“Of course not.” She forced a smile. “Thank you.”

The Talon opened the door for her, and Akeylah caught her breath until she spotted the curtain drawn around the bed, hiding Father from view.

“Akeylah?” Rozalind’s voice drifted from behind said curtain.

“I’ll be right there,” Akeylah called as she beelined for the bathing chamber attached to the king’s bedroom. Inside, she dropped to her knees, the package cradled in both arms, and peeled back the lid.

Her breath caught.

A wooden doll, the Talon had called it. But it was more than that.

From its dark red plaits to its painted-glass eyes, even to the style of gown it wore, a loose chiffon dress Akeylah could’ve sworn must be cut from the same fabric as the outfit she wore to the Sun’s Ascendance… In every detail, the doll was an exact miniature of Akeylah.

Except for two differences. The golden crown on its head, a replica of her father’s. And the puppet strings attached to the doll’s arms, legs, and head.

A thought struck her. She raised the doll’s skirts. Sure enough, on its thigh, the doll had a bright blue line inked onto its wooden leg. A Vulgar Arts “scar” of its own.

Her heart raced as she laid the doll carefully back into its nest. Beside it sat a letter. She recognized the handwriting at once. His Majesty D’Daryn Andros. She unfolded the letter with trembling fingers.

Dearest Akeylah,

I expect you’ve intercepted this letter. Naughty girl. It was addressed to your father. But then, you clearly don’t mind impersonating him, do you?

Her heart thudded.

I’m sure you’re wondering why I’ve spared you so far. Don’t worry. I haven’t forgotten you. One might even say you’re my favorite.

But alas, little puppet, being the favorite comes with certain responsibilities. When I tell you to do something, you obey. Listen, and I’ll protect you. Refuse, and, well… you’ve seen what I do to those who are not in my favor.

Your first task is to put the traitor behind Burnt Bay on trial, immediately.

Oh, and shield yourself all you like, puppet. But ignore me, and I’ll make those you love suffer in your stead.

They’d signed the letter The True Heir to Kolonya and the Outer Reaches. A chill settled over Akeylah’s skin. Sank into her veins.

“Akeylah?” Rozalind knocked on the door. “Is everything all right?”

“Is the mender still here?” Akeylah barely managed to keep her voice from trembling.

“She just left. Do you need me to call her back?”