KAI WAS SILENT AS OUR CARRIAGE climbed the swell of a hill with sides draped in a cloak of green, a castle crowning its top. Thick walls connected four towers made of carefully fitted black stones. The style was heavy and square, without any spires or pointed roofs—more like Forwind Abbey than Arcus’s ice castle. But though it appeared rather dark and forbidding at first glance, there was a stark beauty about it. The windows were all arched, the crenellations on the towers as delicate as lace edging. Low walls made from red and black stone bordered gardens bursting with impossibly bright flowers.

The dark stone edifice loomed, casting a deep shadow over the circular gravel drive. Trepidation quickened my breathing as the carriage rolled to a stop. I’d dreamed of this moment, but the reality held sharp edges and hidden dangers. The queen was no longer a figure of imagination, but a ruler with complete authority here. I’d put myself entirely in her power and had no idea what she wanted from me.

To cover my anxiety, I hopped from the carriage, ignoring Kai’s proffered hand, and strode beside him to the open doors. Guards with silver-and-gold helms, each with an intricately worked halberd, stood at attention on either side of the entrance. Kai must have been well known, because they didn’t even blink as we entered.

Shields and weapons covered the walls of the entrance hall. Richly carved tables in a reddish wood held porcelain vases with fragrant white flowers, their heavy blooms bowing their stems.

A courtier appeared and led us down a long sunlit hallway, up a set of winding tower stairs, and past two guards who opened a set of doors leading into a spacious room with a gilded chandelier and silver torches. A red-and-gold carpet echoed gold-fringed drapes the color of garnets, which bracketed doors open to a stone balcony. The breeze perfumed the room with heavy floral scents.

The room was sparsely furnished aside from two sturdy thrones, both of them gold and upholstered in red brocade.

No throne of molten lava. No dark, insidious presence lurking just out of sight. I didn’t know whether to be disappointed or relieved.

A thin, dark-haired man in a red satin robe occupied the smaller throne. It had to be the queen’s husband. Kai had mentioned him on the ship, but it took me a few seconds to remember his name: Prince Eiko. He faded into the background next to the queen. My attention grazed over him and honed in on her.

Hair as dark as polished walnut flowed in an elaborate braid over her shoulder. A strong, well-shaped nose dominated her face. An elegant neck curved into square shoulders, which were left bare above the bodice of a cherry-wine gown. Reflexively checking for signs of possession, I noted that it was impossible to see the veins at her wrists from several yards away.

Her fathomless eyes came to rest on me.

A thrill ran through me, sending jolts of energy through my body and lifting the hair on my arms. Dream had become reality. I stood only paces away from the queen of Sudesia, ruler of the Firebloods, descendent of the original ruler blessed by Sud.

And yet, it wasn’t pure happiness or elation that I felt, but fear. Kai had said the queen had sent for me, but he wouldn’t say why. Pestering him for answers had proved futile. I had come willingly, with an agenda of my own, but I was putting my safety completely in her hands. She had all the power here, and I had none.

She beckoned us forward.

Kai had taken my hand at some point and woven it through his arm. He led me to a spot several feet from the throne and stopped. He bowed low at the waist, and I sank into my best curtsy, the one Doreena had made me practice over and over before my first dinner with the Frost Court.

The queen just stared at me silently. I felt her assessment in my bones.

Her attention shifted to Kai. Her nostrils flared, and when she spoke, each word was like a stone dropping into a still pond. “What have you done?”

Kai took a breath before answering. “I did as you instructed, Your Majesty. I found a way to avoid the Tempesian blockade, and then I infiltrated the Frost Court to find her.”

“And this is the girl?” She flicked her hand at me.

“Her name is Ruby Otrera,” he replied evenly.

Her expression remained stony. “Your task was clear: Find the girl, relay my offer—that she would eventually receive an invitation to Sudesia if she served as my spy—and then leave her in the Frost Court.”

My head whipped toward Kai. He’d been sent to recruit me as a spy? If he’d been looking at me, he would have seen the rage in my eyes, but he was looking down with uncharacteristic deference. “I did what I thought was necessary to save her, Your Majesty. Our… my plan was flawed.”

