Kael hugged me against him. “I still take the blame, pest.”
“Perhaps it is best to face my fate. In here or out there, I will always find those who despise me or use me.”
“Don’t,” Kael warned. “Giving your life for a king’s lust for power is not why the gods blessed you with their magic, Ly.”
I didn’t know how long we stood there, but a rough knocksplit us. Kael held up a hand, demanding I stay back, and cautiously opened the door.
“Captain Baldur.” He straightened as Baldur shoved into the room.
Six Stav remained in the corridor, dressed in dark blue, the finer threads of their uniform reserved for grand festivals like a royal wedding.
“Stand down, Stav Darkwin.” Baldur did not even glance at Kael. With a bit of reluctance, he dipped his head in a greeting to me. “Melder Bien. I’ve been sent to escort you.”
“She is under the charge of the Sentry.” Kael stepped between us. “We both were tasked by the king, as you heard yesterday, Captain.”
Baldur’s eyes darkened. “And my men and I have been sent as additions, Darkwin. I am not here to steal your duty. Which, speaking of, where is the Sentry?”
Kael hesitated. “He was called away by the prince.”
Baldur chuckled. “Clear to see which duty matters most to Ashwood. Melder Bien, if you would.” The captain opened an arm for the door, frowning when I didn’t move. “What is it?”
“I’m not…certain I’m prepared to meld such a great number of bones. I’ve been feeling rather ill all morning.”
Baldur’s lip twitched. “Much like the king.”
“What?”
“The king has been rather unwell. I have no knowledge if he is delaying the melding. I am not here to bring you to the king. The inner noble houses—which our queen and future queen consider you part of—are gathering in her wing. They would have you join them.”
The queen and her damn luncheons. “The princess is in attendance?”
Baldur nodded. “For a time. To dress for the vows, I believe.”
I cracked one knuckle. “The Sentry will need to be informed of where we’ve gone when he returns.”
With a grunt of frustration, Baldur gestured at one of his men to seek out the Sentry. “May we leave now?”
I did not know how else to stall. Tension eased some knowing Yrsa would be there, knowing the gods might’ve taken pity on us and Damir’s health might delay his rank melds.
Kael drew close to my side, never wavering, and we followed Baldur and his men into the gardens that were built off the queen’s wing.
Most of the windows in Stonegate were placed in Queen Ingir’s wing to let in the sunlight. To counter the dull shades of rugs and tapestries, the queen had small tables evenly spaced down her corridors topped in glass bowls with floating flowers to add a touch of color.
Bright as it was, I did not care to venture to this side of the palace. In the mirror world, the darkness was always thickest here.
Baldur led us into an open room near the back of the wing. Humid air brushed my cheeks—scents of silken blooms, damp soil, and rain filled each breath. Glass doors took up the whole of one wall and towering indoor vines with dewy blossoms and herbs crawled up the walls from painted pots. Delicate wooden tables were positioned to host numerous guests.
All the tables were empty.
Queen Ingir bent over one of her herb pots and poured a trickle of water from a small ewer.
“Ah. Melder Bien. You’re safe. How glad I am to see it.”
My heart bruised my ribs. “Is there any reason I wouldn’t be, Highness?”
Ingir’s red-stained lips curled. She said nothing, but Baldur spun on Kael, a narrow dagger leveled under his chin.
“What are you—” Kael’s words cut off when Baldur nudged the point of the blade deeper, drawing blood.
