“Akeylah didn’t do this. Or at least, I don’t think it was her.” Ren had nothing left to lose now—the whole city knew her secret. She might as well unburden herself to the one person who would understand. With a heavy sigh, Ren told her everything. From the blackmailer’s threats to Yasmin’s death and Zofi’s banishment. By the time she stopped speaking, her throat felt dry, and Mama had taken a seat right there on the windowsill.

“So when you collapsed in the baths…” Mama began.

Ren nodded. “The so-called heir cursed me.”

“And when that didn’t work, they spread this story.” Mama pursed her mouth. “Well, whoever they are, they’re smart, unfortunately. You really believe the Eastern girl is innocent?”

Ren spread her hands wide. “I’ve seen a blackmail note she was sent. Whether she penned it herself or not, I can’t be certain, but she told me the secret the heir is using against her. I don’t know why she would admit her own crime if she’s the one behind these attacks.”

“To throw suspicion off, perhaps.” Mama tapped her chin, lost in thought. “Unless it’s someone else just as close to the throne.”

Ren’s brow lowered. “Who else is there?”

“Why, the current queen, of course.”

Mama said it so matter-of-factly that Ren almost rolled her eyes. “Mama, I told you, this person has been using the Vulgar Arts. They’re related, probably within one or two generations, to perform curses this strong.”

“Exactly,” Mama replied. Only when Ren’s face remained blank did her mother’s begin to clear in comprehension. “Oh, Ren, I’m sorry, I just assumed you would have heard from your friends in the serving quarters.…”

“Heard what?” Ren crossed her arms.

“I’ve been visiting Madam Oruna for the past few days.” Mama patted the windowsill beside her. After a moment’s hesitation, Ren sat. “I thought it would be a good idea to keep an ear open for any potentially useful gossip.”

I learned from the best, Ren couldn’t help thinking.

“The most interesting thing I learned was what the queen’s chambermaids relayed to Oruna. They say Rozalind’s sheets have been spotless for the last three months.”

Ren frowned. “That’s hardly surprising. I doubt she and Father shared beds often, especially since he fell ill—”

“No, Ren, you mistake my meaning. Spotless. Even when all three moons are high.”

Ren’s eyes widened. “But…”