Of all the parts of courtly life, this would be Bri’s least favorite. If she were to become the Queen of the East, she’d need to get used to fae families like the Wystrons. She exchanged glances with Carys, who smirked and rolled her eyes in a silent conversation that told Bri she felt the same. They’d have each other, regardless. So long as someone was there to roll her eyes at, Bri would be able to handle it.

Chapter 18

Chapter Eighteen

The guards didn’t stop Bri as she strode into the atrium of Lina’s chambers. She paused, admiring the tree as her heart thundered in her chest. The night was unseasonably balmy and Bri waved out her tunic, which still clung to her chest with sweat. She’d anticipated the normal evening chill when she donned the thicker layers, but now wished she’d worn something lighter.

Groaning, she scrubbed a hand down her face. She turned toward the door and then back to the tree and then to the door again, pacing like a trapped wildcat. What was she even doing here?

Before she had time to question her intentions any further, the far door opened and Lina peeked out. Bri scanned her from head to toe, taking in the cerulean silk scarf in her hair that matched her flowing silk robes.

“Come in,” Lina rasped, her voice already scratchy with sleep. The sound of her voice made Bri thrust her hands in her pockets, trying to regain composure.

Why was she so nervous? She’d just come to sleep.

Lifting her chin, she strode into Lina’s chambers in her soldierly way and surveyed the grand bedroom. The gigantic bed took up most of the far wall, easily sleeping four people comfortably. It was covered in finely woven pillows, detailed in the colorful patterns that the local artisans sold in the markets. An ornate fireplace of bronze-flecked red stone climbed up the opposite wall. Two logs sat in the blackened belly of the fireplace, unlit. Bri was grateful that the already humid room wasn’t heated with a fire. To the left, floor-to-ceiling curtains covered the darkened windows. The door to the right led toward what appeared to be a bathing chamber. She spied a copper tub through the cracked door and her eyes drifted to her own wide-eyed expression in the floor-length mirror.

Lina wandered to a sitting area beside the plush gray curtains.

“Are we having a tea party?” Bri teased as she tipped her head to the steaming teapot and two mugs.

“It helps me sleep,” Lina said, her eyes tracking Bri as she dropped into the chair across from her.

Bri cocked her head. “I thought you don’t sleep?”

“It helps me pretend I’m doing everything in my power to try to sleep,” Lina corrected with a smirk.