I wanted to grab him and shake the truth out of him. Instead, I clenched my fists and stared, as the queen might reveal more if she thought I couldn’t understand Sudesian.

“How so?” the queen asked coldly.

“She wasn’t safe.” His eyes flicked up to gauge her reaction, as if he knew this was an important card to play. “Frostblood assassins tried to kill her. They spoke of a group called the Blue Legion, whose aim is to return things to the way they were under King Rasmus.”

She huffed. “I see no reason to believe that the new king is any different than the previous one.”

Frustration burned in my chest. I yearned to shout that she had no idea what she was talking about, but instead bit the inside of my lip until the skin throbbed.

“We cannot trust her,” the queen said.

“Your Majesty,” said Kai softly, “I must remind you that she destroyed the frost throne and killed their king.”

Not true. It had been Rasmus’s obsession with the Minax that had led to his own death—not that correcting the Firebloods would win me any points.

The queen scoffed. “Yet she spared his brother, his successor. And then she remained in his court willingly. If she were a true Fireblood, she would have killed as many Frostbloods as she could before her own life was taken. Her only value to me was in her proximity to the king—a Fireblood spy in the Frost Court—and instead you offer me a girl with stale information.”

“I may not have done what you expected, Your Majesty,” Kai argued, growing more confident, “but I believe I have given you something more valuable. Instead of risking her life and the loss of an asset, we have her here. We can still use her knowledge against the Frostbloods: their strengths and weaknesses, the inner workings of their court, their plans.”

Arcus’s warning came back to me in a rush: that I shouldn’t trust the lies of a stranger. A sense of betrayal built into white-hot anger in my chest.

The queen considered for a moment. “What are you hoping to gain from this, Prince Kai?”

He took a step forward, his back ramrod straight. “I want my second chance, as agreed.”

“You forfeited that when you failed in your task. I should throw you in prison for your disobedience.”

Kai’s gaze shifted restlessly over me. Emotions flashed across his features—calculation, indecision, resolution—before he spoke. “The new king favors her. He… cares for her. You can use that to your advantage.”

My indrawn breath fell sharply into the silence. Heat coursed through my veins, as if searching for a way out.

“How much?” she asked.

“A great deal,” said Kai, avoiding my eyes. “She calls him by a pet name. And there are rumors that she is his mistress.”

My hands itched to forcefully stop the words emerging from his lying mouth.

Kai continued. “There are also rumors that he intends to make her his queen.”

Arcus never said anything like that! It was just talk among servants and courtiers and all the people who resented me and distrusted Arcus. My fury burned so hot, it was close to hatred. Kai was making a fool of me, treating me like a bargaining chip in some game I hadn’t known he was playing. And I loathed myself for trusting him.

The queen had an arrested look as she examined me, as if seeing something she’d missed before. I kept my chin up, signaling my defiance. She didn’t seem to notice. She was too busy calculating my value the way a money lender weighs gold.

“The king is in love with the girl who melted his throne?” She chuckled richly. “A comic playwright could not produce such outlandish farce. A Frostblood king led into foolishness by his emotions. It is beyond belief.”

She bestowed her smile on Kai. “Perhaps I shall pardon you after all. If what you say is true, you’ve brought me a jewel in the king’s crown, so precious to him that he will do anything to secure her safety. I might as well hold his icy heart in the palm of my hand.”

At the mention of his heart, my restraint broke. I needed to release the pressure and heat that had built up in my chest, either with fire or words. Considering Brother Thistle’s caution about my temper, words seemed safer.

“The king would never do anything to harm his people.” I spoke in Sudesian, not caring if my speech was imperfect, only that she understood. My voice was low and seething, edged with warning. “You are wrong about him, Your Majesty.”

Her brows rose. “So you admit you are special to him,” she said, gazing at me as approvingly as if I’d just paid her a compliment. “How much are you worth, I wonder? Fifty ships? A thousand? Perhaps a message with our terms will yield some fruit.”

