Books

Prologue

It was over. I’d won.

Zaletor the Eternal Emperor and pawn of the disgraced goddess Kalexia was dead, and all that remained to show he’d ever existed was a crown and an ugly black robe. The room still echoed with the beautiful sound of the crown clattering to the floor.

“Phoebe!” 

Tristan burst in through the wreckage of the door. His arms were covered in scratches, and his red hair was plastered to his forehead with sweat and blood, but his face held only relief. That expression vanished when he saw the gaping wound in my abdomen. 

“No!” 

I don’t know if he whispered or screamed the word, but he rushed to my side just as my knees gave out, catching me as I crumpled to the floor.

“Hang on,” he cried. “Mercury will be here soon. They’ll fix this.”

I gasped as he pressed a hand against my side. I knew there was nothing Mercury could do, but I didn’t argue. My trousers clung uncomfortably to my legs, sticky with the blood pooling around us. 

“It’s finished.” I ran my hand down his smooth cheek, finding it pleasantly warm. Or my hand was freezing. Noticing the fallen crown and robe for the first time, Tristan sucked in a ragged breath, his olive skin going pale. When he looked back at me, his eyes were shining. Skies above, he was gorgeous, even with the frown that crumpled his face.

“You should have waited for us. We could have helped you.”

I smiled, even as the world started to fade at the edges of my vision. “And share the glory of victory? Never.”

His mouth tightened. Tristan always could see through my bravado, but I wanted to go out on a high note. I wanted him to remember me like this, sassy and unbroken. It was definitely getting colder, and I struggled to focus. I’d kept my secret from him long enough.

“Don’t be angry. But this is what was meant to happen,” I said, doing my best to memorize the hazel green of his eyes. They were the only things I could see clearly. “Mercury told me on day one I had to be willing to die to stop Zaletor. It was the only way.”

“That Ethereal son of a bitch!” Tristan growled. “How could they ask that of a teenager?!”

I had no answer. My breath was coming fast and shallow, and I knew it was time. But I felt ready. He would be okay. They all would. 

“Please,” I mumbled, not even sure if he could hear me. “Tell the others . . . they are . . . the best family . . . I could have . . . asked for.”

Darkness had swallowed everything except Tristan’s eyes, and even they were starting to blur.

“I love you.”

Not exactly original, as far as last words go, but oh well. 

Chapter 1 

20 Years Later

I had never liked to dwell on the past; there were too many ghosts. But since the entire kingdom held a yearly celebration to honor the exploits of my childhood, thinking about the past felt like all I ever did. Especially at this point in the year, when planning was in full swing.

The event was known as the Commemoration Festival, and it was celebrated in every city across Bearnel. There was feasting, dancing, and a grand parade through the capitol. People looked forward to it all year. 

Well, most people. For me, the festival was something to be endured. I would spend the day shuffled from event to event with a smile plastered on my face. I’d be on my feet for hours greeting diplomats or entertaining priestesses before leading the parade from my carriage. If I were lucky, I’d be able to get a few hours’ sleep before overseeing the guests’ departures the following morning. It was exhausting, and I hated how everything was designed to put me on display. I wished I could do away with the whole spectacle. But one thing I’d learned in the last twenty years was that my happiness often had to be sacrificed for the joys of others.

After all, a queen’s first duty was to her people.

Since the citizens of Bearnel loved the festival, it was my responsibility to ensure that everything ran without a hitch. If anything was less than perfect, I was the one people complained to. It was in everyone’s best interest that I oversaw the details personally. Hence why I was taking slow breaths through my nose to smother my growing annoyance at the two people in front of me. 

One of them, an elderly woman in a crisp black tunic, regarded me patiently. “With all due respect, Your Majesty, we have two whole months. That’s plenty of time to finalize decorations for the dining hall.” 

Vena was the castle’s Steward and responsible for the day-to-day operations of the staff. Her grandmotherly appearance contrasted with her practical, straightforward nature. Normally, I found her candor refreshing. Today, however, I felt like I was speaking to a wall.

“I understand that it may feel that way,” I replied, keeping my tone light. “But we need to have contingencies in place for if something falls through, and that takes time. Most guests consider the closing banquet the highlight of their visit. I will not risk another wilted centerpiece incident.”

Vena grimaced, deepening the wrinkles around her eyes. “That was seven years ago.”

I couldn’t help but tap my foot under the table. “And yet I still hear comments about it.” 

Her lips pursed. Before she could argue, I shifted my ire to the man across from her, who had been watching the exchange with ill-concealed glee.

“Mayfield, why was there a drafted proclamation on my desk about tax increases?”

