Page 58 of Queen of Serpents and Shadows

“I never said you didn’t,” I replied. “I’m just not sure it’ll be safe.”

“I know what everyone thought of me. But mother isn’t here anymore to tell me my only worth is my body. I’m more than that. I need to do this before I marry. Before I go back to that role of the pretty face.” She balled her hands into fists and stared at me with determination.

“A mating bond has nothing to do with your looks,” Laera said.

“That’s not helpful,” Cora retorted. “It’s still about me being the prize for someone else based on something I didn’t do.” She looked at me. “Let me do this.”

“I’m coming with you,” Sophia chimed in.

“Oh, no,” I shook my head. “Have you two forgotten that Ara was nearly killed by our own people?”

Laera set her hand on my shoulder and I turned to her. The fae princess was staring at my sisters. “You need to letthem go. Besides, if anyone messes with them, Sophia has ways of making them regret their actions.”

I hesitated, wondering when my sisters had matured so much. It was like they’d aged years since our father died. I supposed finding out about all the lies we’d been told had a way of forcing us to face reality unlike anything else in our sheltered lives.

“Be careful,” I relented. “Remember, you can’t force anyone. If they won’t listen, move on. We won’t be able to save them all.”

“You sound like a queen,” Cora said, a note of pride in her tone. She smiled warmly. “We’ll be careful. You do the same.”

I nodded, then held back the tears as my sisters turned and left for the city below.

“Where are the stables?” Laera asked.

I pointed. “I need to tell the guards and servants about what’s coming so they can prepare. Then I’ll meet you there.”

“Go. Hopefully we can get this shield up before my father arrives.” Laera took off toward the stables and I walked toward the palace.

Argus was waiting for me at the entry. “How did it go?”

“We found what we needed. The shield exists and we might be able to use it,” I explained.

His shoulders lowered and he visibly relaxed. “That’s the first good news I’ve heard in a long time.” When he caught my expression, his tension returned. “What’s the bad news?”

“We can only shield the area around the palace.”

“We’re bringing the whole city here, aren’t we?” he asked.

I nodded.

“I’ll prepare my men. We’ll get tents and provisions ready. Anything else?” he asked.

“Have you heard from Ara?” It had been a few days since she’d left for Naxos and I was getting anxious. I didn’t know how long the goddess planned to keep her.

Argus shook his head. “Nothing yet.”

“Any word from Ryvin about the sorceress?” I had a feeling it was the same as Ara, but I had to ask.

“No.”

“What are we going to do if they can’t remove that extra power? How long can we keep everyone alive in the shield?” I swallowed hard. Athos wasn’t built for a siege.

“I’ll find out and let you know,” he replied.

“Thanks, Argus. For everything.”

He nodded. “Anytime, your highness.”

Knowing he had everything under control, I headed to the stables, hoping that Laera had some good news.

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