I tense as the tall fae walks toward us, recognizing Fionn and Silene. He has bright red hair and midnight blue eyes that gleam with something that puts me on alert. The fae next to him is stout and muscular, covered in tattoos, with cropped chestnut hair and matching eyes. This must be the fae who ordered the attack on Rusthelm. Knowing I’m in the same room as the monster who decided a village should be punished for accepting help from their ruler makes me feel ill.

“Silene, Fionn,” the tall male says as they pull up chairs to our table and sit. “Thank you again for your help. I’d be rotting away if not for you.” They both nod, and he turns his gaze to me. “You must be the Shining Prince, Hawthorne Vicant himself,” he says with a smile that doesn’t reach his eyes.

“I am,” I say coolly. “Though I can’t say I have the pleasure of knowing who you are.”

“My name is Krantz, and this is my second, Saff,” he says, nodding to the male beside him. “We are what most people would consider the leaders of the Sons and Daughters, though we prefer to think of ourselves as protectors.”

“And what is it you protect?” I ask, eyes narrowing.

“Well, the sons and daughters and Thayaria, of course,” he responds, as if it were the simplest thing in the world. Silene steps on my foot, and I take that as a sign to lighten up.

“Well, then, Krantz and Saff, great protectors of Thayaria, I’m pleased to make your acquaintance,” I say with my most magnanimous smile. Krantz grins himself and reaches out to shake my hand. I oblige, putting the tiniest zing of aether into my grip to remind him who he’s dealing with.

“We’ve wanted an alliance with Velmara for a long time. We know that your father, His Majesty the King, has spoken the truth about the Witch Queen for three hundred years. The outside world believed him, but here in Thayaria, her wicked magic swayed the people to her side. Only in the last fifty years have we started to see the reality of her corruption.”

I hate what I’m about to say, because I’ve seen the truth for myself. “The Witch Queen has pulled a veil over the eyes of Thayaria. I’m here to remove it so that you can finally see.”

“We knew the rumors that you were here to bring peace between Velmara and Thayaria were lies,” he spits back.

“I’m no Prince of Peace, of that I can assure you,” I tell him with a menacing snarl.

“I’m glad to hear it. And even more glad to hear it today, as we have an opportunity for you to hit the witch where it hurts most.” His eyes are bright with malice that makes my stomach roil.