Bri waved away the thought. “I’m used to the mean looks that your mother so readily encouraged.”

“My mother wouldn’t have needed to if your mother wasn’t constantly plotting to overthrow her.” Lina scoffed. “I’m sure she’s holding feasts right now to celebrate the death of the Queen.”

Bri lowered her head, careful not to hit the sill as she leaned through the window. “I am not my mother.”

Lina’s hood slipped back an inch, revealing her fiery eyes. “Nor am I.”

A smirk pulled at Bri’s mouth as she cocked her head, scanning Lina’s smooth skin and painted lips. “So why are you here?”

“I’m busy,” Lina said, turning and leaning against the wall beside the window. “And you’re distracting me.”

Bri grinned. “I have that effect on people.”

“Please.” Lina snorted. “If your head got any bigger it might explode.”

A tall, slender fae at the end of the bar moved toward the back door and Lina straightened.

“Is that your target?” Bri asked, tipping her head toward him. “You’re going to steal from him?”

“Go get a drink, or find a maiden, or go back to the castle; I don’t care,” Lina snapped. “Just leave this to me.”

Bri guffawed. “What did he do to deserve the wrath of Airev?”

Lina pushed off the wall as the fae disappeared from sight, exiting the door beside the window. Bri took a single step, pivoting in front of her.

“Move,” Lina hissed.

“Let me come with you,” Bri implored. “I told Delta I’d protect you.”

“You told her you’d look out for the Princess.” Lina folded her arms. “She knows nothing about Airev.”

“That is a dangerous distinction, one I’m sure Delta won’t care about if Airev gets killed.” Bri leaned in and whispered, “I promise you I’m more at home with thieves and bandits than I am with Princesses.”

Lina craned her neck past Bri, trying to spot the figure she was tracking, and Bri sidestepped her again.

“Fine.” Lina grimaced, clenching her fists. “Just don’t get in the way.”

Bri flourished a bow, stepping out of Lina’s path and following her into the moonlit alley. The spring air was crisp—frost clung to doorways and their breath whirled steam from their mouths. Bri wished she’d thought to bring a cloak.

She kept in step with Lina. “What did he do?”

“He stole something,” Lina muttered. “I’m going to steal it back.”

“What did he steal?” Bri chuckled as Lina gave her a sideways glance and pulled her hood lower. “Something you don’t want to share with me?”

“Because I already know what you’re going to say,” Lina growled.

Their target wove through the back alleys behind the fine fae restaurants and inns that made up the wealthiest part of the city. They kept several paces behind, dawdling at the turns to give him enough of a lead. They were about to turn the corner when Lina grabbed Bri’s sleeve and yanked her to a halt.

The fae had stopped at a back door, midway down the alley. He laughed loudly to the woman who opened the door. When the creaking door slammed shut again, Lina and Bri leaned down the alleyway.