like Queen Rozalind is the primary suspect.”

“That’s impossible.” Zofi frowned at her mother. “Rozalind isn’t a blood relative; she couldn’t curse Father.”

But Mother only looked thoughtful. “Unless she’s pregnant. If she’s carrying Andros’s child…”

Zofi swore under her breath. Rozalind could be the heir.

“Are you sure about this?” Vidal watched her saddle the stallion.

“If I go now, I can make the merchants’ road by tomorrow. From there, Mother’s contacts will let me swap mounts. With new horses along the way, it should only take me two, three days.” She paused to pat the silver stallion’s neck. “Mother’s friends will take good care of the prince’s horse until I return.”

“That’s not what I mean.” Vidal picked up her saddlebag, but held it just out of reach. “Are you sure it’s a good idea to go back to Kolonya City right now? My commander ordered me home because she wants her best troops in the Keep. She’s expecting trouble.” He lowered his voice. “You’ve already been banished. If anyone catches you, you’ll look guilty.”

“I am.” She jumped to snatch her saddlebag from his hand. “If you’re worried we’ll attract trouble, we can ride separately. I know how to take care of myself.”

“It’s not me I’m worried about, Zo.”

She tensed at the sound of Elex’s nickname. “Don’t call me that.”

Vidal paused, thrown. “I apologize.”

“Don’t treat me like I’m ignorant either. I understand I’m painting a target on my back.” She finished securing the bags and wiped her hands on her breeches. “I have to do this, Vidal.”

“But why?” In the midday sun, the green in Vidal’s hazel eyes stood out.

“Because my sisters need me.” A terrible sense of helplessness had enveloped her ever since she learned about Father’s death. She should have been there; she should be in the thick of the fight with Akeylah and Ren, not safe out here in the marshlands. If Rozalind was the heir, and she’d escalated to attacking Andros directly, her sisters would need more help than ever.

But that wasn’t the only reason. Her conversation with Elex still rang in her ears. You’re never going to truly be home. Not until you decide to be.