reach us soon.” Tierney’s eyes followed her wife’s movements as Faolan issued orders. “But it is possible they’ve been taken back to Iskalt.”
“His uncle will kill him.” Brea’s hand went to her throat.
“It’s not likely Callum O’Shea would kill one of the last of his clan.” Tierney squeezed her shoulder. “The O’Sheas have remarkable magic that is too precious to snuff out over something as petty as a throne.”
Brea didn’t think Callum O’Shea would agree with the Eldur Queen Consort.
“He is like a son to Faolan. To us both, really. He grew up right here with Alona.”
“Lochlan is tough and resourceful. He can take care of himself and Finn.” But Brea worried about Finn. If they got separated or were injured, would either of them have enough sense to come back home, or would they be stubborn and pigheaded and insist on looking for each other?
“Brea.” Faolan gave her a curt nod as she approached. “Good. You’re home. Do try to stay close to the palace, darling. We don’t want to lose you too.” Her words were kind and motherly, but she was utterly absent, just saying the things she thought she needed to say.
Awkward silence hung between them, and Brea just wanted to escape.
“Er—how will you look for them?” she asked.
“We’ve sent several scouts to scour the area surrounding the battle scene.” Faolan stood, wringing her hands, refusing to look at Brea. She did that a lot. And sometimes when she did meet Brea’s eyes, she could see the disappointment there. Disappointment that she wasn’t Alona. “All we can do now is wait and hope they haven’t fallen into Callum’s hands.”
“Please let me know as soon as you hear any news.” Brea stepped away from the queens, feeling the awkward much more than usual. “I’m just going back to my room now.”
“We will see you at dinner.” Tierney turned and led her wife back to the throne room.
Brea sighed as she retreated to her room. A warm breeze swept through the open hallway, and parrots chattered in the gardens. The Eldurian palace was so beautiful. She could get used to calling it home—if there was something here to hold onto. More than just pretty rooms, exotic gardens, and strangers for mothers.
But the one thing Brea would never get used to was how boring the life of a noblewoman was. In the human world, she had school to fill her days, therapy appointments, time with Myles, and Netflix. There was always something to do. In the magical realm of the fae, her days were filled with aimless wandering and endless, uncomfortable dinners with her mothers.
If that was the life of a princess, Brea didn’t want any part of it.
“Brea?” Rowena called from her closet. “Is that you?”
“Yes.” Brea sighed, closing the door behind her. She supposed it was too much to ask for an afternoon to herself. Rowena was a kind servant, but she wasn’t Neeve.
“I was just seeing to some new dresses Queen Tierney ordered for you. There’s a lovely new day dress that will match your eyes.”
“I don’t suppose you’ve managed to find me some comfortable pants and shirts?”
“A Lady doesn’t need street clothes.” Rowena harrumphed as she fluffed a pillow to within an inch of its life.
“Good thing I’m not a lady.” Brea collapsed on the couch in her sitting room.
“As long as you live in this palace you will dress and act like a lady.”
“Maybe I should look for my own place.” Brea got a kick out of riling up her maid.
“Lady Brea, your mo—the queen would not allow it.” Rowena’s cheeks flushed pink.
“What do you know?” Brea turned accusing eyes on the maid. No one other than the queens themselves and Lochlan—who might be dead—knew Brea was their true daughter.
“I know that this room is a mess.” Rowena made to dust the spotless dresser.
“Spill it, Ro.” Brea crossed the room.
“I was there.” Rowena refused to meet her eyes.
“Where.”
“The day you were born.” Her eyes filled with tears. “Twas a happy day. For a time. Until the queen asked me to bring you to the Iskalt king.” Rowena’s bottom lip quivered.
“You switched us?” Brea sank down on the nearest chair.
“At the queen’s order. Though I never understood why, I did as she asked. And I loved our dear Alona. Such a sweet child. And a good head on her shoulders, that one.” Rowena polished the brass dresser knobs to a shine. “Always thought she and Lochlan would make a go of it one day. Knew he