As the Royal Secretary, Mayfield ensured my decrees were carried out by the mayors of the major cities. The opposite of Vena in every way, he was a reedy man, with a long face and meticulously combed hair. He was the type of person who preferred to use twenty words when six would do. I considered him to be a horrid sycophant, but a necessary evil. 

“Your Majesty, as it is the twentieth anniversary, the events for this year’s festival must be larger and grander than any prior. Which requires more funds.”

My face remained impassive. “According to yesterday’s treasury report we are more than capable of hosting an event for the citizens without additional resources.” 

“Perhaps here in Glassleaf the money is readily available, but the major cities will all be hosting celebrations of their own. We must increase taxes temporarily to facilitate this. Half of the money will be sent back here for our central celebration, while the other half will be used by the mayors for their celebrations.” He gave what I assumed was intended to be a remorseful shrug. “We cannot deny anyone the right to celebrate The Great Victory.”

I could practically hear Vena’s teeth grinding, but I ignored her. “And we won’t. But I will not risk bankrupting my citizens for mere extravagance. If something is out of budget, it must be deemed unnecessary.” My tone left no room for argument as I leveled my gaze at the man. “There will be no tax increases.”

Mayfield’s expression turned stony as a flush appeared on his cheeks, but he dipped his chin in acknowledgement. With the matter settled, discussion turned to arrangements for the parade.

When the two of them got into a battle over when each of the visiting dignitaries would arrive, I took a moment to breathe. As inconspicuously as possible, I pulled a slip of paper with my daily schedule out of my pocket. Today’s dress was a deep burgundy velvet with silver embroidery along the high neckline and wrists. It was moderately comfortable, as far as dresses went, which made it one of my favorites. My eyes darted over the tiny script, and I held in a sigh when I saw that I would be having lunch with the representatives from the Citadel. As the religious order devoted to serving The Goddesses, the priestesses always treated me not as a queen, but a divine miracle blessed by The Goddesses themselves. Their worship was, to put it mildly, exhausting.

After that, I was expected at the docks for the dedication of a new ship, and then I had back-to-back meetings with the leaders of the military and the merchant’s guild. Finally, a formal dinner was scheduled with some visiting emissaries. The paper said where they were from, but it didn’t really matter. The exact people may be different from day to day, but my schedule was always the same. And, as always, there were no breaks. 

Vena cleared her throat, and I looked up to find both of them looking at me. 

Crap. 

“If you could repeat that?” A queen did not apologize, even when she was definitely not paying attention.

“Certainly, Your Majesty,” Vena replied. “There will be more delegates visiting this year than usual, to mark the anniversary. It seems many of them have already been promised lodging.” The glare she shot at Mayfield said everything I needed to know about her opinions on that. “As such, we were thinking some of the guests could be housed in the main castle, to ease their stay.”

Mayfield shifted in his seat at the word “we”. 

“It’s a fine idea,” I said, “but there aren’t any guest rooms in the main castle. Are you suggesting we put cots in the library?”

“No, Your Majesty.” Vena’s smile was patient. “But perhaps some of the, uh, vacant bedrooms would be put to use.”

Oh.

Something in my face must have changed, because Vena pushed on. “I know everyone would prefer their presence at the festival, what with it being an anniversary and all. But it’s been years since the rest of the family has come for the Commemoration Festival, and if we could put those rooms to better use—”

I held up a hand, and silence filled the room. They both were staring at me, which wasn’t unusual, but this time their eyes were filled with pity. I kept my voice neutral.

“I understand your request. I will add it to my list of things to consider and will give you my answer next week.” I pushed back my chair, and they stood as I did. “Now, I must leave you to prepare for my luncheon with the representatives from the Citadel. Please inform the Council of my updates to tomorrow’s meeting agenda. I won’t have us going off track again.”

They both bowed and murmured their understanding. I strode from the room as the old grief coiled in my gut. To hell with the schedule. I was taking a break.

The Commemoration Festival had always been tedious. There were hundreds of details to organize and contingencies to plan for. But this year I’d found it more difficult than ever. The emphasis my advisors were placing on the anniversary was meant to show how far the nation had come. Instead, all I saw was everything I’d lost.

The castle was a bustling hive of people, but I walked calmly through the halls, nodding politely to anyone I encountered. I’d told the castle staff long ago they didn’t need to bow to me every time we passed in the hallway, but they did it anyway. I took a left at a fork in the hallway, knowing it would lead me to a less used part of the castle. The door behind me clicked closed and like magic, the activity around me ceased, the only sound the dragging of my heavy skirt on the plush rugs that covered the polished wood floor. 

While Vena was the expert on activity within the castle, I knew the building's layout better than anyone.

