If I were a fainter, I'd probably be on the floor right now. But I wasn't. Which was a good thing because then I wouldn't be able to protect myself or Omari.

So I just stood with my mouth hanging open as I stared at the woman, noting the details. There was something about the shape of her face... and her build. The way she walked. There was a resemblance, more to my mother than to me, though I could see I had her straight hair and a slight lilt to my eyes.

It wasn't definitive. But why would she lie about it? And if it was true, how could I go from no family, to a father, a grandmother, and a half-brother all in one fell swoop?

My head was spinning.

"This isn't your business, Cinira," Emberich said in a low voice. "I suggest you leave."

"It's my business more than it is yours," she snapped back and then turned to me, her voice softening. "I thought you smelled like my own when we attacked Ashur's skein. It was why I stopped Ester from killing you."

I had a flashback to the purple dragon with the distinctive star marking that had sniffed at me. And shoved aside the dragon that had burned me before Ashur had been able to get there.

"Uh. Thanks?"

She smiled wryly at my tone.

"You look like Grace," she continued, searching my face. "You got lucky." She stared at me, though I didn't know if she found what she was looking for. "Where is she?" she asked, her face hopeful.

The familiar ache made itself known in my chest at that question. She didn't know...

"She's gone," I said quietly. "When I was twelve."

"Oh, my baby," she said, tears appearing in her eyes. "I don't know why she didn't come to me. And you, just twelve!"

She closed the distance between us and wrapped her arms around me. I wasn't much for hugging strangers. But there was something so familiar about her. And something comforting about the fact that she too knew my mother. Probably better than I did. And that she clearly grieved for her as well.

I had to struggle not to completely lose it and break down in tears.

"I have to take care of this, then we'll catch up," she whispered in my ear before pulling back. Her tone said this was a nuisance, but a manageable one. She cupped my face in her hands and smiled before stepping away and turning to Emberich.

Her back was ramrod straight as she faced him, as imperious as any queen. More impressive than Emberich. She didn't need any of the trappings.

"I'm leaving with my granddaughter," she said firmly, daring him to disagree.

"She's my daughter and she's staying," he growled.

She shook her head. "You don't want to start a conflict with me, Emberich," she warned, her face stormy. "You know I could rally enough skeins to make war between us very costly for you."

"You wouldn't reignite something so dangerous," he argued, though there was a lack of certainty in his voice.

Her smile was sharp as she caught it too. "Wouldn't I?" she asked silkily. "I believe it was you who called me—what was it? Oh, yes. A 'crazy old bitch'."

He glared at her as the guards on either side of us took a step closer.

This might have backfired...

I drew Omari behind me as I stepped closer to...my grandmother? Cinira. Cinira was easier.

But then Emberich waved his hands and the guards stood down.

"Fine," he said grudgingly, almost pouting. And then a sly glimmer appeared in his eye. "But my son stays with me."

Omari tightened his hold on me.

"I'm not leaving without Omari," I said firmly, picking him up.

Cinira nodded, as if that was a given. "We both know you don't care about that child, Emberich," she said shaking her head. "Is he worth a war where there might not be any winners?"

He glared at her. His back was stiff, his face red from anger, his hands clenched on the chair. But he relented. "You will regret crossing me today, Cinira. Make no mistake."

"I'll be waiting," she said, her smile icy. "Come, Mia." She turned and marched away from the throne, her strides long and confident.

Okay then.

The walk through that long throne room was one of the most nerve-racking minutes of my life. My whole back crawled with the urge to look around, to keep an eye on the threat. But I followed Cinira's lead and kept facing forward as we reached the flat mosaic area in front of the palace.

Sven somehow appeared in front of us as we headed to the gondola, his face carefully neutral. Looked like he always tried his best to keep his thoughts and feelings to himself. At least when he thought it counted. We were all quiet as we rode down the mountainside. It was an odd and tense few minutes.

I didn't know what Cinira was thinking, but I was afraid we'd be attacked at any moment. That Emberich was just playing games with us. He seemed like the type. But we reached the bottom of the mountain without an issue.

Sven gave us a nod and then hung back as Cinira and I walked to the car, still parked where I'd left it.

"You need to watch your back," Cinira murmured once we were out of earshot. "Emberich is known for killing his offspring. Five at last count, at least that we know of. He usually waits until they're adults so it doesn't look quite so horrifying." Her mouth tightened. "He's jealous of his power and worries they might become a threat." She looked at me as we stopped in front of the car, then glanced at Omari standing next to me.

"I'll be sure to keep that in mind." There wasn't much chance I'd forget today's encounter. But something was bugging me. "How did you know we were here?"

She smiled slightly. "Do you think everyone here is happy to have Emberich as king? Or that they agree with everything he does?" She shrugged. "I have informants everywhere."

That was good to know. Note to self—do not get on Cinira's bad side.

"Do you want a ride out of their territory?" I offered.

She smiled, this one more open and happy, though it was still tinged with sadness. She had only just heard about her daughter's death. Though Cinira looked like she was a tough woman. I doubted she would truly let her grief out in front of me.

"That would be lovely, thank you."

So we all got in the car. In one piece. And set out across the desert.

Again.

I guess miracles did happen.