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When I returned to Cerise’s rooms, Fiona had already drawn a bath, steam rising from the tub. My mouth immediately went dry as I turned to Cerise, who had removed her cloak and undone her braid. Her tangled hair fell nearly to her waist, looking wild and windswept. It took all my restraint not to close the distance between us and dig my fingers into that vibrant mane of hair.

Her throat bobbed as her eyes met mine, and I wondered if she could sense where my thoughts had turned. We hadn't been able to communicate mentally since I’d found her at the portal, but right now I wished I could tell her exactly what I wanted to do to her. Particularly in the bathtub.

“The food should be brought up shortly,” said Fiona from the other side of the room. Gods, I'd forgotten she was there. She was busy arranging the pillows on Cerise’s bed.

Damn it. I should not have been looking at that bed, either. I rubbed the back of my head, staring hard at the floor as I struggled to rein in my heated thoughts. Slowly, I lifted the journals so Cerise could see them.

Her face paled slightly as I set them on the bedside table. “If you have a chance to look through them, that would really help,” I said. “Or we can go over them together at Eventide, if you prefer.”

I knew the research in these journals eventually needed to be shared with the chiefs. But I had no qualms involving Cerise. I wouldn't have found them were it not for her. And if anyone should uncover the secrets her grandmother had died for, it should be her.

Cerise said nothing, still eyeing the journals with a grimace. After a moment, she inhaled deeply and met my gaze with a fierce gleam in her eye.

Gods’ breath, I wanted to hold her in my arms one more time before I left. But I had kept the chiefs waiting long enough, and Fiona had seen too much already.

I approached the maid and said in a whisper, “Tell no one she is here and I'll double your wages for the week.”

Fiona froze for a beat before smiling slyly at me. “Consider my lips sealed, Your Majesty.”

I nodded, then strode for the door. Before leaving, I cast one more longing look toward Cerise. Her vibrant green eyes pinned me in place, urging me to stay.

And oh, how I wanted to.

Instead, I gave her an encouraging nod. “Don't forget your wards. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

“Do you have any idea how unacceptable this all is?” boomed Chief Ramathos of the Draconus tribe, his cheeks red and his eyes blazing.

I stood before the four chiefs, head bowed and arms tucked behind my back as I accepted their ire. None of them looked pleased when I explained I had left my coronation feast to bring the witch back through the portal.

“I thought you had uncovered the information you needed,” Chief Gorem said, his brows drawn together and his jaw tight. “I do not see what further use the witch could possibly have.”

The other three murmured their agreement. I took a steadying breath, my heart pounding as I formulated my response. “My lords,” I began, my voice quiet but firm. “The information I uncovered was incomplete. I need the witch’s help putting everything together before I conclude the investigation.”

“A witch?” shouted Chief Ramathos, rising from his seat. “A witch will be privy to sensitive information regarding your investigation? Surely it should be another Mage who assists you!”

Chief Gorem and Chief Cartier nodded emphatically.

I had to refrain from glaring at Chief Ramathos. His temper was getting this conversation nowhere.

“The information I procured came from the witch’s grandmother, and she is the best resource to help me decipher them,” I said.

“And the most likely person to betray you,” muttered Chief Gorem.

I narrowed my eyes. I hadn’t yet told them that a Mage had been working with Elvira; mostly because I suspected it was one of them. I just didn’t know who yet. “The Oracle declared her innocent.”

“Of past crimes. Not future crimes.” Chief Cartier’s bushy eyebrows were lowered.

“She has no place here!” Chief Ramathos bellowed, jabbing his finger at me.

Chiefs Gorem and Cartier were nodding again.

Rage bubbled inside me, and my breaths turned sharper. This was not going well.

The chiefs would never believe me or give me leave to continue this investigation.

You are the king, I reminded myself. I had already been coronated.

These chiefs no longer had power over me.