Akeylah had just reached the Great Hall for the midday meal when Rozalind intercepted her. The queen’s fingertips came to rest on her forearm, electric as ever. Akeylah’s blood sizzled, but the excitement took a nervous bent when she glimpsed Rozalind’s furrowed brow. “I need you to come to the king’s chambers,” Rozalind murmured. “Now.”

“Is everything all right?” Akeylah searched the queen’s gaze, startled. “Is Father…?”

“I’ll explain everything there.” Rozalind pressed her hand once, hard. “Bring Florencia, too, if you can find her.” With that, Rozalind vanished into the swirl of nobility.

Dread pooled in Akeylah’s stomach. Why Ren and not Zofi? Was Father worsening?

Akeylah hadn’t gotten a chance to speak to Rozalind in private since the heir attacked her in the library. Since she’d raced off to find Ren half-drowned in the baths.

Yesterday, between visiting Ren and researching relatives, she’d been too busy. This morning, Akeylah had tried to find Rozalind, but the queen had been absent from breakfast. When Akeylah stopped by the king and queen’s chambers, Talons had barred her path, sent her away.

She thought about the curse eating its way through her father’s veins, and her stomach roiled. Is he all right?

Akeylah hurried toward the cherry tower. She’d only reached the base of the steps when she ran headlong into a tall, slim figure. It took her a few blinks to recognize her sister. She’d never seen Ren like this—hair a mess, clothes in disarray.

“Akeylah.” Ren grabbed her shoulders to steady herself. “I was just looking for you.”

“Same.” Akeylah shrugged her sister’s hands from her shoulders and tugged her into motion instead. “Rozalind needs us in Father’s chambers. It seemed urgent.”

“I can guess why.” In a low, furious voice, Ren relayed everything she knew. Father had Zofi arrested late last night. The Talons had been ordered to keep it quiet, but this was the Keep. Word got around sooner than later.

“That must be why his chambers have been shut all day,” Akeylah said. “I tried to visit, but the Talons wouldn’t even let me near the doors.”

“We’re his daughters.” Ren’s mouth formed a grim line. “Just like the one he imprisoned last night.”

“You don’t think they suspect us, too?” Akeylah’s hand drifted toward the scar on her thigh. The telltale glowing blue mark left by the Vulgar Arts curse she worked against her father, albeit by accident. If the king ever accused Akeylah, he wouldn’t even need to put her on trial. Proof of her guilt shone right on her leg.

“I doubt it.” Ren sounded so sure that Akeylah darted a curious glance her way.

“Do you know what Zofi did? Or what Father believes she did, anyway?”

“I think so,” Ren replied. “But it’s not my secret to share.”