When Zaletor had taken power two hundred years ago, he’d slaughtered the ruling family. The castle had sat empty during his reign, as he’d preferred to rule from the safety of his tower in the Eastern Plains. When I was named queen, it had taken months of repairs and cleaning to make the structure habitable again. I’d spent that time exploring, familiarizing myself with the castle’s secrets and even adding a few of my own. 

Those were good times.

Hall after hall vanished beneath my feet as I tried to clear my head. Vena was right, of course. The rooms in the main castle were sitting empty, and they were easier to access than those in the guest wing. The maids cleaned them every few days to keep the dust from taking over, and the bedding was changed monthly. Just in case any of them showed up.

Which, of course, they wouldn’t. Did I really expect one of them to simply drop in out of the blue, ready to stay? Then why did it feel wrong to even consider opening up their rooms?

I walked aimlessly, absorbed in my thoughts until I realized with a start where my traitorous feet had carried me. I lingered outside the study, a place I normally avoided at all costs. The room held a few books, and assorted weapons hung artfully on the walls. A wooden dummy was tucked into one corner, displaying my old armor. It was still polished to a shine and now seemed hilariously small. But the room’s main feature was an enormous painting that stretched across the back wall. I stepped forward, drawn to the painting like a moth to a flame.

There we were. All five of us.

My family. 

Only Becca and Tristan had been related by blood, but we’d been a family, nonetheless. 

I swallowed past the lump in my throat as the memories clawed their way up. 

Everyone had been captured so perfectly: Jax with his dark curls and a big, dramatic smile on his face. The golden hilt of a sword was visible at his hip, and his chest was puffed out with pride. Becca was giving her cheekiest grin, her auburn hair a stark contrast to her black clothing. She looked ready to vanish into the shadows at any moment by merely pulling up her hood. Alto stood behind Becca, close enough to touch. His golden hair was a messy halo above a soft smile and intelligent brown eyes. And to the left, next to me as always…

I looked away from Tristan’s face. That was too much.

I looked instead to my own face, soft with youth and hope. My hair was short, barely to my collarbone, and such a dark brown it looked black against my pale skin. I don’t know how the artist had managed to get my eyes the perfect shade of purple, but they glimmered bright with joy. I never learned if their amethyst hue was intentional, a mark from The Goddess’ indicating my status as their Chosen One, or simply a chance anomaly. Either way, they were my most recognizable feature. My left hand clasped tight to Tristan’s, while my right arm was thrown over Becca’s shoulders. 

The only one who didn’t look right was Mercury. They had been summoned back to the Ethereal Plane almost immediately after I’d vanquished Zaletor, so we’d had to describe their form to the artist. The results were…mixed. The height, wings, and coloring were correct, but Jax kept insisting Mercury had always had a giant human nose. Eventually, the artist had given up and merely painted the Ethereal’s face as a smudge. Thinking back on that day now, I wanted to smile at the fun we’d had. But I couldn’t.

A table sat beneath the painting, empty, save for a single, ever-burning candle. A candle that had been there for the past thirteen years. 

Right beneath Becca.

In my heart, I knew Jax and Alto would never attend another Commemoration Festival. As for Tristan, well, it was best not to think about him. 

Shaking myself out of the fog of the past, I fled the study. With conscious steps this time, I made my way to my room at the other end of the castle. My suite was one floor above the four empty rooms. Next week, I’d tell Vena that three of the rooms could be given to guests who needed them. But not Becca’s.

When I entered my room, I locked the door behind me. It was a formality, as at least six people had the key to get in, but it felt like the right thing to do. I crossed the elaborate space to a washbasin, wanting to splash my face in an effort to pull myself together, when a barely audible rustle sounded behind me. I stopped as the hair on my neck rose. 

My heartbeat faster, but I kept my expression calm and crossed to my dressing table.

“You might as well come out,” I said, reaching up and removing my earrings. They were delicate silver leaves, matching my dress’ embroidery perfectly. 

Nothing happened.

My heart raced. It had been years since there had been any type of assassination or kidnapping attempt. Unbidden hoarfrost spread down my fingers, my magic ready to surge forth at a moment’s notice. 

My eyes widened a fraction as I held up my hand. I forgot that happened whenever I got scared. It had been so long since I had anything to fear.

Returning my focus back to the room, I took in a breath to shout for the guards.

“It is you!” came a familiar voice.

Startled, I spun to face it, and a blast of ice shot across the bedroom.

Mercury deflected the ice with ease, sending the shards crashing into my writing desk. Their tail twitched in amusement. 

“You’ve really gotten sloppy.”

Chapter 2

My brain couldn’t process the reality of what I was seeing.

