“What’s wrong?”
Terena glanced over her shoulder at the king and Sonah shifted her eyes to the men. The advisor man was glaring at them, the Royal Guard and their captain watching with wariness. The king only looked distracted, and Daris had a smile on his face as he watched them.
Sonah turned a knowing look at her sister. “Well. I sense you have much to tell me.”
Terena chuckled and tugged Sonah further away. Her smile faded. Lifting her hands to cup Sonah’s face, Terena said, “I missed you. Have they treated you well?”
Sonah nodded. “Aye, of course.”
“You look beautiful,” Terena remarked, her eyes falling to Sonah’s dress as she stepped back. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen you in anything but plain shirts and leggings.”
“Ah, but I still have my favorite boots,” Sonah said, wiggling her eyebrows.
Terena grinned. She glanced back at the men, who continued to converse in low tones, and Terena pulled Sonah close. “Have you heard what’s happened?”
Sonah wrinkled her brow and shook her head. “No. I mean, I know something has, but no one told me anything. Why? Do you know?”
“Solon’s men have captured Messene and taken Pytho,” Terena said, her grip tightening on Sonah’s hands when she gasped.
Sonah’s eyes widened as the blood drained from her face. She opened and closed her mouth a few times before Terena continued.
“The king is sending Daris and his men to Messene to reclaim it but, basically, they’re at war now with Heylisia.”
“But Heylisia is already at war with… Heylisia,” Sonah finished lamely.
Terena nodded. “Aye, but Elis is still with the empire and now Altos has heard from his allies in Aurora that Solon has reinforcements coming in from Rois.”
“Altos is friends with Aurora?”
“Apparently,” Terena said, casting a quick glance back at the king. “Rydon said he sent some Liodari there to help against Heylisia. I think that’s what Daris was doing in?—”
“Lady Luca,” the king called out, his voice booming across the room. Terena stiffened and pulled her hands away from Sonah. They walked back toward the men, Sonah a few paces behind her sister.
“Aye, Your Majesty?”
“Daris tells me you had a… vision? That you knew the oracle was in trouble.”
Terena shifted and glanced at Daris. Her lips thinned, and she gave the king a curt nod.
“Aye.”
The king walked toward her, stopping a few feet away. “General Peleon has her,” he said, his voice rough. “And he knows you’re here.”
Sonah became lightheaded. She reached out a hand to Terena, her vision blurring.
Terena swore. “She must have told him.”
“Aye,” the king said, his gaze unfocused as he looked off into the distance. “That was my thought as well. He’s looking to trade.”
Sonah balked. “What? No!”
Terena held up a hand to her, her eyes on the king. Sonah turned to Daris, his face tight as he stared at Terena.
“I’ve told him you weren’t here,” the king sighed, “but it wasn’t you he wanted to trade for.”
Terena’s hand shot out and grabbed Sonah’s forearm. “He can’t have her.”
The king shook his head. “No, he didn’t ask for Lady Yahn.” He lifted his eyes to Terena at last.