She wanted to ransom me for ships? “He won’t pay. You’ll only provoke him.” Whether that was true or not, I wanted her to believe it.

“So much the better. Whether he sends ships as payment for your safety or he sends ships to attack, they would have to get through the Strait of Acodens. Our ships are smaller, but they are faster, more maneuverable. And we have fire. Much more deadly to a wooden vessel than frost is, my dear. Why do you think Frostblood raids on Sudesia have always failed?”

An invisible fist closed over my throat. Surely Arcus wouldn’t cave in to her demands?

I’d been so intoxicated by the idea of finding my own people, I’d let myself believe I’d be welcomed with open arms. Instead, the queen was planning to use me to strike at Tempesia, which now suddenly seemed like home. If Arcus responded to her threats with aggression, there could be war. I felt so stupid—small and childish—for walking into their trap.

I knew Arcus, though. He’d think through every eventuality, calculate the danger, and choose caution. He would never risk so much or trust so blindly.

“He would never trade his people’s safety for me or any individual,” I said, trying to regain my composure, to sound calm and confident.

“He will,” Kai countered. “I’d stake my life on it.”

I clutched my hands together to keep from blasting him with fire.

“You clearly wish to protect the king,” the queen observed. “Perhaps you plan to spy on me and take your information back to him.”

“I am no spy. I am not your enemy.” I realized my warning about provoking the king had been interpreted as a threat. I took a shaky breath and tried to repair the damage. “The king has no ill intentions toward you. In fact, he has drawn up a peace treaty—”

“Peace?” She leaned forward, her dark gaze so intent that I had an urge to take a step back. “When the Frost Court is wiped out, when Firebloods rule, when the last icy breath is expelled from the very last Frostblood, dissolving in air heated by the fire of my people, then, and only then, will we have peace. I vow to Sud that I will not rest, and my heirs will not rest, until that day.”

The room had warmed, the air thick and cloying and humid. The queen’s wrath was fearsome in its relentless heat. Even to me.

Her words were eerily similar to King Rasmus’s, her urge to wipe out Frostbloods much like his campaign against Firebloods. Terrified of what I might find, I put out mental feelers, but I couldn’t detect any hint of a menacing presence like the one in the frost throne. If the Minax wasn’t causing her bloodlust, then perhaps the queen was even more dangerous than the king had been.

Nothing had gone as expected. I had crossed an ocean to get here, but I was no closer to completing my mission. The queen was furious, and she clearly wanted to take her anger out on me. The mention of peace had only incited her wrath.

I needed to regain some control. Brother Thistle had told me to ingratiate myself with the queen and the masters.

I took half a step forward. “I, too, burned for revenge against the Frostbloods, Your Majesty. I wanted to kill King Rasmus, and now he’s dead. Surely that proves something to you? I’ve done nothing to act against you.”

“You came from Tempesia without my permission,” she replied coldly. “That is enough to earn you a place in my prison.”

“She didn’t know our rules, my queen,” Kai broke in.

“But you did,” Queen Nalani snapped. “Imprisonment might teach you about the value of obedience, a lesson you sorely need, Prince Kai.”

“Very well, Your Majesty,” he said quickly, “but I ask that you give Ruby a chance to prove herself. I beg you and Prince Eiko to consider the matter carefully before you decide.”

The man sitting next to the queen—Prince Eiko—leaned toward his wife. “My dearest, I must agree with the boy.” His eyes moved from her to me, his long, angular face drawn in serious, almost stark lines. His eyes narrowed speculatively, in a way that I didn’t like. “She may be useful to us in some way that is yet unclear.”

Queen Nalani turned to him. “What use is she to me here? If the Frost King cares for her, I could never trust her.”

“Perhaps if you tested her abilities,” Prince Eiko suggested, “you would find out whether she could serve you in some other capacity.” Though he argued in my favor, the intensity in his voice was unnerving.

Queen Nalani’s gaze shifted back to me. “What prevented you from killing the king’s brother—King Arkanus? If you had done so, the succession would have been contested and it would have thrown the kingdom into chaos. Barring that, you could have been my spy. You would have served me better by undermining the Frost Court from within.”

