“They’ve pitched several large pavilions around the queen’s pyre,” Night Bird said. “One flies the Gray Wolf banner, so it is likely the Princess Mellony is there. Another bears the Bayar pennant. A third carries the unlidded eye, though I didn’t see Lord Demonai. The tomb is upslope from the memorial site, built into the side of the mountain. A number of people are milling around, making preparations.”

“Did you see Corporal Byrne?” Raisa asked.

Bird shook her head. “He’s escorting the queen’s body. A smaller tomb for the late captain is to be built downslope from the queen’s. I saw several flatland soldiers guarding the site.”

So Captain Byrne would be buried near his queen, Raisa thought. In the arms of her mountain. And Amon was there, waiting for her. And the rest of the Gray Wolves—friends she hadn’t seen since Oden’s Ford. Friends she could depend on. She took a deep breath, releasing it slowly. Good.

“Fallon said that Speaker Jemson would conduct a brief service—first for Captain Byrne, and then for the queen. Then Queen Marianna’s body will be committed to the flame, freeing her spirit to take up residence in the mountain. The High Wizard and a representative of the Council of Regents will also speak.”

“But not the Princess Mellony?” Raisa asked.

Bird shook her head. “They say the princess is too grief-stricken to speak.”

Or too intimidated by her keepers, Raisa thought grimly. If she would be queen, she needs to learn to speak up. Her people need to hear directly from her.

They set up a temporary camp under cover of the forest, then gathered one last time—Raisa, along with Reid Nightwalker Demonai, Willo Watersong, Elena Cennestre, Han Alister, and Fire Dancer.

“Briar Rose,” Elena said. “I know that you want to be present for your mother’s service. I still say it would be safest if you watch from the crest of the mountain. We could leave a party of warriors with you as guard. That way, you can see everything and yet be out of harm’s way.”

Raisa shook her head. “I will attend my mother’s service,” she said. “We have already discussed this.”

Elena sighed and rubbed her chin. “I thought you would say that.” She put a hand on Raisa’s arm. “Then I beg of you. You are dressed like a Demonai. If you must descend to the tomb, then you’re unlikely to be recognized if we ride as a group, with you hidden in our midst.”

“Grandmother, I must participate in the service as the princess heir,” Raisa said. “Before as many witnesses as possible, so that they cannot later deny that I have returned to the queendom. It’s the only way to secure my succession to the throne.”