The princess laughed, a single loud guffaw that broke the tension in the court. Nervous laughs broke around the throne room even as the king continued to glare and the queen had backed up to the wall, staring at the circlet as though it were a snake.

“I will help your guests retire, by your leave.” Spike bowed, desperately trying to salvage the situation.

Erias sneered and dismissed us with a wave of his hand. It was tempting to shift in front of him, but I reigned in my instincts and instead followed sedately behind Spike, or Lord Harrow, as was his full title.

They gave me my own chambers, which were richly decorated and had every comfort. I dismissed it, wanting nothing to do with the velvet rugs or draped tapestries. It made the room claustrophobic and cloying. Astrid was across the hall, and Spike was staying nearby as well. In case he was needed, he claimed that he wanted to be on hand instead of riding back to his home estate to the north of the city every day. There were only a few hours until dinner, but I found myself restless inside of this gilded cage. While I sat amongst gold and red pillows, Wren was likely being tortured. It was driving me mad. I left my room and strode across the hall.

Astrid opened the door just as I raised my fist to pound on it. “I figured you would need a distraction.”

She pushed her door open and I stepped over the threshold, staying silent until she closed the heavy wooden door behind us. I nodded to Spike, who stood by the mantle with a drink in his hand. I raised an eyebrow, noticing his rumpled tunic and hastily tied breeches. He met my eyes steadily and emptied the glass, slamming it back down on the mantle. I rolled my eyes and turned back to Astrid.

“The queen?” I began.

Astrid nodded, and we moved to sit in front of the dying fire. Astrid twirled her fingers and the fireplace sparked to life with new flames. She sat across from me, crossing her legs.

“There was a time when witches lived with humans. Before the cities were built, and we were mostly small villages scattered throughout the woods. The humans treated their women differently back then, cherished them, and respected them. Those born of witches grew to have powers and protected their families and villages. They helped crops grow, made sure there was water, and developed blood magick as we know it today.”

“Feeling nostalgic tonight?” I asked, and she looked towards the ceiling as if asking the gods for patience.

“Our histories say the same,” I admitted, running my hands along the velvet fabric of the chair. I hated everything about this palace. There was enough wealth here to feed every human in Cantrada.

“The queen has sea witch blood in her. I felt it the moment I walked into the room. It is a pity she lets that boy control her.” Astrid’s rage was palpable, and the temperature in the room flared before settling back down.