“Apologies for not gathering more insight while they trapped us defenseless. We were trying to survive,” Darrow growled.

“If my mother had allowed me my weapons at that dinner,” Lina said, making everyone look at her, “I would have been able to defend myself and not needed someone else to do it for me.”

Bri’s eyes darted to the battle-axe that leaned against the Princess’s chair. The crocodile teeth bound in leather to the shaft of the weapon added a menacing touch that sent a thrill down her spine. She wondered if Lina could truly use it. She seemed a skilled enough fighter, judging by how quickly she incapacitated the attacker in the alley.

“The future Queen can’t be carrying around an axe like a common woodsman, Lina,” Darrow chastised.

Lina lifted her axe one-handed, hoisting the giant weapon with the same ease as lifting her goblet. “Does this look like a common axe?” Lina set down the axe and rolled her eyes as if this were a regular conversation. “These weapons are a symbol of the Western Court, Darrow. It is an honor to wield them.”

“You could practice with daggers too,” Bri said, drawing Lina’s midnight gaze to her for the first time. Something in those molten eyes made Bri’s grip clench around her utensils. They seemed flecked in the same metallic bronze that painted her eyelids and cheeks.

“I prefer my axe,” Lina said, holding Bri’s stare. An entire conversation seemed to pass between them, recalling the night before. “It’s a part of our crest for a reason. It is the weapon of my ancestors.” She slid her gaze to Darrow. “And our people should remember it.”

“You should train with Bri, Lina,” Delta said, resting her head against the back of her chair. Her hooded eyes looked like she might fall asleep, as if the exhaustion of eating a meal was enough for her to need to rest. Delta looked at Bri. “We used to train each morning. She’s good with that axe, so watch out.” She huffed before continuing. “But she’ll get rusty if she doesn’t keep training. Now is not the time to be getting rusty.”

Everyone tensed at that. Whatever battles the West faced were not over. The witch hunters who assassinated the Queen were still on the loose, their attempts to kill Abalina only thwarted for so long. Each court in Okrith needed to be preparing for war with Augustus Norwood. His intentions were unknowable even to their Seers.

“I’ll train with her right now if you agree to let Cole treat you today,” Lina said to her cousin. A flash of sorrow crossed her steely expression. “We shall train while you have the procedure.”

Bri glanced between the cousins. She’d thought Delta had already agreed.

“No,” Delta gritted out and the entire room tensed.

“Del—”

“Not today,” she snarled.

“Right, then.” Lina’s fist clenched around her napkin. She looked at Bri. “My guards will help you pack your things.”

Bri’s mouth fell open.