“It could have been one of the plant channelers, but they were all loyalists from before the War. Not to mention, I’ve had them all watched by my spies since, and not a single one of them has done anything out of the ordinary. I believe it must be someone on the Council,” she says with grim determination.

“Until we know more, we have to proceed as if the Council is compromised. And we must ensure no one at the Forum knows or finds out about the rebellion or the mole,” I command. Nemesia nods.

“I know you don’t want to consider this, but it might be worth revisiting the rebellion with the Council of Advisors. Even though it’s compromised, the discussion might reveal information about who could be the mole. And not every advisor has betrayed us—there are smart people on the Council who will have good ideas about how to deal with the rebels,” Nemesia suggests, shoulders squared for my reaction to yet another conversation we’ve had many times.

“No. The rebels are after me. This is my problem to solve,” I say with no argument in my voice. I won’t ask the Council to fix the results of my failures, my shortcomings as a leader. Not to mention, if there is a mole, I don’t want to give them any additional information to pass along to the rebels.

Nemesia looks at me, eyes churning with worry. “I know what you did this morning,” she says softly. “I may not be the Captain of the Royal Guard, but many of them are loyal to me and tell me everything.” When I only give her a challenging look, she sighs. “Did you at least uncover something useful?” My throat tightens, holding back the frustration and pain clawing my insides. I shake my head. Nemesia nods again, standing to leave. She pauses at the door, looking back at me. “I know you blame yourself, El. This isn’t your fault. You are, and have been, a good Queen. The majority of your people know that.”

I say nothing. Guilt and anger surge through me. Regardless of what Nemesia believes, I know that my people wouldn’t be in this situation if it weren’t for me. At the heart of the rebellion’s fears is Thayaria’s isolation from the rest of the world, and that is all on me. I may not have swung the metaphorical blade, but the leader who gives the order is just as culpable.

Laurel

Those who channel the aether through water are considered a lower order of magic users, though this prejudice is unfair to the many practical applications of water channeling. Trade between the four kingdoms would stagnate without their ability to hasten travel by ship or calm raging seas. The strongest of this order can even heal injuries with only the smallest amount of liquid.

The Unabridged History of Magical Orders, Volume I