Rozalind had seen Akeylah have a fit in the library. And Ren had seen one of Akeylah’s blackmail letters, back when Ren and Zofi first confronted Akeylah about being their enemy. But what did that prove? Akeylah could have faked a fit for Rozalind, could have penned the letter she showed Ren and Zofi herself.

“I trust Akeylah,” she heard herself say. But she couldn’t help thinking of Akeylah’s secret. The curse she worked against Andros. She said it was an accident, but that accident brought the sisters here, to Kolonya. If Andros hadn’t fallen ill, he would never have summoned his illegitimate daughters, never have offered them a chance at the throne…

Plus, the curse meant Akeylah knew how to use the Vulgar Arts. If she’d been willing to curse her own father, what would stop her from cursing a sister or two?

Danton was nodding. “Of course. But just to be on the safe side, why don’t I ask around about her? The forger had seals from the rebels, knew code words they use. Perhaps Akeylah has met some of my contacts before.” When Ren still hesitated, Danton pressed a hand to his chest. “Please, Florencia. If you won’t let me trade my life for yours, at least let me do this.”

“You know I still hate you, right?” But she said it with a smile.

He grinned. “I can live with that.” He turned to go, then hesitated on the threshold. “Hatred is not the opposite of love, Florencia. To hate a person, you must still care about them.”

“You said it, not me.” But in spite of everything, her smile lingered long after he’d gone.

11

Akeylah

The first day of Ren’s confinement to her chambers, Akeylah woke up and shielded herself immediately. Only after the half-smothering, half-calming sensation stripped away her connection to the Arts did she agree to meet the council of lords.

The council was a gathering of the highest-ranking nobility from Kolonya and beyond. Lord Rueno was an absolute boor the entire time. He complained of her father’s absence at every turn, questioned every word she said. Akeylah was forced to remind him, rather more sharply than she liked, just how much her family had been through in recent weeks.

After the meeting, lord after lady crowded her schedule all evening, until Akeylah could hardly squeeze in a moment to slip to the powder room, let alone breathe.

The second day, she woke, shielded herself again, and spent the morning hearing complaints about property tax laws, land feuds, all the endless petty wars nobles waged against one another.

All the while, Ren’s words echoed in the back of her mind. Every day, we remind each another what matters.

She wished she could slip away and visit her sister. But every time she tried, another urgent request arose.