We were a well-oiled machine. A slightly frazzled, coffee-dependent machine, but functional.
The tutors bowed as we approached, which still felt weird even after four years. Instructor Delphine, an elderly woman who’d wrangled noble children for decades, took charge of Killian with efficiency.
“Your Highness,” she said. “Ready for lessons?”
“I’m wearing a dragon AND flowers!” he announced proudly.
“I can see that. Very intimidating combination.”
“That’s what I said!”
Mal and I walked away hand-in-hand, listening to Killian chatter about the “ad-van-te-gees” of dragon-themed clothing. I had no idea where he learned that phrase. Probably from eavesdropping on Mal’s training sessions when he was supposed to be napping.
“We make a good team,” I said.
“The best team.”
“Even when we’re wrangling a tiny chaos agent?”
“Especially then.”
We were still smiling when Torin approached from a side corridor. His expression made my stomach drop. He was carrying a scroll sealed with dark wax, and from the way he held it, carefully, like it might explode, this wasn’t good news.
“Your Majesties,” he said, bowing slightly. “The reports from the spies we sent to Igryside. They arrived this morning.”
Mal took the scroll and broke the seal. I leaned in to read over his shoulder, my hand finding his arm.
The blood drained from my face as I read.
Igryside was mobilizing. They weren’t just hunting portal casters in general. They were hunting specific targets. Killian’s name was first on the list. Mine was second and last. Only the two of us.
“They are hunting you specifically,” Mal said quietly, his jaw tight. I could feel the tension radiating off him through our bond, that protective fury barely leashed beneath his calm exterior.
“And Killian.” My voice came out steadier than expected. Inside, I was screaming.
“We need a plan.” His hand found mine, squeezing hard enough to ground me. “A real one. Not just hoping they forget we exist.”
I nodded, forcing my mind to focus on what needed to happen next instead of spiraling into panic. “I have training with Casimya now.”
“I have council meeting,” Mal said. “We will discuss this tonight. Properly. With options. I will not let them take either of you.”
He kissed my forehead, a brief grounding touch, and we parted ways. He headed toward the council chambers while I turnedtoward the training rooms, both of us carrying the weight of what we’d just learned.
My feet carried me through the castle corridors on autopilot. Killian. They wanted Killian. My baby who still couldn’t tie his own shoes and thought monsters lived under his bed. Real monsters were hunting him now, and they were far worse than anything his imagination could conjure.
By the time I reached the training room, I was wound so tight I felt like I might shatter.
Casimya noticed right away. Of course she did.
“You are distracted today,” she observed as I opened yet another portal to the wrong location. This one appeared to lead to someone’s chicken coop. A very confused chicken stared at us through the shimmering opening, clucking indignantly.
“Sorry,” I muttered, closing it quickly.
I tried again. Someone’s wine cellar. Better, but still wrong.
“Your focus is scattered,” Casimya said. “What troubles you?”
“The spy reports came back. From Igryside.”