“I knew nothing of your wishes, Your Majesty,” I said deferentially. It wasn’t the time to argue. “Perhaps if you train me in your ways, I would know better how to please you in the future.”

“Or how to stab me in the back.” Her nostrils flared.

I swallowed the urge to argue. “My loyalty lies with you, Your Majesty. I hate the Frost Court and everyone in it.” Except Arcus, I amended mentally.

I bowed my head, feeling Kai’s stare on me. I was laying it on a bit thick, but this was no time to let pride or scruples get in the way of saving my own neck. And Kai’s, too.

Prince Eiko leaned forward. “Why did you agree to come here, young lady? What did you expect to gain?”

I took a deep breath and met his eyes. “I have dreamed of coming here all my life. My grandmother told me stories of this land and its beauty, of the richness of its culture and its history.” That much was true. “I longed to be where Firebloods are valued rather than reviled. I grew up hiding my gift. Then, when my identity was revealed, I was hated and feared. My life was worth nothing to the Frost Court.” That was also true.

A silence fell. The queen’s gaze seemed to soften. I had aroused her sympathy. I needed to continue while I held the advantage.

I had gathered from conversations on the ship that Fireblood masters were valued highly. Proving my usefulness seemed like a good way to start.

“Perhaps you could test me, as Prince Eiko suggested.” I was careful to keep any hint of demand from my tone. “Prince Kai has explained that anyone can attempt the Fireblood trials, no matter their background. Would it be pleasing to you if I became one of your masters?”

A small smile played about her lips. “You speak too sweetly to be trusted, young lady. Though I appreciate how well you anticipate what I want to hear.”

I clasped my hands in front of me and met her eyes squarely. “I admire you greatly, and I would do anything to gain your approval.” It wasn’t hard to say the words. There was truth in them, perhaps more than I’d like to admit to myself. I wanted to gain her trust, to be truly welcome somewhere. To belong.

She turned to her husband. “What do you think, Prince Eiko? What would I gain by granting this request?”

His reply was almost eager. “She managed to destroy the frost throne, which only a powerful Fireblood could accomplish. With training, she could exceed some of your strongest masters. Perhaps Sud has sent us this gift. We would be remiss not to consider such a possibility.”

The queen’s expression was smooth, but she seemed to weigh his words carefully. Finally, she transferred her attention back to Kai. “Speak, young prince. You always have much to say.”

“I have seen her use her fire, and her gift is strong,” Kai said. “She could be a valuable addition to the masters.” He hesitated before adding in a low, almost urgent, tone, “And it might reveal things about her gifts that could be of great interest.”

A crease formed between Queen Nalani’s brows. Some silent message seemed to pass between her and Kai.

“And suppose she uses her training and knowledge against us?”

“We risk nothing, as she is here and can be kept contained,” Kai answered.

“I would never use my knowledge against you or your kingdom, Your Majesty.” No, I would use it to save Tempesia. I needed the knowledge of the masters. Once I found out how to destroy the Minax, I would leave.

She stared at me for a long time, then finally shook her head. “I cannot afford to take unnecessary risks.” My heart sank as she continued. “Do not think you will be treated poorly, young lady. I understand that it was Prince Kai who brought you here. But I cannot trust you. You will be kept in my prison until I decide what to do with you.”

A drop of sweat trailed down my back. I thought wildly for something that would change her mind. Prince Eiko looked unruffled by her verdict, but Kai showed his agitation with restless movements and quickened breathing.

“Your Majesty, please,” Kai began.

The queen held up a hand. “Do not waste your breath, young prince. I will decide an appropriate punishment for your disobedience. Your family’s loyalty alone is what saves you from imprisonment as well. You will remain in my castle until I decide what to do. Only a sign from the goddess herself would change my mind at this point.”

As the queen frowned at him, a strong gust of wind blew through the balcony doors, lifting the gauzy curtains. The torches bent and flickered. The hot, humid air settled like a blanket over my skin.

The queen looked over in surprise. Prince Eiko turned to her and smiled. “I believe you have Sud’s answer, my dear.”

