Page 25

I’m drowning in reports of bizarre occurrences with no obvious connections.

Aclaris and Kamor on the continent to the south. The Havens and Meridia to the east. Tír Ríoga, Northern Volox, and the Withered Undulations on the continent north of Tirene. And so many around our capital that the paper is completely covered.

The candles in the council chamber have burned low, their flames casting long shadows across my kingdom, my responsibility. I roll another ball of wax between my fingers, letting my magic warm it just enough to become malleable without melting.

The heavy oak door creaks open behind me, and I know who’s entered without looking. The purposeful yet quiet footsteps belong to Sterling. Even with my back to him, my body’s viscerally aware of his presence.

“Find any patterns yet?”

“If by patterns, you mean absolute chaos and no answers, then yes. We have lots of those.” I gesture at the map with wax-sticky fingers. “I’m starting to think the gods are just rolling dice with us.”

I pivot to find him balancing a stack of scrolls, his face partially hidden behind the pile. Even after everything we’ve been through, my heart performs the same ridiculous jump as always.

“Temple attacks here and here.” I point to red markers near our western borders. “Water behaving oddly there.” My finger traces the coastal regions. “And reports of strange star patterns visible only from this mountain pass.” I tap a spot in the northeastern reaches of Tirene.

Sterling sets the scrolls on the table before coming to stand beside me. “You missed one.” He reaches past me, his sleeve brushing mine as he indicates an unmarked spot. “One of the scouts just arrived. The white stags of Aurora Grove have turned obsidian black.”

“What?” I blink. “That’s⁠—”

His mouth quirks. “Impossible? Like water flowing uphill or temple doors sealing themselves shut with no one inside?”

“Every temple official Rafe and I spoke with this week had the same sort of stories. Such strangeness, and no clear response from the gods.” I rake my fingers through my hair, unable to summon energy to care about any traces of red wax I’m leaving behind. “Something must be connecting these events. If we understand what the gods want, maybe we can put a stop to all of this.”

Sterling studies the map in silence, his expressive brown eyes narrowed in concentration. The shadows highlight his high cheekbones and square jaw. He stands perfectly still, the way he often does when thinking.

“I’ve sent messengers to the temples of Aletheia and Cyphero.” Unable to remain still any longer, I begin to pace. Outside, the weather is chilly and the gray clouds covering the sun cast the room in gloom. “If anyone might give us straight answers, it’s the Goddess of Light and Truth or the God of Hidden Knowledge.”

Sterling’s eyes track me, his stillness a contrast to my restless motion. “And if they don’t?”

“Then we keep pushing until someone breaks.” I cross to where I left my pack earlier and grab the worn leather strap. “I’m going to head out and speak to⁠—”

The doors to the chamber swing open. Rafe enters first, his thick eyebrows drawn together. The remaining council members drift in behind him like a reluctant tide, their faces a mix of determination and exhaustion that probably mirror my own.

“Your Highness.” Rafe nods at me, then Sterling. “We’re ready to discuss supply lines for the Southern Shore reinforcements.”

Repressing a groan, I release my grip on my satchel. Another three hours, at minimum, of debating stone quality and labor distribution when more urgent matters demand attention. But the barriers require strengthening before the spring storms hit mere months from now.

Royal duty never ends.

I bite back a groan and force my features into polite interest.

Sterling shifts beside me. “Unfortunately, Lark and I have another engagement.”

Hope springs to life. He could tell me he’s taking me to count ants as they parade in and out of their colony and I’d gladly agree. Anything to get me out of this room for a while.

I manage a serious nod. “Yes, very important. Can’t be rescheduled.”

Before anyone can question us further, Leesa pops her dark golden blond head through the open doorway. Perfect timing.

Suspiciously so.

“Sorry to interrupt, but Lark, that important appointment…” She pauses for dramatic effect, and I almost snort. “You and Knox? Remember?”

I fight a smile as I arrange my features into an expression of dismay. “I completely lost track of time. My sincerest apologies, council members, but this particular matter…”

To my utter surprise, they all nod in understanding. Every last one of them.

Rafe waves a dismissive hand. “No problem, Your Highness. We’ll handle preliminary discussions and present options tomorrow.”