“Now that I understand.” Bri picked up the warm mug, cupping it in her hands. “I’ve gotten more superstitious about sleep over the years. Trying to perfectly re-create the things I did on the nights I was able to rest . . . but I don’t think any of it really matters.”

She studied the intricately painted ceramic, the outside grooved to perfectly fit fingers, as if the artist who created it knew how soothing it was to feel the warmth radiating from within.

Bri took a sip, tasting the zesty rooibos flavored with vanilla. It reminded her of the scent of spice tables in the markets all around Okrith. This popular calming brew was served in every court, though it originated in the West, and Bri wasn’t sure if it was all in her head, but she did feel drowsier after even a single sip.

Her eyes snagged on the way Lina blew on her tea—the way her bottom lip pressed to the rim of the mug, her top lip curling over to blow on the whorls of steam. Lina’s eyes lifted and Bri dropped her gaze into the swirling red liquid in her hands.

“Why can’t you sleep?” Lina’s voice dropped to a low whisper as she surveyed Bri.

Bri shrugged. “When you’ve been attacked in the night enough times, it stops making sense to do so.”

It wasn’t the real reason and she was certain Lina knew so as well, judging by the curious look on her face. It hadn’t been all the nights they were attacked in Falhampton; it had been one night, one attack, that caused her to be on high alert when the skies darkened. Normally, lies rolled easily off Bri’s tongue, but they felt strange and awkward in front of Lina, as if the Princess could see straight to the core of her.

“I had my guards go investigate that baker Meson spoke of,” Lina said.

“Any news?”

“He’s as slimy as they come,” Lina sighed. “He’s mixed up in all sorts of misdeeds, but he’s a middleman like Meson. He doesn’t know what the seeds are for or who they’re going to.”

“Which errand boys came to claim them?” Bri asked. “Maybe we can follow the trail—”

“I’m working on it.” Lina’s voice was weary and rasping.

“Maybe we’d be able to resolve this faster if we worked together.” Bri took another sip. “We’re both investigating the same people, doubling the work.”

Lina hummed. “I suppose.”

“I’ll agree to tell you which leads we’re chasing, if you share with me if you’ve found anything important.” Bri crossed her ankles and leaned back in her chair. “I promise not to leave you out of anything we’re doing. You don’t have to take this on alone.”