Mercury’s form had always been a strange sight. But in the twenty years since I’d last seen them, I’d forgotten just how striking they were. Standing nearly three feet tall, the Ethereal resembled a winged cat, with fur like liquid silver that constantly fluctuated in a mercurial fashion that inspired their name. Most of the time they were solid, but they could shift into a gaseous form at will, becoming a living mist. The shadowy, bat-like wings sprouting from their back appeared to be made of smoke.

All of this was impressive, but it was their eyes that took my breath away. Looking into Mercury’s eyes was like looking into the universe. They had no iris or pupil. Instead, each eye was a solid blue-black and filled with flecks of light burning like stars. I still had dreams about those eyes, though my memories did not do them justice.

While I may have forgotten a few small details, I knew Mercury looked exactly the same as they had twenty years ago, as though not a single day had passed for them.

“You’re here.” The words fell stupidly out of my mouth. I wrapped my arms around my chest, squeezing my elbows and fighting the overwhelming desire to rush over and hug them. To prove to myself they were real. But the Ethereal had never been a fan of physical contact, and they’d never understood the human need for hugs. “You came back.”

They studied me, with only shifting star-flecks to indicate where they were looking. 

“What’s wrong?” I asked, sensing some hesitation. 

They cocked their head. “You look so different.”

The Ethereal was an angelic entity, serving as a messenger for The Goddesses. I knew they were immortal, but I had never considered that they might not comprehend things like aging.

“I’m older than when you were here last. By twenty years.”

Mercury gazed at me critically. “Yeah, I know. But you’re larger than when I last saw you.”

My jaw clamped shut and I felt my cheeks burn. 

“And what happened to your hair?” they went on, gesturing with a paw at my elaborately braided chignon. “It used to be all dark, right? Why are there some gray parts now?”

Somehow, in the years since I’d seen Mercury, I’d forgotten how much I could hate them.

“That is not an appropriate—” I forced myself to take a breath. “I was sixteen the last time you saw me. Developing a stomach and thighs is completely normal. And hair turns gray due to age and stress. It’s a miracle it didn’t happen the first time you were here, considering how much of a pain in my ass you were.”

They stalked forward on silent feet, still assessing me in an infuriating way. “Hmm. Weird. I’ll take your word for it. But why are you wearing a dress? You hate dresses. That’s the main reason I didn’t recognize you.”

It was true I hated anything with a skirt when I was young. It just got in the way, and I’d always have to wear a belt or pouch to carry my things.

“I have to wear dresses now,” I replied, running a self-conscious hand down the front of my gown. “I’m the queen. The queen has to wear dresses.”

Their face scrunched in confusion. “I thought the queen did whatever she wanted. Isn’t that the whole point of the job? Can’t you just decree ‘no dresses for the queen’ and that’s that?”

“I—well, it’s not that simple.” 

Stupid Mercury. 

They waved a dismissive paw. “You know what? It’s not important. You’re the queen, you’re larger, and you wear dresses. Good catching up. Now, let’s go! We’ve got work to do!”

My head was reeling. Was this actually happening? Had the stress finally broken me? Was I dead, and this was the underworld?

I plopped down onto the bed before I could collapse to the floor.

“No! Don’t sit! I said we’ve got to go! Where’s the rest of the group? Some of them were useful. And where can we get you a horse? I remember you can’t move very fast without a horse.” They were practically bouncing with excitement.

“This can’t be happening.” I pressed my hands against my eyes to block out the nightmare in front of me. “This must be some sort of dream.”

I felt the bed shift as Mercury jumped up beside me. A large, heavy paw rapped against the top of my head.

“Are you having trouble hearing me? Isn’t that another human thing about aging?”

I waved them off. “I can hear you just fine. I’m trying to decide if you’re real or merely a figment of my imagination.”

With a flop, they lay down beside me, their furry face turning impish. I’d forgotten how damn expressive they could be.

“I understand. I’m sure you’ve missed me terribly. But I can assure you, I’m very real. And we very much need to go.”

“I don’t know what’s going on, but I can’t go!”

Mercury’s ears flattened, their eyes flicking to the door.

“I see. I can break that down, no problem. How many guards are outside? I’ll kill as many as I can while you—”

“I don’t mean it like that! I’m not a prisoner here,” I insisted, though the claim felt somehow false. “I’m saying I can’t go on a random adventure with you just because you showed up out of nowhere. I have things to do here: duties and responsibilities.”

Their silvery essence churned.

“You have a duty to The Goddesses! Your responsibility is to keep evil in check. Those are the things you’re meant to be doing.”

And just like that, I felt sixteen again. The fate of the world was on my shoulders and my life was barely my own. But my feelings of self-doubt were quickly replaced with fury. 

“First of all, as far as I’m concerned, The Goddesses can shove it,” I stated, ignoring the look of outrage on their face. “Second, what evil? Zaletor is dead! The kingdom is at peace! Everything’s been running smoothly for decades!”

