I blink hard against the burning in my eyes.
"The carriage is ready whenever you are, Your Highness," Lenna says softly, and I realize she's still standing there waiting for me. "But if you need more time—"
"No." I straighten and turn to face her. I need to leave now. "Calanmai begins at sunset, and I can't afford to miss the opening ceremonies."
She sets the clothing on my bed. I'll be wearing a gown of midnight silk that will help me blend into the fae Court of Nightmare.
Lenna helps me dress without speaking at first. She leans closer as she pins my hair, her voice lowering. "Hrolf arrived safely in Völundr."
I look up.
"Last night." She smooths the fabric at my shoulders. "They moved him under cover of dark. There were attempts in the capital before they could manage it. Three attacks in his cell. Too many people who remembered Dunrovin and wanted him dead."
She meets my eyes in the reflection. "He's in the cliff prison now."
I close my eyes briefly. At least one thing has not fallen apart.
"Will you be safe?" Lenna asks, and there's something raw in her voice that makes me meet her eyes.
"I'll be careful," I say, because that's the only promise I can make.
The cerulean gown fits perfectly, hugging close before flowing around my legs. She adds rouge for my lips and kohl for my eyes. Every inch of me is glamoured, from the slight curl of my hair to the barest shimmer on my skin.
Finally, I reach for the enchanted mask on the dresser.
The moment my fingers touch it, I feel the thrum of fae magic. But it's the best protection I have. I slip it over my face and the transformation is immediate. The mask molds to my features, altering not just my appearance but my very presence. It blurs me into nothing and everyone all at once.
"Can you recognize me?" I ask Lenna.
She stares at me for a long moment, her brow furrowed.
"No," she finally whispers. "I know you're there, but I couldn't describe you if someone asked. It's like trying to remember a dream."
That's exactly what I need.
I take one last look around my chambers, then I turn away. The ring is gone. There's nothing I can do about it now. But I can't delay. Calanmai is tonight. I need the intelligence that could save my kingdom.
The palace corridors are quiet this early. I move through the familiar passages silently, my slippered feet making no sound on the marble floors. I manage to sneak around Darstan while he sleeps. His light snore makes me smile a little. He's slumped in a chair outside my chambers with his head tilted back. Looking after a newborn is hard. I wish he would take more days off duty to be with his family. I will apologize for this later, but if I tell my royal guards they will never let me go.
I descend the servants' stairs at the back of the palace where people rarely tread.
The carriage Tallula arranged for me waits in the courtyard. No insignia marks the black lacquered wood and the driver is one of Blaire's acquaintances. He has made the journey to Avalon a dozen times with his two Noctrals and lived to tell about it.
Waiting for me inside the carriage is the Maiden of Arawynn herself. She's already dressed for the journey in a gown of deep emerald that makes her blonde hair more striking.
"There you are," Blaire says softly. "I was beginning to think you'd changed your mind."
"You know me better than that."
"I do…" She mutters, studying my features. "I'm standing right in front of you and I can barely tell it's you."
I smile and reach out to squeeze her hand. "You're sure about this? It's not too late to back out."
Blaire is trained in the sacred arts of the temple but I worry for her.
"I'm not letting you do this alone," she says, eyes flashing. "Besides, someone needs to watch your back."
The door closes and the carriage lurches forward.
