A decision that would satisfy the heir, too. The blackmailer ordered the girls to leave Kolonya. If Zofi left now, no longer a contender for the throne, would the heir allow her to live?

Zofi, forgive me. Akeylah hated to decide her sister’s fate for her. Yet she had no choice. “The king would like Lady Zofi returned to her band of Travelers.”

The Talon’s furious scowl relaxed, just a little, around the edges. “Banishment?”

She swallowed hard. “Yes. But we will not call it that publicly. Not until my father feels ready to confront this issue.”

“But what of the girl’s crimes? She is a danger to the royal family, he said so himself.”

“Which…” Akeylah’s mind raced. Again, she felt Ren’s elbow. “Is why he would like her removed from the city, sent to a safe distance at which she can do no harm to us.” Akeylah straightened her shoulders and raised her chin, a posture she’d seen Ren make when her sister wanted her way. “Lady Zofi made mistakes, but she is still a part of this family. A family that has suffered enough losses. My brother was murdered. Then my aunt. As you know, my father has been sick with grief.” The Talon’s face softened in sympathy. “If Father does not wish to parade my sister’s crimes before the world, we must respect his decision.”

Please believe me. Please.

The Talon’s frown melted entirely. “I understand, my lady. But this is all highly unusual.” He looked to the queen. “The courtiers will question this. My own men, too.”

Rozalind huffed. “Your men will question the authority of the king and his heirs?”

The Talon’s eyes went wide. “Of course not, Your Majesty.”

“I should hope not.” Rozalind’s tone went icy cold. “You have your orders, soldier. Now see to it they are carried out.” With that, the Talon bowed, and Akeylah slammed the door. All three of them sank against it.

“Banishment?” Ren hissed.

“I hope you know what you’re doing,” Rozalind murmured.

Akeylah shut her eyes. So do I.

6

Zofi

All night, Zofi stared at the bars of her cell, lost in thought. She curled on her side, knees up to her chest, hugging them for warmth. Yet even as she shivered, she barely registered the cold.

Play their game, Mother had told her. Zofi had tried. She tried to play the king’s daughter, the promising heir, the loyal sister. She played the game, and she lost.

It was the heir’s game now.

She tightened her arms around her knees. Squeezed so tight it hurt. She imagined what awaited her in the morning. Trial, certainly. Before the regional council, or perhaps in front of the whole court.

Or maybe Andros would keep things quiet. Maybe he’d confront her himself. Would he demand a blood oath? Could she lie her way out of this one?