Morwenna crossed to the other end of the seating area, hands clasped behind her back, staring at the magnificent city. A woman bowed her head respectfully to Morwenna, as if she were a great dignitary. What was Morwenna thinking about as she gazed on the court?

Gahalatine was in search of a Fountain-blessed wife.

Wasn’t that what Reya and Rucrius had said? Perhaps that was the only motive Morwenna needed. Trynne could not imagine being the lady of such a vast empire. Averanche was more than satisfactory to her. But perhaps Morwenna craved what she did not.

It was while she was staring at the poisoner that they passed a barrier of some kind. It was invisible, but Trynne felt it rush past her. It was insubstantial, like smoke, but Trynne recognized it as magic. There were other protections surrounding the island and the lake, and they had crossed them.

Trynne blinked, seeing Morwenna’s disguise had been stripped away. She stood as her true self, hands behind her back, her hair falling down around her shoulders.

“Mofa!” someone shouted in warning, pointing at Morwenna.

Two of the warrior maidens were already on the upper deck on patrol and both whirled around. They drew weapons and rushed the poisoner.

I’ve discovered my…

I’ve discovered my prison was on an island. After I overpowered the man sent to question me, I stripped away his silver mask and cloak. His face was painted over, and the sight of it nagged at my memory. I’ve known people who could disguise themselves, but I cannot recall what or who they are. The man is dangerous—I could sense that just from staring at him. So I switched clothes with him, locked him in my irons, and put my mask on his painted face. I left the dungeon without being stopped and now find myself in a palace of some kind. It is very opulent, and everyone’s clothes are rich and decadent.

There are many women here, but I do not feel safe. I feel at any moment I will be discovered and killed. I need to get off this island before they discover I’ve escaped. I cannot trust anyone. This place feels wrong.

I look at my face in a mirror. I don’t know myself. Why do I have a patch of white in my hair?

CHAPTER TWENTY Zenana

CHAPTER TWENTY

Zenana

The two guardswomen rushed Morwenna, and before Trynne could react, the poisoner struck the first in the throat with the edge of her hand. The second leaped at Morwenna with a flying kick, but the poisoner ducked the blow. The two became embroiled in a battle of punches and kicks that lasted only a few moments before the second guard collapsed, dazed from a blow to her stomach.