Mercury stood up on the bed, making themselves taller than I was sitting down, and glared at me.

“Oh, really, Miss ‘I’m the queen and I know everything?’ Then why have there been surges of dark energy in the Eastern Plains?”

My anger was snuffed out like a candle. “What?”

“Oh yeah! For months now! At first, they were small. Barely even blips in the Ethereal Plane. We didn’t think much of it, assuming someone had discovered some trinket or relic from Zaletor’s reign and was messing around with it. But this time is different! Whatever it is, it’s been getting stronger and pulling more energy from my world over to yours. It’s gotten bad enough that The Goddesses want you to put a stop to it.”

At that moment, someone could have punched me in the stomach and it would have been more comfortable.

“How can that be? You told me before that Zaletor was only able to become as powerful as he was because he made a deal with The Dark Lady. She’s been imprisoned by her sister Goddesses for her treason, and Zaletor is dead. If no one else is able to make that type of deal, how is someone that powerful?”

“These are all excellent questions,” Mercury said, leaping down from the bed and crossing to my open closet. “Good thing we will have plenty of time to talk it through with the group while we travel. Is it cold out right now? Let’s get your coat.”

Frost coated my fingers again, spreading to the bedspread beneath me in sparkling tendrils. My heart was racing so fast I worried I was going to be sick.

“No.”

There was a crash as something tipped over in my closet.

“Oops. That looked expensive. Did you say something?”

“I said NO!” 

A silver feline head poked out from the doorway. “What do you mean ‘no?’”

“I mean, I’m not going. If some new evil is growing in the world, find someone else to deal with it. I did my part twenty years ago. I let you and The Goddesses upend my life once already, I’m not going to do it again. So find someone else.”

With a burning glare, Mercury stalked out from the closet. “That’s not how this works. They call. You answer. End of story.”

The sheer command in their statement, like I was still a child to be scolded, had me seeing red. 

“Listen, you little goblin, I answered their call. I did their bidding. And I died. Whatever is happening now is terrible, and I agree someone needs to put a stop to it. But it won’t be me. The Goddesses chose a champion before, they can do it again. I’ll even tell them everything I remember about—”

Mercury laughed, the sound a hissing cackle.

“You’re not getting it, Phoebe. You’re ‘the chosen one.’ Not ‘the girl who was chosen that one time to do one thing and then was done.’ You are the only person on earth who has been blessed with all four magical abilities. That’s not something that can be done a second time. If someone needs to face the new evil in the world, you’re it. AND,” they pushed on, sensing my intent to interrupt, “if it turns out Zaletor is somehow behind this, you and your friends know better than anyone how to beat him!”

“It. Can’t. Be. Zaletor. I killed him. He’s gone.”

“All of him?”

“Yes! He vanished in a plume of ash, leaving only a robe and an ugly crown behind. We burned the robe, destroyed his tower, and gave the smoldering ash pile the finger. And the instant he died, all the souls he was using to power his stone creatures were released, so there wasn’t even anything to hunt down!”

“And you destroyed the crown?”

My mouth snapped shut. 

Shit.

“We…um.”

Mercury’s eyes bugged out. “Um??”

Double shit.

As queen, it had been ages since I’d had to explain myself to anyone. I didn’t like it. Especially since the little imp had a point.

“Listen, we tried to destroy the crown. But the damn thing couldn’t be melted or crushed or shattered. We did the best we could.”

“And what, exactly, was the best you could do?”

“We managed to pry out the stone and hid the two pieces separately so no one could ever find them. The crown is here with me. I kept it close so I could make sure it never fell into the wrong hands.”

As I spoke, their claws dug deep into my comforter. A rattling growl sounded low in their throat as they exhaled a breath, but their voice was chillingly calm. “Okay. It’s probably fine. We’ll check on the crown, then we’ll leave for the Eastern Plains. Where did you hide it?”

