“Anyway, I think Red’s father was an animagus,” Rosario says. “Red can sense Godstones, even better than a priest. Did you know that, Iván?”

“I’ve heard a little about it.”

“Her affinity is so strong that . . . Red, is that your magic mark showing?”

My hand flies to my hairline before I can stop it. “I . . .”

“I thought you took some dye with you as one of your three items.”

“It was vandalized.”

Rosario’s eyes widen. “Oh . . . well, I’ll get you some more. I’ll have it delivered to the barracks within two—”

“I don’t need more dye. I’ll be fine.” I blink rapidly for a moment, letting my own words echo in my head. I don’t need more dye.

Before he can respond, the monastery bells ring the half hour, and I nearly jump out of my seat. We must be directly beneath the bell tower, for it to clang so loudly. How do the priests ever sleep?

Rosario gives me a look of sympathy. He says, “Back to business, yes? I received a message by pigeon yesterday. The empress’s procession has passed the oasis and is heading into the Hinder Mountains. They should reach Amalur in less than two weeks. Elisa is in good health. She sends her best wishes for Bolivar’s recovery. Also . . .” He pauses before adding: “Mena lost her first tooth.”

My smile falters as soon as it comes. Rosario is not smiling either.

“This is all good news, right?” Iván says.

“Yes, good news,” Rosario says dully.

I know how he feels. Neither of us is there to exclaim over Ximena’s missing tooth. Neither of us will be there when Elisa’s baby is born.

“You don’t seem pleased,” Iván observes.

“It’s just . . . when certain people are gone,” Rosario says, “it feels like part of your very self is gone. Like an arm. Or a heart.”

Iván looks back and forth between us. “The very best thing we can do in their absence is figure out what’s happening and keep you safe.”

“Agreed,” I say. “Rosario, now that Fernando is injured, do you have anyone else to protect you?”

He nods. “I have three personal bodyguards remaining.”

Iván frowns. “That means you only have two, since they must sleep in shifts.”

“Yes.”

“It’s not enough,” Iván says.

“No.”

“I can talk to my brother, see if he can spare some of his own personal guard.”

“Juan-Carlos needs his personal guard as much as I do.”

“No!” I say, a little too fiercely. “No one needs a guard more than you. You’re being targeted, little brother. They’re chipping away at your defenses, bit by bit. Making you vulnerable, as if preparing for something. If we don’t shore up your guard, Iván and I should quit the recruits to be at your side.”

“Just say the word, Highness,” Iván says, “and we’ll both be there.”

Rosario is shaking his head. “Bigger things are coming, and I need you both in the Royal Guard,” he says. “Do you understand? I’m ordering you to do everything you can to not get cut.”