“He said in his council meeting that he’d force Banes on all his people. I need to find out how he’s planning to do that.”

She lifted her chin. “You need to take me to the Well of Talents as promised.”

Promised. Bastiaan glanced at Runt. The boy’s face was artfully neutral as he listened to their exchange. Bastiaan had promised Runt a Talent. Then he’d gone and promised the queen a trip to the Well.

He’d delayed and delayed with Runt. They were so close, but . . .

. . . this could not be ignored.

“What Mattias is doing at the Nightwell could threaten the very existence of the Well of Talents. He bypassed it altogether. That alone is reason for concern. Get some rest here while you can. Runt, I’ll show you the overlook so you can keep an eye on the army and Sven’s group if they emerge. Anouk is now your charge.”

Runt nodded, empowered with a mission. “I’ll protect her, even if I have to use my Bane.”

Bastiaan tried not to cringe. “You’re a good lad. But don’t use your Bane. Not for any reason—using it will give it more power over you.”

Anouk pressed her lips into a tight slash of disapproval. “And what about you?”

“I’ll enter King Mattias’s camp, scout the situation. If I haven’t returned by dawn, it’s best you head back to the schloss.”

“No way!” Runt exclaimed. “I’ll come after you!”

“No, you’ll protect your queen.”

“You should know by now that Runt is more loyal to you than to his country. As is right with family.” Family. The one thing Anouk seemed to care most about.

“I’d come after you, Bastiaan! Covered in blood. No one would be able to stop me or touch me. I’d free you!”

“No, Runt. Don’t use your Bane.” The boy was too young to carry the weight of murder. He’d already killed the dungeon master, and it nearly destroyed him—taking down a man who was ready to cut off his very fingers. If Runt had compassion and regret for such a death, he would not survive a battle of blood. Not internally, at least.

“Sven and his band of followers can’t be far. Myrthe is with them. They’re likely in the canals. They can direct you back to the schloss.”

“If you don’t return to us, I’ll continue through the Trials on my own,” Anouk said.

Stubborn queen of a woman! “The Trials will kill you if you attempt them alone.”

“Then you’d best not get caught.”

*  *  *

Bastiaan traveled in shadows. Beneath tree boughs or in the throat of the valley. He took Sterk only so far before he looped the reins over a branch, low enough that Sterk could get to the foliage beneath the snow and loose enough to tug free if Bastiaan whistled . . . or died.