I held my tongue about the whole “leaving” thing. At least until I’d proven the crown was still safely hidden. “It’s in the catacombs beneath the castle. And I’m telling you, it’s still there.”

~~~

“Son of a bitch.”

My curse echoed through the dank tunnel as the torch in my hand illuminated the hole in the wall. The hole that was normally covered by a loose cobblestone. The hole where I’d stashed Zaletor’s crown all those years ago.

The hole that was now empty.

Mercury was pacing in a small circle beside me, their tail lashing in frustration.

“Okay Okay Okay Okay. When did you see it last? That can help us narrow down when it went missing.”

“I suppose it has been a while.” I held the torch to the hole again, in case I’d missed seeing a glittering crown in the impossibly narrow space. 

They stopped pacing. “How long is ‘a while?’”

Maybe I had the wrong hiding hole. I was sure I’d put it directly across from the tomb of Sir Richard the Nimble, because teenage me had thought “Nimble Dick” hilarious. But maybe I’d pulled the wrong stone. I began frantically searching the wall for any rocks that would come loose.

“Phoebe,” Mercury said, their voice turning firm. “How long has it been?”

With a grunt of frustration, I pressed my forehead against the cold stone wall.

“Thirteen years.”

“WHAT?!” 

I flinched as their shout reverberated around me. “I forgot about it, okay? I had a lot of other things going on. Like running a kingdom.”

“How. Could you possibly. Forget. About something like this?!” Each phrase was punctuated with anger. I could see they were close to losing it. “It’s bad enough you didn’t finish the job and destroy it!”

“Give me a break!” I spat back, beginning to lose it myself. “I was sixteen! Despite the responsibility you and The Goddesses gave me, I was still just a stupid kid! And I was exhausted! So, yes. I hid the crown and called it good!”

Truthfully, I had planned on checking on the crown more frequently. The day I placed it in the hole in the catacombs, I’d made a vow to myself that I would check on it once a month, to make sure it was safe. But once a month had turned into once every three months. Then six. Then once a year. Until eventually I stopped coming. I’d think of it from time to time, but it never seemed important enough to make a trip down here. And my days were so full, on the rare instances I had some time to myself I didn’t want to spend it in the dark, depressing catacombs.

And, if I was being honest, I didn’t want to look at the crown. I had enough reminders of my “great victory” throughout the castle. I didn’t need one more.

Still, this was very, very bad. Even though Zaletor was dead, someone had his crown. It was a relic, a symbol of his reign, and I knew better than anyone that symbols had power. 

“So,” I began, putting the stone back in the wall. “What are you going to do now?”

It was like watching a tiny silver explosion.

“What am ‘I’ going to do?!” Mercury shouted. Their wings flared as their large paws stomped at the ground. “No, Phoebe! We! What are ‘we’ going to do?!”

“I already told you I’m not going to—”

“You are the one who didn’t destroy the crown! You are the one who lost it! You are the one who has been telling everybody Zaletor is dead but can’t explain the dark energy occurrences! Face it, Your Majesty, you need to stop what’s going on, if not for the safety of the world, then for the safety of your own skin! Because what is everyone going to say if you are wrong?”

My heart might have stopped. 

I was positive Zaletor was dead. I’d swear it on my life. But the crown had been my responsibility, and I’d failed at that pretty drastically. And while I knew it couldn’t be Zaletor, other people would grow suspicious if the same terrible things started happening again. It’s not like I’d ever been able to produce a body to prove my claim. If rumors spread that he was back, people would panic. Besides, no matter who it was, someone was pulling a dangerous amount of dark energy into the world. If left unchecked, that could rip a hole in the universe.

Damnit. Mercury was right.

I needed to find out what was going on. In person and attracting as little attention as possible. 

“Ok,” I grumbled. “But we’re leaving the castle my way.”

Chapter 3

I knew the Council and castle guard would never allow me to leave by myself. Even with the kingdom at peace, it was unheard of for the queen to go anywhere outside the castle without a full escort.

Luckily, I’d been daydreaming about ways to escape for years. I’d never planned to follow through on any of them, of course. It was merely a way I’d developed to pass the time during particularly boring events or meetings. Sometimes it was an epic escape through windows or secret tunnels only I knew about. Other times, it was as simple as walking out the front door in a cloak, never to return. Now, I was able to pick the very best scenario for this particular situation.

Mercury would have preferred the option of leaving immediately without saying a word and fighting anyone who tried to get in our way. But they’d agreed to my plan, mostly because I’d vowed to chain myself to my desk if they didn’t.

I’d instructed a page to gather the members of my Council, Mayfield, Vena, and the representatives from the Citadel, mostly because they had undoubtedly already arrived. I arranged to have all of them meet me in the throne room at once. To pull this off, I was going to need to sit in the big chair.

The throne had been presented on my seventeenth birthday, when I was crowned queen, and was an artistic masterpiece. Made from a brick of solid white marble, it had been carved with life-like depictions of flames and icicles, and a winged cat supported each armrest. When sunlight streamed into the upper windows of the throne room, it glowed like a beacon of hope.

