“There is no ‘they.’ ” Baba Omly tilted her head toward the window. “The archives are no longer cared for by anyone. We bring things there, we shelve them, and then we leave.”

Bri traced her finger over the tiled vase holding a bouquet of brilliant pink and yellow flowers, their smell filling the room with a sweeter scent than the incense and pungent elixirs on the bottom floor. “Why didn’t the guardians stay?”

“The world wasn’t safe for witches anymore,” Baba Omly said. “The smart witches pledged themselves to fae families, protecting themselves with their patronage, but in a kingdom rife with witch hunters, the archives would have been an easy target I’m sure.”

Bri noted the way Lina folded her arms at the mention of the witch hunters. It was her mother’s doing, and now, her mess to clean up.

“I’m surprised the archives haven’t been sacked if they’re unprotected,” Carys said.

“A fae family has taken guardianship of the archives.” Baba Omly sifted through a stack of papers on her desk. “I don’t think they do much for it other than attaching their name to the property, but no one wants to mess with the Hemarrs.”

“The gold miners?” Bri asked. “Bern’s family?”

Carys lifted her chin to the sky with a sudden realization. “His family lives just over the Southern border of Silver Sands and are as rich as thieves. It makes sense that they would look after the archives.”

“The fae probably disliked that they protected the archives,” Bri huffed. “But no one argues with the endlessly wealthy.”

“We should fae fire Bern and ask him about it,” Carys offered, pushing off from the wall.

“Good idea.” Bri nodded. “He’ll be in Yexshire, and I haven’t spoken to Remy in a while, anyway.”

Lina walked to the desk, picking up the amethyst dagger and sheathing it.

Baba Omly cocked her head at Lina. “Perhaps a trip to Silver Sands would be good for you, my dear.”

Lina’s eyes snapped up. “No.”

The lines on the Baba’s face deepened as she gave a knowing smile. “When was the last time you slept?”

“Last night,” Lina said tightly.

Bri straightened, remembering their night together—waking with that woozy, warm feeling, confused at her surroundings but also blissfully calm. She hadn’t felt like that ever before, not even before Falhampton, as if one foot was in a dream. She was certain she wouldn’t soon forget the feeling.

“I’m needed here,” Lina insisted. “My coronation is only a handful of weeks away. Augustus Norwood is still out there. My people need a Queen now more than ever.”