“We must tell the council at once,” Drew said, shaking his head. He put his arm around Genny’s shoulder. “Send a summons. Sister, can you and Trynne help gather them all to the Ring Table?”

“Of course,” Morwenna said, looking much less agitated than she had moments before.

“Whatever provisions you need,” Drew said, looking at Sinia. “Name them. I will send you on my best galleon. If you go to the Deep Fathoms, perhaps you can seek aid for us. We are in sore need of it.”

Sinia demurred. “We are going into uncharted waters. I need a sturdy merchant vessel of Genevese make. Indeed, I saw it in my vision. You will need all the ships you have. I do not wish to impose on Your Grace.”

“Very well, then I will coax you no further.” Turning toward Trynne and Morwenna, he said, “Duke Elwis is already here at the palace. Gather Iago and Elysabeth, Duke Ramey, Deconeus Stellis, and Fallon, of course. Best if they all hear the news straightaway. See it done.”

His tone was one of command, and both girls bowed in deference. Morwenna hooked her arm through Trynne’s as they left the solar. Trynne was uncomfortable, wishing she hadn’t seen that look on the other girl’s face. But Morwenna was ever one to plunge into dark waters and dive to the heart of the matter.

“I’m sorry you caught me in a moment of self-pity,” she said as they walked. “I know it’s childish, but it pains me to hear my father’s defeat mentioned so casually or as a point worth celebrating.” She squeezed Trynne’s arm. “It shattered him, Trynne. He was the King of Ceredigion. This was his castle once. It might have been mine under different circumstances.” She sighed. “Well, there’s no use fretting about a coin lost in a river. We have all lost things that were important to us.” She gave Trynne a knowing look, full of sympathy. “Or will yet lose. Your mother has surprised us all. Had you suspected this would happen?”

Trynne and Morwenna had once been friends, but they’d slowly grown apart once the poisoner had begun studying under Trynne’s mother. It was painful hearing about her accomplishments and progress, especially since Trynne had struggled so much to learn the craft. Then there was the fact that Morwenna was tall and darkly beautiful, capable of turning heads just by walking into a room. While she was Fountain-blessed, Trynne did not know what her powers were, only that she got a cold feeling in her presence at times. Still, in many ways, Morwenna was practically the reincarnation of Ankarette Tryneowy, Trynne’s own namesake.

“No, I was as surprised as everyone else,” Trynne answered truthfully.