Bri considered Lina’s each step, each wave and smile. A natural at royal life, Lina undoubtedly was trained since infancy to rule the Western Court. She had an undeniable drive to prove herself worthy of her title and convince her people that she’d be a better ruler than her mother.

Carys and Bri followed along with the retinue of other guards, feeling the soldiers’ scrutinizing eyes upon them. The crowds swelled as more people gathered in the street, waving and bowing to Lina, Darrow, and Tem. Bri quirked her brow, surprised that Darrow and Tem received such adoration. The Wystrons, the second family under the royals, unmistakably held sway within Swifthill as well.

A child darted out in front of Lina and handed her a pink flower. Lina crouched, grinning at the child as she accepted the flower and gave it a long sniff. Bri couldn’t hear what Lina said but the child beamed up at her, nodding with wide saucerlike eyes. The crowd cooed at the motherly interaction.

Bri so easily envisioned what Lina would be like with children of her own, and she wondered how many new trees would grow up through the palace within Lina’s lifetime. She eyed Tem, waving to the crowd and flashing his charming grin. Even though their relationship seemed mostly platonic, would he still father Lina’s children? Lina had made it clear she wanted them one day. . . . Bri’s gut clenched and she cleared her throat. She’d be long gone before any trees were planted and it didn’t matter beyond that.

The deeper into Swifthill they wandered, the more opulent the buildings became, until they reached the brown witch temple. The rough bronzed walls seemed constructed out of sand, the porous material reminding Bri of a sandcastle. Intricate paintings of gold and silver swirled along the rough outer walls, Mhenbic symbols etched into the steps and the archway. Potted flowers sat on every step and a curtain of colorful glass beads separated the outside from the temple atrium.

Stopping on the first step, Tem took Lina’s hand and kissed it. “I’ll let you say your prayers in peace.” He grinned, his lips lingering on her skin before releasing her. Bri’s eyes narrowed at the movement, and she bit back a scowl. “We would only be a disruption.”

Lina’s face softened at his words and she bowed her head, her beautifully adorned braids slipping over her shoulder. “Thank you.”

“Come,” Darrow said, clapping his son on the shoulder. “We’ll go sample some wines for your wedding.” The crowd cheered as he glanced over his shoulder at Lina. “We’ll see you for dinner tonight.”