“Can’t say the feeling is mutual,” I growled. I raised my bow and arrow, making the threat known.

“No simple bow will save your beloved governess. By the time you shoot one of us, the other will have stabbed her in the heart.”

“I don’t plan on saving her. I plan on shooting her.”

Succo’s grip on her weapon wavered, and even from a distance, I saw Yemma flinch and then wilt in pained disbelief.

“You’d shoot the woman who raised you, who’s sworn her fealty to you over her queen?”

“What loyalty drives a wedge between a sister and brother? I came to beg for my queen’s forgiveness. You see, my governess has whispered lies all these years. She made me believe my sister didn’t want me, that she never loved me. But when I met with General Mersia, I learned the truth. It’s why I escaped before the massacre with the human slave, my gift to my queen.”

Yemma’s head hung low, and I thought I saw her back rise in a sob, causing my heart to squeeze. I begged her to sniff out my deception, to know in her heart I’d never say such things in truth. I couldn’t look at her, so I looked over her and hoped for a miracle.

“Take a simple step back from her, and I will prove it. Let me kill her as a show of loyalty to Queen Lorelei.” The words stung like venom on my tongue, but I swallowed the guilt like I would one of Ketner’s healing potions.

The spear-wielding siren stepped forward, using the length of her weapon to keep Yemma in check. “And how do we know this is not a trick and you won’t shoot us instead?”

I shrugged. “You don’t, but feel free to take cover. Stand wherever you want, safe from my arrow’s reach.” The guards turned to one another, passing silent judgement and doubts, so I added, “The queen will be very displeased if you bring me before her and I explain you didn’t obey a direct order from your Emperor. Her command was to kill Yemma in front of me, yes? Now I’m asking to be the hand to strike her down, a profession of my fidelity to my queen’s sovereignty. You wouldn’t deny me of that right, would you?”

Succo tapped her chin with her free hand, confirming my suspicions of my sister’s intentions. Lorelei would never let Yemma live. Preserving her life thus far had just been another strategic move, a plan to inflict more pain on me. My governess’ use was wearing thin.

“Imagine your queen’s wrath when I tell this tale of disobedience.”

The siren in the light green skirt growled and hissed in a savage display, stabbing the ground with her spear half a dozen times. She didn’t trust me, and for good reason.