It was also the most uncomfortable thing I’d ever placed my backside on. The armrests were too wide for me to reach, and even at five-foot nine, my feet dangled above the ground. I was told putting any type of cushion or pillow on the marble seat would “ruin the visual effect”, which meant I had to shift every few minutes to keep my legs from falling asleep. It had been unpleasant when I was young and spry. Now, sitting in it was pure torture. I always walked away with an ache in my lower back that took days to ease.

But everyone else loved it and saw it as a symbol of my reign. So, several times a week, I climbed up the footstool required to reach the damned thing and placed my queenly ass on that instrument of pain. And everyone else was happy.

Now, with Mercury hiding behind the dais in mist form, I sat imperiously in my throne while the group assembled. As the two dozen or so people filed in, I watched them cast curious glances at each other, trying to determine what was going on. Several advisors shifted nervously, which wasn’t surprising. The last time I’d called an impromptu meeting like this was to inform them my wedding was canceled. That had been a decade ago.

Once everyone was present, I cleared my throat.

“I’ve called you all here to inform you of a recent development.”

Everyone looked at me with rapt attention. I kept my head high.

“I have just received a vision from The Goddesses.”

Shuffling and murmuring. One of the Citadel priestesses let out a small gasp.

“In light of the twentieth anniversary of The Great Victory, they have commanded that I make a pilgrimage to the Eastern Plains to make an offering in their name. I will be leaving at once.”

Four people started talking, but I held up a hand. When they fell silent, I nodded permission to the tall barrel of a man who served as the head of the Royal Guard, Captain Inniual.

“This is obviously joyous news, Your Majesty, and the will of The Goddesses must be obeyed. However, we need more time to prepare. If we wait a week, perhaps two, I will be able to assemble a proper escort and vet the inns we can stay at along the way.”

“None of that will be necessary,” I said, “as the Royal Guard will not be joining me. Nor will there be any official escort or security from the palace.”

Inniual’s mouth dropped open. I prepared for the argument that would ensue, but the High Priestess jumped in first.

“I must say, Your Majesty, this is truly a glorious day and a most wonderful honor.” The ancient woman’s face was flushed with joy as she clasped her hands before her. “We have always known The Goddesses smile down upon you and bless your leadership. But it is important for us all to remember the sacrifice you’ve made for the safety of this kingdom. Upon returning to the Citadel, I will draft a proclamation at once to inform everyone far and wide of your—”

I interrupted, unable to listen to her drivel on for ages. “You will do no such thing. The Goddesses were quite clear that this is not a journey for Queen Phoebe, Light of Bearnel, but a task for Phoebe Blessed-Heart, vessel of power. I must be reminded of my own humility and the grace bestowed upon me. The people of Bearnel will not be informed of my journey until after I have returned. I have no doubt that if they are aware I am traveling among them, they will feel the need to aid me, thus negating the whole purpose.”

The High Priestess looked crestfallen. I was sure she’d been drafting the proclamation in her head before she’d even spoken. But she merely nodded, unwilling to challenge the will of “The Goddesses.”

“Your Majesty, please,” Inniual pleaded, “I understand this is a holy undertaking with some restrictions imposed, but I cannot in good faith allow you to travel the kingdom alone!”

Finally, I thought. Now things would go a lot more quickly.

As if on cue, Mercury’s Voice echoed through the throne room.

“She won’t be alone! I will be with her, as is my sacred duty.”

They materialized on the throne beside me, standing atop the massive armrest with wings spread wide and face stern. There was a collective gasp from the assembly below and everyone immediately dropped to their knees. The priestesses all gaped at Mercury, eyes shining with tears, while everyone else looked at the floor, likely considering themselves unworthy to gaze upon the Ethereal.

Mercury ate it up. Every bit of it. Knowing no one was currently looking at me, I rolled my eyes at the display.

Showboating little prick.

“Yes,” I stated, trying to get things back on track. “As you can see, my faithful friend Mercury has returned to mark this occasion with me and to ensure my well-being. I will be as safe as can be and will return before the Commemoration Festival.”

Everyone nodded. What else could they do? No one would dare question whether the Ethereal could keep me safe.

“Secrecy is of the utmost importance. Until I return, the citizens of the city, including the castle staff, will be told that I am sequestered in prayer. If that fails, tell people I’m sick. Nothing deadly, but something inconvenient enough to keep me in my rooms. Just…think of something. In the meantime, you are to continue preparations for the festival.”

Mayfield cleared his throat, stepping forward. His face was tight as he bowed.

“This is marvelous, Your Majesty, but I would be remiss in my duties if I didn’t beg you to stay. There is so much to be done before the festival and your people need you here.”

Heat burned in my chest, like the stirring of embers. “Your opinion has been noted. But I’m leaving.”

“Of course,” Mayfield bowed again. “In that case, would it not be best to establish a temporary ruler while you are away?”

