“How could an honest man like Lord Rueno fathom the twisted mind of a girl like her?” Sarella scowled. “Florencia served as my personal maid for years, where she proved entitled and greedy. Perhaps the Easterners paid her for this information.”

“The key word there, my lady, is perhaps.” Akeylah kept her tone gentle. “None of us know what happened. We will wait upon my father’s judgment before we take action.”

Shouts rose at the back of the hall. Somewhere, a man cried, “Arrest her.”

“She killed my son,” a woman yelled.

Rueno cleared his throat. “My lady, if we could see His Majesty at once—”

“Given the nature of this accusation and my father’s delicate condition, I believe it best if I speak to him personally,” Akeylah replied, with only the briefest stutter. Under the table, Ren pressed her knee against Akeylah’s for support.

“Of course, my lady.” Rueno and the captain exchanged glances. “But please inform him we are eager to hear his decision as soon as possible. From him, naturally.”

“Naturally.” Akeylah offered a polite smile. “I’m sure his summons will reach you soon. Captain?” Akeylah turned to the Talon. “Would you please escort us to the king’s chambers?”

Only once they began to move through the crowd did Ren understand Akeylah’s request. Her sister wanted the captain to prevent any furious Kolonyans from attacking the traitor behind Burnt Bay. Muttered curses followed them across the Great Hall.

Hatred I deserve.

Outside the Great Hall, Ren pretended to trip. Akeylah knelt to offer her a hand. “I’m as good as dead,” Ren hissed. “Distance yourself from me. Protect the throne.”

Akeylah glanced over her shoulder at the captain. “I have a plan.” Then Akeylah raised her voice. “Please help my sister. She’s twisted her ankle.”

The captain grabbed her arm and yanked Ren upright. “Get up, traitor.”

Akeylah cleared her throat. “Innocent until proven guilty, Captain. Escort Lady Florencia to her chambers and place a guard on her door—for her safety as much as ours. I will send word when Father is ready to see her.”

As she strode away from her sister, Ren felt the heir’s chains close around her, as tangible as physical shackles. Two sisters down. Only one to go.

8

Akeylah

I need your help doing something irresponsible,” Akeylah greeted Rozalind the second the queen’s chamber doors shut behind her. In her arms, she carried a pile of clothing she’d just pilfered from her father’s suite.

“My favorite.” Rozalind smiled, but it faded at Akeylah’s serious look. “What is it?”

Akeylah tossed the clothing on the bed and launched into the story. Lexana’s accusations, the chants to arrest Ren. The evidence, such as it was, of Ren’s crime. Rozalind listened in silence, although her eyebrows rose higher with every new detail.

Akeylah understood. Burnt Bay. She knew Ren’s crime must have been serious, but…