Delta’s eyes searched her cousin’s and she bowed her head. “Bri and Carys will go with you,” she said, considering the map. “I’ll stay back and keep things in line here for you.”

Lina’s lips thinned into a half-smile. She was giving her cousin a purpose. Delta might not be able to guard Lina, but she was still one of the most important fae in the Western Court, and Lina wasn’t going to let her forget that.

“If anyone else asks, I’m traveling into the Southern Court to visit Saxbridge.” Lina eyed each one of her councilors. “Fae fire Neelo Emberspear. I want them to be aware of this ruse. No one else is to know we are stopping in Silver Sands, is that understood?” One by one the councilors nodded. “Cole can drive the carriage. Have the servants pack for Saxbridge, formal attire, gowns, everything.”

“We will find who did this, Lina,” Delta vowed. “I promise.”

“Whether you succeed or not, I will return by the coronation date.” Lina straightened. Lifting her chin, she cut Bri and Carys a look. “Go get ready. We leave at first light.”

Chapter 24

Chapter Twenty-Four

Bri wasn’t sure what it was about a wine cellar that was so comforting . . . well, apart from the wine. The earthen smell, the cool air even on a hot day, the stillness and quiet. It was like a cave, a womb in the depths of every castle. It felt safe—the exact thing that usually grated against her, forcing her into the clamor of packed bars and parties. Only in these dark caverns, or with a sleeping Princess beside her, did Bri enjoy the calm.

The cellar door opened, and Bri squinted against the blinding light of a lone candle. For a moment she thought it might be Carys, but then she smelled the heady waft of rose oil, the one that tugged her into its undertow.

“I knew I’d find you in here,” Lina snickered, lowering her candle and stepping into the cellar.

Bri wondered if Lina had been waiting for her to show up at her chambers or if she was planning on sleeping that night at all, given that they were leaving so soon.

She leaned against the shelves, shrugging as she clenched the half-empty bottle in her hand. “We were nearly killed by poisonous smoke and a giant beast today. Can you blame me?”

Lina rested against the opposite beam, just out of arm’s reach, and pinned Bri with a look. “Are you okay?”

Bri gave herself a quick once-over. “Yep.”

“That dagger that Delta made you swear upon?” Lina clasped her hands in front of her, and Bri’s eyes dipped down her figure-hugging dress before dropping to her sandaled feet. “I’m sorry you lost it.”

“You dropped your axe too.”