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Horrified mutters join the snapping of expanding and retracting wings. Everyone’s checking themselves. Even the guards. Though those few at least appear guilty about their actions.

I raise my hand, and to my surprise, the room goes quiet. Wings freeze, some up, some down. Every eye regards me.

Now is not the time to show uncertainty. I can’t run off with weapons and magic like I did when facing Narc. I am a queen, and my kingdom is disintegrating in ways I can’t comprehend. “Let me think.”

What would Sterling do? No. What would any good leader do?

A few of the council members wander in, with Bastian at their backs. Their arrival gives me an idea.

“Dalya,” I nod to the coastal nobleman, “send a platoon from the military. This man will show you where. Two squads will help you close off the temple completely. No one enters until we understand what’s happening. The other two will search the ocean for any survivors. Take war alicorns, just in case. They know how to get under falling riders.”

Dalya doesn’t bat an eye at the sudden order. Simply bows her magenta head, collects the nobleman, and ushers him to the door.

I turn to the merchant woman. “Tell me about these star tolls. How many bridges? When did it start?”

She describes the phenomenon as light descending at sunset, hovering above bridges, and burning through the carts and clothing of those who try to pass without payment.

“What kind of payment?”

Her honey brown eyes grow hazy, as if she’s recalling all the details. “Sometimes coins, sometimes food. And even blood.”

I reach out with my mind, searching for the dragons. Kaida’s consciousness brushes my mind, and through a series of emotions and mental images, I convey my request to him.

“Go to the fire paddock and tell the dragontenders that I said Kaida is to follow you home. He’s already eager to help your people carry your goods so that you don’t need to use the bridges. Those will be closed off until the situation is sorted. No one is going to tax the people of Tirene without my leave.”

The woman gapes at me, then jumps back as Kaida’s golden eye peers through a window. I can feel his mischief building as he debates licking the glass for even more attention.

People shuffle away. It’s one thing to love dragons and know they live at the palace. It’s something else entirely to have a head the size of a horse fog up the glass panes right next to you.

“Never mind. He’s already here and ready to go.” I project my gratitude to Kaida through our bond, and I swear he winks at me. “And he knows what he needs to do. You just have to lead the way.”

My mind catalogues and separates each crisis into components of frightened merchants, displaced villagers, environmental anomalies, and supernatural disturbances.

I find Rafe and Helene Mortimer standing near the back of the room. “Rafe, Helene, I need you to assemble a team of scientist-priests to investigate the Temple of Aletheia. Gather whatever resources you need.”

Rafe bows and steps out. Helene opens her mouth to speak before clamping it shut as if she realizes how busy I am. The Aclarian noble simply nods and takes her leave.

This politeness is a far cry from when my former classmate and I first met at Flighthaven. The raven-haired, fair-skinned young woman was the bane of my existence in those days. Though I wouldn’t exactly slap the friendship label on our relationship, we’ve come a long way.

Next, I gesture for Duke Bron.

He comes forward, clean-shaven chin lifted, blond hair windblown. “How can I assist, my queen?”

“Open the Eastern Garrison for housing Greenmeadow refugees. Take grain from the military stores to feed them while we sort this out.” I peruse the room but fail to spot any of the healers. “Someone fetch Healer Luci and bring her to me. With her understanding of herbology and connection with the temples, I’m sure she can find someone well-versed in dryads who can help us understand why this happened.”

The doors open, and Rhiann walks in carrying a tray.

My throat is parched, and I realize I haven’t even had a sip of water since I woke up. “You.” I nod at the thin nobleman and his sealed parchment. “Come join me at the table. And bring me the captain of the palace regiment.” It’s time to mobilize the military.

Rhiann hurries over, every step a smooth glide that doesn’t even rattle the spoon on the saucer.

A guard steps forward to pull my chair back for me. With a grateful smile, I sit.

Rhiann speaks in a low voice while setting the tray down. “Astrid will be here shortly. Along with your papers from last night. Pages have been brought and are waiting outside to carry any orders.” She finishes placing my breakfast beside me, lifts the cloth from the tray, and lays a sheaf of papers in front of me, as well as pens, ink, wax, and my seal.

“Thank you, Rhiann. Go ahead and send the first one in.”

“Of course, Your Majesty.” She dips into a curtsy and steps away.