“About your sister. It seems Lady Florencia slipped from her rooms sometime this morning. We have notified the Talons to search for her, as well as Queen Rozalind. But it’s all the more reason you should not be wandering without protection.”

“Very well. I will send for you the moment my business with Acolyte Ultrea is concluded, and you may escort me wherever you like. Until then, however, I don’t expect to see you trailing me again.”

Silence rang in the hall. Ren held her breath and stared at the study door.

After a long pause, the Talon’s footsteps retreated. Another beat passed, and then Akeylah ducked into the office with her. “Ren? We can talk now.”

Only then did Ren think to check the name on the desk behind her. Ultrea. She couldn’t help but smile. “Was this your plan all along?” Ren reached out to embrace her sister, and Akeylah wrapped her arms around Ren tightly. It surprised Ren just how reassuring it felt.

“A little bit of improvisation.” Akeylah glanced at the nameplate. “I inquired at the headmaster’s, learned Acolyte Ultrea is out of the city on business. Listen, Ren, have you shielded yourself yet today? I had another vision just now.”

Ren swore softly. “Not yet. I needed to wait after I tithed this morning.”

Akeylah passed her a bloodletter. Ren took it and tithed quickly. Only after the now-familiar shield enveloped her once more, did she think to reach out and catch her sister’s hand. “Akeylah, I’m so sorry about Rozalind. I have only a small idea what that kind of betrayal feels like, and still.” She thought about Danton, when he and Lexana announced their engagement. How much worse must it be to know the person you cared about was hunting your family?

Akeylah pulled away. “No, I’m sorry. You warned me about trusting her. I just didn’t believe she’d be capable of.…” Akeylah pressed a hand to her mouth.

Ren winced. She almost didn’t want to know. Yet the expression on Akeylah’s face, one of mingled pain and horror, made her ask. “Did he… did you see it? When Father…”

The full story tumbled from Akeylah in fits and spurts, and made Ren’s stomach turn. Finally, Akeylah stammered to a halt, and Ren thought about what she’d said earlier. “You had another vision, too?”

Her sister nodded shakily. “Rozalind told me she killed Father because I didn’t listen to her. Back when she ordered me to put you on trial.”

“Sun curse her.” Ren clenched her teeth.

“There’s more.” Akeylah swallowed audibly. “She wants you to rescind your claim on the throne. In public, by tonight. Or she says she’ll kill again.”

Ren ran a hand through her hair. Hesitated, but only for a moment. “Okay.”

Akeylah bristled. “What? No. Ren, we are not giving in to her demands.”