Page 92 of Degradation

“Not helpful,” Darian said between gags.

Garron and Eadric entered and looked at their brothers-turned-sisters. Garron was clever about hiding his amusement. Eadric was not. He howled with laughter and almost spilled the brew that Getaina handed him. He drank every drop, and Darian sought his revenge by sharing the secret ingredient. However, neither Garron nor Eadric seemed to care.

“I’ve read spells that contain worse,” Garron said with a shrug.

“I’ve had to wash your socks,” Eadric said. “Nothing can make me heave anymore.”

“We should go, then,” Getaina said. “It’s best I arrive with Lord Hamill. Watch for me in the crowd and know you have our support.” She nodded to the princes and left with the rest.

“They’re coming?” Liam asked.

“They are. I could feel their doubt, though. They don’t believe the casters we have on our side will be enough. However, they know they have little choice if they wish to live out the remainder of their lives naturally.” I clapped my hands together. “Now, let’s get you suitably attired and send you off as well, shall we?”

* * *

Philip statedour names to the guards and escorted me into the courtyard.

“We didn’t need to provide our names last night,” I said. “Just the estate.”

“I believe they will look for anyone unknown to them.” Philip patted my hand. “There will be many unknown to the crown, though. Worry not.”

I nodded and scanned the crowd for the princes’ changed faces. I spotted Eadric first, standing beside Getaina and Lord Hamill. He fidgeted noticeably until Getaina sharply whispered a reprimand. I could feel his humor.

Daemon and Darian stood near each other. Thanks to Margret’s efforts with their coiffed hair, they presented a picture of refinement. Liam and Garron were on the opposite side of the courtyard. Both wore bonnets with simple braids.

They looked nothing like the posters of the princes. But I saw it. A bit in the eyes. A hint in the nose and mouth. Despite knowing that they were hidden, I didn’t feel safe. At least, we were spread apart.

My gaze shifted to the scaffolding in the center of the courtyard that now had three ropes on it. I frowned at the number and nudged Philip.

“I am curious as well,” he said softly.

Whatever the queen planned, I vowed it would not come to pass. Focusing on the ropes, I separated the fibers one by one. The tingle of warning under my skin grew stronger, alerting me to her imminent arrival.

Satisfied the ropes would hold no weight, I stopped. They looked completely unchanged and hung straight and unmoving in the non-existent breeze.

The door set in the long expanse of the white wall opened. The man who’d announced Pogwid’s crimes stepped out, leading a procession of seven young girls. They wore white, matching the towers. The youngest held the hand of the oldest.

Brandle and Edmund emerged behind them. Chains bound their hands and feet, restricting their steps. They wore nothing else. My temper ignited as women audibly gasped at the shocking sight.

Did the queen think to degrade them?

Edmund’s gaze scanned the crowd and locked on Eadric. I felt his shock ripple out like waves. How he knew his twin, I did not know. If he stood beside Eadric, they would appear to be distant relatives at best to a discerning eye.

The tingle under my skin increased as Edmund’s gaze continued its search and found Liam. Brandle spotted Darian and Daemon but didn’t let his attention settle on the twins for more than a moment. With growing dread, he looked down at his feet and elbowed Edmund.

I recalled Pogwid’s thoughts and how the queen had let her keep her eyes so she could look to the people who had helped her.

A pulse of energy crashed against my consciousness as the queen emerged near the end of the procession. Stronger than the last time. How? What had she done?

Her face shone beautifully without a single blemish. She radiated health and vitality, which pulsed stronger with each step. But it wasn’t the only thing that pulsed.

Faint green threads of energy spread out from her, connecting to each of the young girls.

I knew those threads; Iknewwhat they did.

One of the girls faltered, and another helped her right herself.

Fear flared with my anger. The ground trembled.

---