I could see half the Council roll their eyes, while the other half looked terrified at the prospect of Mayfield being placed in charge.

“That won’t be necessary,” I said, ignoring his crestfallen look. “The Council will continue to operate as a unit to make decisions. And, Vena, you may prepare three of the unused rooms in the family quarters for our guests who need them. But Becca’s will remain sealed.”

“Of course, Your Majesty. An excellent compromise. It will be done.” She bowed, but the twitch of her lips suggested she’d already guessed as much.

I tried to keep the nervous excitement from my face. I probably failed. But everyone bowed in acknowledgement as I rose from the throne and made my way out of the room, Mercury hot on my heels.

I was leaving the castle.

I was going on an adventure.

My stomach flip-flopped and I nearly fainted with worry.

This was a terrible, dangerous idea.

What if the citizens of the kingdom discovered I was gone? Maybe making an official announcement was safer. And what if whatever was out there turned out to be more than I could handle? It certainly wasn’t Zaletor, but something was drawing dark energy. I could still take Captain Inniual’s suggestion. We could gather a few guards, just enough to ensure my safety, and travel in comfort. This excursion was likely a wild goose chase, after all. What harm would it do to take a few precautions?

Becca’s face rose unbidden to my mind, her hair tangled and eyes vacant. 

That was all it took for my resolve to harden. Traveling alone and in secret was the best course of action. It was my only hope of stopping whatever evil had sprung up without drawing attention, even though it made me hyperventilate. 

As I walked, Mercury caught up with me. “I think that went well.” 

“As well as it could have.” I squeezed my hands into fists to keep them from shaking.

“All that’s left is to round up the rest of the group, find some horses, and we’re on our way!”

Ice wrapped around my fingers and my heart, but I didn’t break my stride.

“There’s no need. Let’s gather some supplies and go.”

“Really? None of them were at that meeting, so I assumed they were out doing things and we’d collect them on our way out.”

I shook my head while keeping my focus on the hallway ahead. “It’s just you and me this time.”

Mercury was silent for a moment, and I braced myself for what I knew was coming.

“Why is Becca’s room sealed? And why is everyone else’s room unused?”

“We can talk about this later. There’s still a lot to do before we leave.” I’d hoped this conversation would wait until we were out of the castle. 

In a flash of mist, Mercury appeared directly in front of me, blocking my path and forcing me to halt before I collided with them.

“What aren’t you telling me? What’s going on?” Their face, normally so mischievous and jovial, was pinched with worry.

I glanced around to make sure we were alone. None of this was a secret, but it still felt like a private conversation. Realizing where we were, I gestured to a nearby door. 

We entered the study. The lights were low, giving the space a solemn, mournful feeling. Or maybe that was just me. I closed the door behind us, sealing us in.

Mercury looked around, smiling at some of the junk on the shelves they undoubtedly recognized, then their starry eyes turned to the portrait. 

“Ugh! Why do I look like that?”

I hung back by the door, hugging my arms across my chest. “You weren’t here, so we had to describe you to the artist as best we could. Jax kept giving suggestions.”

They shook their head. “Remind me to pose for a new portrait when all this is over, because this will not stand.”

I couldn’t bring myself to smile. I could only wait while their eyes fell on the candle beneath Becca. Their ears sagged as understanding hit, and their wings drooped to graze the floor.

Though I felt separate from my body, a pang of guilt still cut through my chest. “It was thirteen years ago. She was in charge of the entire navy at that point. We’d had reports of pirates along the southern coast, so she took a fleet to put a stop to their raiding. She didn’t come back.”

“The pirates?”

“A storm. She’d finished up with the pirates and was on her way back. Every ship went down. Hundreds of lives were lost.” Even now, more than a decade later, my throat closed up as the words came out. When was the last time I’d spoken of it? 

I couldn’t bring myself to share that we’d searched for her for days. I’d prayed to The Goddesses that she’d be alive despite all the other bloated bodies we passed, but if we’d found her body, I’d at least be able to say goodbye. But we’d never found her, alive or dead.

“I’m so sorry, Phoebe.”

Unable to resist, I walked forward to stand beside Mercury beneath the painting, gazing up at Becca’s beautiful face.

“Things weren’t the same between us after that. Jax and Alto couldn’t stand to be here when she wasn’t. And Tristan, well, we handled Becca’s death very differently. There had already been fractures between us, but losing Becca caused a rift that couldn't be repaired. In the end, they all left.”

Tearing my attention away from the painting, I found Mercury studying me. It was impossible to tell what they were thinking, but I had a feeling I wasn’t going to like it. I turned back to the door. 

“I’m going to pack a few things. There’s a secret exit from my closet that leads down to the west gardens. We’ll use that to get out of the castle unnoticed, then purchase a horse and more supplies along the way.”

I could feel their eyes still on me as I opened the door. 

“You’re not the girl you were,” they said. I couldn’t tell if they were speaking to me or merely making an observation.

“No. That girl is long gone.”