She paused for a long moment before nodding. “Indeed, it seems Sud has spoken. I am resolved, then.” She had a more relaxed air, as if the tension of uncertainty had drained from her. “Ruby.”

“Yes?”

“You will be admitted to the school for assessment and training. If the masters declare you a suitable candidate, I will allow you to take the trials. If you pass, you will be initiated as a Fireblood master and sworn to Sudesia. If you’d go to such lengths to embrace your heritage, that would give you a measure of credibility in my eyes. Perhaps I would even grow to trust you and allow you to live freely here.”

The relief was so great, I had to lock my knees to stay upright.

“You risk your life at each stage of the trials. There are sacrifices you may be unprepared for.” Her dark eyes held me spellbound. I had the uncomfortable sensation that she could see into my mind, that she was picking apart my motives and seeing the things I was trying to keep hidden.

“You will have to pledge yourself to me if you are initiated as a master,” she added. “Your allegiance, your very life, will be mine.”

As we left the throne room, Kai led me down the tower stairs and through a long arcade with sun-filled arches supported by thick, round columns.

When we were safely out of view of any courtiers or guards, I turned and gave his chest a shove. “A spy?” I could hardly even get the words out.

He crossed his arms and leaned against a column. “I never actually lied.”

“You said the queen had sent for me!”

“I may have… bent the truth to ease your worries. And I knew the queen would welcome you once you were here.”

His refusal to admit fault was infuriating. “And that was your idea of a warm welcome?”

“What harm has come to you? If you recall, I said you could train to be a Fireblood master. The queen agreed to let you take the trials. And quite easily, I might add.”

“You forgot to mention she would essentially own me if I passed.”

His brows rose a fraction. “Everyone knows that the masters are the queen’s puppets.”

“I don’t know these things!” Suddenly, I was frustrated with myself for not pressing Kai for more information before and during our journey.

He glanced pointedly out the window at figures in the courtyard. A few curious faces were turned in our direction.

I raised my voice. “And I don’t care who hears!”

“Then by all means,” he said, more urbane than ever, “let us air your secrets here. I only thought you might prefer to speak of this in the privacy of your room. Go ahead, scream it all in front of the court. They do love a good show.”

I sighed and lowered my voice. “Why bring me here if that’s not what she wanted?”

“To save your life, for one thing. Not that you’ve shown a scrap of gratitude.”

“Don’t make it sound altruistic. You’re trying to trade me for a second chance at something.”

His chin lifted. “Some of us have to fight for the things that are offered so readily to others.”

“Stop wallowing. You’re a blasted prince, for Sud’s sake.”

A flush crept across his cheeks. “You know nothing of Sudesia. Nothing. And until you do, don’t presume to judge me, Lady Ruby.”

He made it sound like I was being unreasonable. I wanted to lash out. Unleash my fire on him. But he could do the same, and more. This was his domain, not mine.

And no matter how furious he’d made me, I was the fool who’d believed him.

He turned, continuing down the corridor at a quickened pace.

“Wait, Kai,” I said, wrestling with my temper.

“What?” He didn’t stop walking.

“Where is the throne?”

That brought him to a halt. He turned and regarded me with quizzical annoyance. “We just came from the throne room.”

“I mean the throne of Sud. Black lava rock, running with molten lava. Massive and intimidating. Sound familiar?”

“That throne was destroyed in a volcanic eruption, along with the old castle and everything in it.”

No. This couldn’t be happening. I had counted on finding the fire Minax in the throne of Sud.

“When?” I asked.

He shook his head. “I don’t know, before I was old enough to remember. Most of the island was evacuated for a time. Everything was rebuilt here. This is the only castle I remember.”

I put a hand to my stomach, my shoulders hunched as if I’d just received a body blow. What a fool I’d been. Rushing to Sudesia with little more than a handful of stories and loads of assumptions.

“Ruby, are you all right?” Kai put a hand to my shoulder.

I straightened up, and his hand fell away. “I’m fine. Show me to my room.”

It was time to start making new plans.