I gazed out into a long, stone-walled room with stained-glass windows and a pitched ceiling. In my line of sight, I only saw one oaken table spread with a dozen cylindrical candles in various stages of melting, and a silver incense bowl. I could scent the burning myrrh and wax, but my sense of smell felt off. Like I had a cold.
Whispers carried from the open door at the end of the room. I headed towards them, barely feeling my body or feet, like they’d fallen asleep. Nebulous memories of falling off Amabel made me wonder if I’d hit my head hard, or been given a powerful pain-killing potion.
As I slowly neared the door, I could see two men standing outside with their backs to me—Leander and his friend Clancy.
“You’re sure this place is safe?” Leander sounded hoarse, like he had yelled until he’d lost his voice.
“No one but those we direct here will find it,” Clancy assured him.
“But—”
Clancy spoke over Leander’s objection. “I myself forgot this place existed until I returned from Rosemead and reviewed my assets.”
“Yes, but what if—”
Clancy still wouldn’t let him voice his worries. “You yourself saw how, even with maps, it was still hard to find. No wonder, since it was built in the time of King Herla, when Arbore was several kingdoms, and the Bryar King made it his stronghold.”
“It does look like a throwback to the Middle Ages,” Leander conceded reluctantly. “And I suppose there’s nothing here to steal but old weapons and rusted silverware anyway. But if word gets out that—”
Clancy drowned his words again. “I’ll have my most trusted people checking in regularly, and have escorts to those you send. Word won’t get back to Eglantine, I assure you.”
I came up behind them. “Word about what? Where are we?”
They ignored me. I’d barely heard my own voice. It was a weak rasp as if I hadn’t spoken in days. How long had it been since I fell off Amabel?
Leander let out a despondent sigh. “I’m not sure if I have anyone left to send, but I have to keep searching.”
“I know you will.” Clancy ran a hand through his curly auburn hair, sounding as dejected. “Any idea where else you can find more eligible royal heirs?”
Leander slumped against the wall. “There are nations across the Silent Ocean we’ve only heard of. And there’s a whole empire south of Cahraman. They must have a few imperial descendants to spare. Also, my great-uncle, the King of Orestia, has an heir who’s been wandering the Folkshore. He was last seen in Zargoun, and there’s news that he might be returning home soon.”
“That’s another lunatic who claims to be the son of a god, right?”
Leander nodded. “But beggars can’t be choosers, and at this point, I will beg like the dog I nearly became.”
“So you’re still looking for candidates for me?” I interrupted, a little stronger this time.
Once again, they made no response as Clancy only exhaled. “But how can he be the king’s heir if he’s a demigod?”
“Eleutherius had no sons, so Theoneus is his eldest daughter’s son, allegedly by Eurycrius.”
Clancy whistled softly. “Not just any god, but the king of the gods.”
Leander shrugged. “Like that’s a rare occurrence. We’ve all heard the stories of Eurycrius’s fondness for mortal women.” After a beat, he added, “Bonnie is also still trying to find Keenan.”
“No one has seen him since he went after Ella in the Winter Court?” At Leander’s head shake, Clancy hummed, “He would be perfect—if he wasn’t crazy.”
“Everyone in the Autumn Court is crazy by our standards.”
“I guess. But until you get a hold of this wandering demigod relative of yours, or Bonnie’s crazy fairy cousin, we should look into alternative solutions.”
“Because these worked so well for us before?” Leander said bitterly. “The Spring Queen practically slammed the door in our faces.”
Clancy set a hand on Leander’s arm with a brittle smile. “We’ll find something.”
“I just pray whatever it is isn’t too late.” Leander pushed off the wall with a heavy exhalation, and started to move down the hallway.
Irritation sparked through the fog filling my head. “Leo, what is the matter with you? Why are you ignoring me?”
Paying me no mind, the two men continued walking away.
Head swimming, I went after them. “If you’re angry I ran, I’m sorry. I was distraught and couldn’t bear the news, but this is getting ridiculous! Talk to me—” I reached out to