“They’re healing,” Rua said softly. “Slowly. Baba Airu has taken them in. The blue witch coven is working together again now to heal their sisters, but so much damage had been done before they were even cursed. There is no going back for them, only, hopefully, a better way forward.”

Bri’s mind flashed with memories of the attack in the blue witch fortress. To be locked away in such an awful place . . . Even before the curse, those scars would never fully heal.

“Augustus said something to me when he captured us,” Rua said, pulling Bri from her swirling thoughts. “He said his plans for the West and South were already in action. One nudge and it would all come crumbling down.”

“If he had a hand in turning the witch hunters on the Queen, it was a smart move,” Carys said. “The kingdom is too preoccupied fighting against one another to mount any meaningful defense against Norwood.”

“And the South?” Rua asked. “What would his plans be for them?”

“They’re too busy with partying and revelry.” Carys shook her head. “He’d only need to send through a few more casks of wine and he could stomp through the capital unnoticed.”

“I need to talk to Neelo during the Equinox celebrations.” Rua sounded deflated. “They need to prepare for whatever Norwood has planned. If Augustus senses the South is weak, he’ll exploit that.”

“I know the Equinox is meant to be a party.” Carys gave Bri a look. “But I think we should hold a few meetings with the crowns of Okrith, given the current threat.”

“Agreed,” Rua said.

Bri pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed. “That’s probably the wise thing to do.”

“There’ll still be plenty of time for partying, Bri,” Carys snickered.

She glanced back at her friend. “Then we need to convince Lina to come. It’s not safe to leave her here.”

“I’ll leave that to you,” Carys shot back. Bri rolled her eyes and Carys turned to the fire. “Be safe, Rua. We’ll see you on the Equinox.”

“Don’t die, Ru,” Bri added.

“If I steer clear from any more purple clouds, I think I’ll be just fine,” Rua said, the flames ebbing from vivid green back to orange as her voice called, “Good luck.”

Chapter 15

Chapter Fifteen

A soldier stood at the end of the hallway, guarding the ornately painted doorway framed in dented bronze. He looked Bri up and down and then unlocked the door.

She opened her mouth to question the action, but the guard interrupted her by saying, “Her Highness said if you were to arrive tonight, that she requested an audience with you.”