He pulled me to him, grasping my face between his hands. And then he was kissing me, kissing me so deeply, so fiercely that I could feel my toes curling in my shoes. The world spun away, and it was just the two of us.

Then it was over. North sighed deeply, and there was that heartbreaking half smile again, the one reserved for times of resignation and failing hope.

“I’m going to need,” he said, “a lot of luck.”

When I reached for him again, he was already gone.

The few women and children who had been left behind by the party of wizards made their way back up to the city’s bridge in silence. Once or twice, someone tried to make conversation, but no one was in the mood to talk. I hung back at the very edge of the group, watching the afternoon light play on the blue-green water of the lake.

It was ridiculous to be so afraid when they weren’t going off to fight a war. Even so, the party of wizards and diplomats was still in danger. We would all be in danger if the negotiations fell apart.

“Lass!”

Owain’s enormous body pushed through the crowds on the bridge. He waved both arms in the air, not stopping until I was at his side.

“He’s off, then?” Owain asked. He pulled me closer to him as we maneuvered through the lines of people, animals, and carts. There were several more guards at the gate than usual, but they didn’t stop us. Owain seemed to have that effect on people.

“Wasn’t the Sorceress Imperial closing the city?” I asked. We were wedged between a long line of street vendors and their customers as we made our way up to the castle.

“Queen wouldn’t let her,” Owain explained. “I’m starting to like that girl. She’s got more nerve than I thought.”

I hadn’t realized how late it had gotten. By the time we reached the marble steps of the castle, night had fallen, and there wasn’t a soul to be seen.

“Where are we going?” I asked.

“To your room, of course,” Owain said. “I’ve got orders from the lad: Do not let anyone in or out of her room until I come back.”

I groaned. “He didn’t.”

“He sure as spit did, lass,” he said. “Not even the queen will get through on my watch!”

But as we turned down the final hallway, it was clear that the queen was a step ahead of him. Her violet dress blended with the darkness, and the dim light caught the strands of gold in her hair. Owain and I watched in silence as she lifted a fist and knocked twice on the door to my quarters.

“Is there something we can help you with, Your Majesty?” Owain called. There was no hint of friendliness in his voice. I had to push him to the side to see the queen’s reaction.

She jumped, turning quickly to face us.

“Oh! Yes, I’m—It’s—I need—” She wrung her hands until they were an angry red.

“Where are your attendants?” Owain asked, looking around. “Is everything all right?”

I watched the way her lips pressed together into a white line, the way one hand came up to smooth back her hair, and I knew something was wrong. The queen I had met before had been so self-assured.

“Did you need to speak to me?” I asked.

“Yes, in my chambers,” she said tensely. “It is a matter of grave importance.”

Queen Eglantine motioned us to follow her to her wing of the castle. If her words hadn’t been enough to confirm my worst fears, the large purple beetle clinging to her skirt was all I needed to know who would be waiting for us in her chambers.

I grabbed Owain’s arm, pulling him down so I could whisper in his ear. “Dorwan.”

He pulled back, his brows drawing together. Dorwan was using the beetle to track her, I knew, to make sure she couldn’t run away or warn the other wizards.

The queen glanced back over her shoulder, her blue eyes wide. I wasn’t sure that she had heard me until I saw her mouth the words Help me, please.

Queen Eglantine’s wing of the castle was unnaturally quiet. The last time I had walked down this hallway, candles had been blazing, servants had been bustling back and forth, and a set of guards had protected the doorway. I saw the busts of past kings covered in the wax of the dripping candles, their vacant eyes following our path down the long hall. Everything was still and quiet, but I sensed Dorwan’s cold aura reaching out to me, licking at my skin. I shivered.

“You need to get the Wizard Guard,” I whispered to Owain. “Get as many wizards as you can.”

Owain shook his head, a deep frown on his face. “Are you saying I can’t protect you myself?”

“I’m saying I don’t want you to,” I said. “He’s a dirty cheat—North barely made it out of their fight alive. Please, just get the Guard and hurry back.”

He sighed. “I understand. But I’m coming back for you right away, you hear? Don’t do anything to get yourself hurt; I’d never forgive myself.” He turned quickly, fading into the shadows.

The queen waited by the door to her chambers, still pale and trembling. I came to stand by her side, looping my arm through hers.

“What was it that you needed to speak to me about?” I asked loudly. “What could you possibly have to say to me after everything that’s happened?”

The queen cleared her throat. “I hope you don’t expect me to apologize. I will always do what’s in the best interest of my kingdom.”

She pulled open the door, continuing, “You were a necessary part of gaining a peaceful resolution.”