But Kip and Araxia smiled as she took her seat at the breakfast table this morning. It had been weeks since they had all joined together for a meal. Tension was still tight between Araxia and Sapphire, but the queen patted her arm gently. So far they had kept their oath and the witches had not been attacked again. She knew she would have heard from Ashes if any more guards had been sent to the forest.

‘Sapphire, we are so happy to finally be sitting down with you. We apologize for being so busy.’ Araxia took a bite of the fresh fruit Sapphire knew was picked daily from the grove down the hill.

‘No apologies are needed. I know your positions need focus and attention.’

‘Still, we worry about you. We’d actually like to talk to you about something if that’s OK.’ It was Kip who spoke.

The couple shared a silent exchange that Sapphire could not read, and she waited for one of them to speak and let her in on the secret they apparently shared.

‘We know you and Kaian have been spending time together.’

‘Of course we have. We are partners now, are we not?’

Araxia nodded, looking to Kip to continue the conversation.

‘Yes, you are,’ Kip said. ‘And we admire your maturity in taking on the role with ease. With that said, we are going to ask that Kaian only visit you here. No trips to Ciliria for the time being.’

Sapphire’s fork clattered against the plate, making everyone jump. ‘May I ask why?’

‘There have been some unexplained events, including violence.’ Kip looked to Araxia, who nodded like she was allowing him to continue. ‘Two of our men disappeared there a few days ago.’

‘There’s no trace of them?’

‘None at all. It’s like they disappeared into thin air.’

‘What were they doing in the forest?’

‘They were sent to observe the Shadow Witches’ current position. We send them out monthly just to track the coven’s location.’ Sapphire narrowed her eyes, and Kip threw his hands up. ‘Sapphire, you have to understand, as the leaders of this nation, we have to know where all of our citizens stand. Even those who may not agree with us.’

So, she had not imagined the crests, and Ryvinika had not been lying. And Sapphire and Ashes had taken the lives of two men sent out to do her parents’ underhanded work.

‘I’m sure they just got off course. The forest is dense and it is easy to lose your way. I’m sure they will return soon enough.’

‘We must pray to the Elders for their return. Let’s bow and take a pause to speak to them now.’