Page 121 of A Crown of Deceit & Ruin

“Thank you for that,” Kestrel said, jarring Elora from her thoughts.

“I didn’t do anything that you couldn’t,” she replied, the distant glaze to her eyes fading. “Now that you’re a princess, you have power here. You just need to learn how to use it.”

“It’s more than that, and you know it. Going down there, seeing him, I know that wasn’t easy for you. But it meant the world to me. I needed that. So, thank you.”

Stiffly, Elora gave her a nod. There was something more distant about her, like they were just meeting again forthe first time, and Kestrel hated it. She wanted to throw her arms around her and force Elora back into the more relaxed state she had displayed with her earlier, but that would only serve to make the princess prickle more.

The idea sparked something in Kestrel though. A memory—well, not a memory, but something from the vision.

“Have you ever…been able to touch someone? Like without, you know.” Kestrel pantomimed dying, her tongue lolling out the side of her mouth. Elora’s face finally illuminated with a crooked smile—one that seemed to suggest Kestrel was the most ridiculous person in the realm, but that was a title she would accept with pride if it was the reason for Elora’s smiles.

“You mean without killing anyone?” Elora asked, the curve of her lips drooping. “I’m afraid not. At least, not in this lifetime.”

Kestrel waited, expecting her to question why she was asking. Maybe she would’ve, if the clanging of metal hadn’t interrupted them. Nearby, they could hear it rustling, a shifting of metal plates upon plates.

Kestrel and Elora cast questioning glances at each other before emerging from the gardens and finding the queen and a small army waiting in the courtyard.

Kestrel was rendered speechless by what the queen had pulled together for their adventure. It was nothing like her vision. For starters, she had only ever seen the three of them in the Hollows, and for a moment she worried what bringing anyone else would mean. At the same time, it would be reckless to wander into those woods without backup, she supposed. And these knights were trained to handle the monsters that awaited them inside, surely.

While Kestrel marveled at the sight of the knights she would be marching with, Elora leaned closer to whisper in her ear. “If anyone asks, we were strolling through the gardens so Icould tell you about the flowers that are native to these areas, and some of their medicinal and useful properties, in case you need that knowledge in the Hollows.”

That made sense to Kestrel. For some reason, she didn’t think it would go over well with anyone to find out that they had gone into the dungeons to speak with someone wanted for treason.

“Sounds good to me,” Kestrel replied. Then, taking a deep breath added, “Well, let’s not keep them waiting.”

Scanning the militia, all clad in iron and blue, it was easy to spot the queen like a smudge of shadow at the center among their ranks. Doused in black from head to toe, she sat atop a warhorse with her legs crossed to one side and an awning stretching above her, keeping her shielded from the high-noon sun and subsequently from the effects of her curse. She was wearing one of her signature black gowns, a delicate piece that clung to her every curve. At first glance, Kestrel thought it was ill-fitting since they were meant to trudge into the Hollows, a place full of monsters. She would think the queen would want something more protective—then again, neither Kestrel nor Elora were really dressed for such an occasion either. Besides, as Kestrel drew nearer, she noticed the chest plating stitched beneath the fabric of Queen Signe’s dress, the additional padding added to her shoulders and protecting her arms. The queen might be regal and poised, but she originally came from Skogar, just like Aenwyn, so she knew how to ready herself for battle, Kestrel figured.

When the queen spotted Kestrel and Elora parting the ranks as they approached, she waved with her long now-red fingernails in their direction.

“There you two are. We were beginning to worry you had forgotten your own decree.” Her crimson lips were so taut, they barely managed a thin smile. “What kept the two of you?”

“Just preparing,” replied Kestrel, hastily. “Elora was telling me about some of the native plants here, and how some of them might be useful in the Hollows.”

The queen arched a slender brow. “Oh? Which ones?”

Cursed sky! Kestrel hadn’t expected the queen to challenge her—but of course, she should have. This clever, scheming aunt of hers always seemed to be one step ahead of everything. Kestrel tried wrangling her tongue, but it was a heavy, untamed beast.

“Umm, well, there was this white flower. I think? Or maybe it was yellow. But it?—”

“She’s not the best understudy,” Elora huffed, swooping in to save her from herself.

But just when Kestrel thought they were in the clear, the queen snapped at the princess. “Or perhaps you’re not the best teacher.” Then she smiled down upon Kestrel. “No matter. We have our guards to ensure our safety. You won’t need the aid of useless plants, especially ones that have long-since died within the boundary of the Hollows.”

Kestrel shot Elora a nervous glance, worried that their ruse was about to be called out and unsure of what to say next. But the queen had already moved on, redirecting her attention to the larger army surrounding them.

“Prior to our convening, I held counsel with the scholars of Irongate’s libraries.”

Kestrel realized she was talking about Barnabus as the knights huddled nearer. Amongst their ranks, she spotted three of the Erickson brothers nudging their way forward—Efrem, Micah, and Leighton.

Elora let out a quiet grumble. “What are the three idiots doing here?”

Kestrel, on the other hand, was partially relieved to see their familiar faces. Although she did have to wonder what Leightonwas doing. Efrem and Micah made sense—Efrem seemed to hold a position within the Thundersworn Brigade, and Micah of course did what he pleased, chasing the thrill of adventure wherever it took him.

But Leighton was the future king. Surely, a mission like this was too dangerous for the heir to the throne to attend.

If the queen was perturbed by their presence, she didn’t let it show as she continued belting her speech for all to hear.

“According to our records, the blight within the Hollows started near the center and spread. For years, no one has been skilled enough to enter and return unscathed, no matter how deep they venture. Unfortunately for us, we must reach the center of the Hollows, the place where it all began.” She swept a hand toward Kestrel. “Our seer, Princess Kestrel of Caelora, reports there is magic within a lake there, the same place where our scholars believe to be the original site of the desecration of those lands. So we will need to venture deep within the Hollows, reclaim the magic that resides there, and return unharmed. I am putting my utmost faith in all of you to keep the royal family safe throughout this endeavor, and in return, your families shall be rewarded greatly.”

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