Today, the rebels will attack the palace. Fionn and Silene are helping them sneak in and will tell them I’m in the throne room with some advisors. While they make their way to my trap, a small group of trusted soldiers led by Carex will storm the rebel stronghold in Oakton. Unfortunately, none of the planted information we strategically leaked to the Council seems to have made its way to the rebels, signaling either Nemesia was working alone, or her counterpart has been too smart to share anything more.

Standing in my closet, I consider my appearance for the attack. I have a part to play, so I don the dark makeup and even darker clothing of the Witch Queen. The dress I select is a two-piece black velvet number. The top is long-sleeved, with a square neckline and hem that stops just below my bust. The skirt rests at my natural waist, with a sleek line that hugs my curves before flaring out. Several inches of my stomach are on display, and I’ve braided my hair in an intricate design that circles my head.

Thayar and laurel crown resting on my head, I survey myself in the mirror. The female staring back—the Witch Queen—is becoming unfamiliar to me after the months spent with Thorne, Silene, and Fionn. Lunaria rubs against my legs, startling me from my observation. I scratch her head until she purrs deeply, then aerstep both of us to the throne room antechamber, where Thorne awaits us.

The moment he sees me, his eyes hungrily track up and down my body, lust instantly darkening his eyes.

“Aethers, Laurel. You’re going to be the death of me. The Shining Prince will be taken down by the Witch Queen after all, through tight dresses and crimson lips.” He gives me a sly smirk. I bare my teeth in mock ferociousness, and his smirk turns to a full out grin. “You look similar to the first time I met you,” he adds softly, threading his fingers through mine and bringing our foreheads together. The irony of the moment isn’t lost on me. “Are you going to bewitch the throne room in the same way?”

“Yes,” I breathe out, and the word sounds more seductive than I intend. He squeezes my hands, then releases me and pulls away.

“Don’t make it too dark, or I’ll lose the ability to stay hidden,” he reminds me as he cloaks himself with light.