“Not yet. Rozalind is, ah, fairly convincing at relaying ‘the king’s demands.’” Ren smiled faintly.

“I didn’t mean to have you banished.” Akeylah wrung her hands. “But I thought if you went to trial, they might, well… I mean, given the crime…” She flashed an apologetic look.

Zofi forced a carefree grin, even though she felt anything but. “Hey, better banished than imprisoned or executed, right?” She looked from Akeylah to Ren. “I’m guessing you told her?” Zofi asked the latter.

“Rozalind told us what the king accused you of doing,” Ren replied. Always a diplomat.

“It’s okay.” Zofi waved a hand. “At this rate I’m surprised the whole kingdom doesn’t know already.”

“They won’t if we can help it.” Akeylah squared her shoulders. “We’re going to manage this, Zofi. Your crime, Father’s illness. We can conceal it all.”

“And deal with the heir, too?” Zofi arched a brow. “Though, if you could pardon Elex, the boy from my band who took the fall for me…”

Ren nodded. “We’ll clear his name.”

“Thank you.” She smiled and hoped it looked reassuring. “Don’t spend too much energy worrying about me. I’m going home. Back where I belong.” It was what she’d wanted when she first came to the Keep. The chance to go back to her band, her family. Leave all this behind.

So why did part of her feel hollow, now she’d finally been given the chance?

Because part of her family was here now.

“We brought this.” Ren held out Zofi’s rucksack. “I added some dried fruit, cured meat, and water. A few coins, your boots. And we talked that knife you’re always waving around back from the dungeon guards.”

“Thank you.” Zofi accepted it with a faint grin.

“Least we could do.” Ren spread her hands, apologetic.

“You two need to be careful.” Zofi lowered her voice. “Make sure you both shield every day, and don’t be alone anywhere you’re vulnerable to an ambush.” She knew she should be relieved. I’m not about to die. Instead, she felt a new fear, bone-deep. I’m abandoning my sisters—my whole kingdom—in the hands of the enemy. “With Father gone, you’re all that stands between the heir and the throne.”

“He’s not gone yet.” Akeylah’s yellow-green eyes hardened. For a split second, she reminded Zofi of Yasmin. “Zofi, while you’re away… I was hoping you might be able to do me a favor. It’s a long shot, but I’m desperate.”

“Anything, if it’s in my power.” Zofi frowned, and caught Ren doing the same. Clearly whatever was on Akeylah’s mind, she hadn’t shared with Ren either.

“I’m looking for a Traveler woman. A curseworker.”