Page 34 of Burning Crowns

She took a deep breath, turning back to her sister. ‘Something happened while you were away.’

Quickly and quietly, Rose told the three of them about Oonagh’s midnight visit.

‘It was a dream,’ Alarik interrupted, when Rose recounted the moment she realized who her midnight visitor was. ‘Your ancestor haunts dreams. She does it to me and to Wren and …’

He trailed off as Rose unwrapped her scarf, revealing the three bloodied scratches on her neck.

Wren recoiled. ‘Hissing hell.’

‘It was no dream,’ said Rose. ‘I wish it were. My flowers are dead, and the starcrests have deserted Anadawn. Even the dawn birds have fled.’

‘Oonagh has left decay in her wake,’ said Tor, grimly. ‘As she did in Gevra.’

‘The gardens aren’t even the worst of it,’ said Rose, telling them of the threat Oonagh had made, the terrifying vision she had shown her. Her promise to return in one moon’s time to reclaim her throne.

‘Are you all right?’ said Wren, stepping close to examine Rose’s wound. ‘It looks painful.’

‘I’m fine,’ said Rose, trying to smile. ‘The wound will heal.’

‘I hope so,’ said Wren, frowning.

Alarik suddenly groaned. ‘You know what isn’t healing? Thisinfernalpain,’ he said, curling his fingers around his wrist. ‘Something must have aggravated it.’

Rose was seized by a sense of urgency. ‘Come,’ she said, beckoning them to follow. ‘Thea will know what to do. We’ll need you both at your strongest for what’s to come.’

Wren

CHAPTER 13

Wren and Rose made their way to the throne room. There were too many prying eyes out in the courtyard, too many listening ears. Wren was still reeling from what her sister had told her about Oonagh. She couldn’t believe their ancestor had used her magic to slip unnoticed into Rose’s bedroom and threaten her while Wren was away.

After escaping the Gevran army, Oonagh Starcrest had managed to breach the golden gates of Anadawn with worrying ease, and left no trace of herself afterwards, save for the marks on Rose’s neck. As they walked through the winding hallways, Wren could tell her sister was trying to hold her nerve, but her hands were trembling at her sides, and she was being unusually quiet.

Tor and Alarik followed a few steps behind them, pretending not to notice the alarmed faces of the palace guards or the servants muttering as they passed. Elske padded at Tor’s side, studying every shadow, ready to pounce. Oonagh might have disappeared, but it seemed the wolf could still scent her.

Wren couldn’t stop staring at the marks on Rose’s neck. ‘We should have Thea look at those.’

Rose waved the suggestion away. ‘Nonsense. Your problem is far more pressing.’She glanced over her shoulder at Alarik before dropping her voice. ‘Not to mention delicate. We don’t want anyone here to get the wrong idea. Anadawn has had enough potential suitors for one week.’

Alarik snorted. ‘I’d sooner marry Borvil. And that bear is half feral.’

‘Just like you, then,’ said Wren.

Tor chuckled. Alarik rolled his eyes. ‘Very mature.’

‘Well, I’m glad you’re all finding this so amusing,’ said Rose, glaring back and forth between them. ‘For all we know, that terrible resurrection spell has done irreparable damage to both of you. And right at the very moment we need our wits about us!’

Wren bit her lip, while the Gevrans cleared their throats, too, duly chastened. They walked on in silence. When they reached the throne room, Rose cleared every soldier and servant, closed all the windows and shut the doors. Much to his dismay, even Chapman was turned away.

Then they sent for Thea.

While they waited for her to arrive, Alarik walked the perimeter of the room, taking in the corniced ceilings and lavish paintings as the syrupy spring sunlight poured through the arched windows. ‘Hmmph,’ he said, to no one in particular. ‘It’s smaller than I expected.’

Rose bristled.

‘Don’t take the bait,’ Wren warned her. ‘He’s just trying to needle you.’

Wren knelt by Elske and buried her face in her fur. ‘You truly are the only Gevran that doesn’t find a way to unsettle me,’ she whispered.

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