“Runt, what’s going on?” Bastiaan gripped the bars. “You shouldn’t be here. Your position is precarious enough as it is.”

Runt didn’t appear to be listening—or maybe he didn’t care. He smeared his hand along the bottom stair, creating a barrier with his Talent. Then he brushed his hands against his pants. “That should do it.”

Both he and Anouk were panting. She was pale but seemed exhilarated. Runt grinned as though playing a mischievous prank. He faced Bastiaan and me.

“Hello, my little lawbreakers! It’s time for the crat to save the adults.”

Every word from Runt’s mouth endeared him to me further. Where Anouk was soft and gentle, Runt was snarky and impish. But he was so clearly her son.

“What are you doing?” Bastiaan growled.

“I’m doing what kings do—taking control and doing what I want.”

“You’re not king for another five years.”

“And until then, they’re making Coralythe my new teacher—and she lied to me! She’s been working with Mattias this whole time. The whole time we were in the dungeon. And now she’s working for Hartmut!”

Bastiaan grimaced. “I’m so sorry.” A distant noise came from far out of view.

Bastiaan’s gaze darted toward the stairwell, but Runt waved off any potential concern.

“There are so many barriers up there and I just knocked out a militair. We’ve got time.”

“Listen, Runt.” Bastiaan took a long breath and closed his eyes for a moment. “You need to go back.”

“To Coralythe?”

“Yes, even to Coralythe. If you rebel and run, the council will decide you’re not worth keeping around for five years. They’ll kill you, Runt. And you . . . You’re this kingdom’s only hope. Besides, you have Anouk.”

“They won’t let me see him,” Anouk said softly. “The reason I’m with Runt right now is because he snuck me here. The council is sending me to the kleinschloss with a small assortment of attendants and militairen.”

“They can’t do that!” My burst of fury dashed away any chill that clung to my skin. “You are his mother. You’re the queen!” She’d only just found him! How could they dismiss a mother’s role in her son’s life so easily?

“I have no power. The council is in control . . . as is the law.” Each word seemed forced out of Anouk’s mouth. She had finally found her son and would not be allowed to see him or get to know him. Did the council have any idea what she’d gone through to find Runt? “At least he’s safe and has a future.”

Runt snorted. “You’re all talking as though this is our only option.”

“It is,” Bastiaan said firmly. “You and Anouk need to return to your chambers now, before you endanger both your lives.”