“Why not?” Ren spread her hands. “My reputation is ruined, Akeylah. I’m a fugitive within my own home. Even if by some miracle I’m acquitted in a trial, nobody is going to respect or follow a queen with an accusation of treason on her record.”

“But it puts Rozalind one step closer to the throne.”

“If it prevents her from attacking anyone else today, it’s worth it.”

“What about tomorrow?” Akeylah stepped toward her. “What about when she demands I step down next, or when she orders us to crown her, will we dance like puppets on her string?”

“Of course not.” Ren hefted the book she’d been carrying under one arm, Coronation Ceremonies and Traditions. “But she can’t claim the crown, anyway. Not by Kolonyan law. She’d only be vying for a regency in the child’s stead, and there are ways to block such claims. First of all, she’ll need to perform a Blood Ceremony like the one Father did for the three of us, to prove the child’s heritage. Even then, if we prove Rozalind is unfit for leadership, the councils will install a temporary regent until the child comes of age. We have ways to fight her, Akeylah, but we need more time. Rescinding my claim buys us that time.”

Akeylah frowned at the book. “If you make a public statement, the Talons will just lock you right back in your chambers afterward. You heard the captain just now; they’re scouring the Keep for you. It was difficult enough to convince the councils to delay your trial; now that you’ve proven a flight risk.…”

“Did the heir say I had to make such a statement in person?” Ren pursed her mouth, thoughtful. “I could write a letter renouncing the crown. We can say I mailed it to you, maybe even from somewhere outside Kolonya City, so the Talons will focus on Rozalind and not me.”

“Where will you really go?” Akeylah’s brow contracted with worry. “Perhaps leaving Kolonya isn’t the worst idea.…”

Ren shook her head. “I’m not abandoning my home. Or leaving you to fight Rozalind alone.”

Relief and worry warred on her sister’s face. “For that, I’m grateful. But you need somewhere safer than this.” She gestured at the office.

“There’s a place I can go. A cavern underneath the Keep, where Danton and I used to meet.” In another life. Before Danton carried battle plans she stole to his Eastern rebel friends and sank Ren’s chance at the throne before she even knew it existed. “Do you have a quill?” Ren crossed the study and unearthed some parchment. “I’ll write it now.”

Akeylah plucked a fountain pen from the desk, held it out. “You have to be certain.”