Wyneth stood in the king’s office, overtaken by chills from what they’d just learned. A monstrous sand serpent that could slither, run, and leap had been on a killing rampage in Zorfina. It was able to bury itself and move in the sand, and therefore had eluded their forces. Each day it killed more people, because King Addar refused to change the laws, just as King Charles had.
And in the mountains of Toresta, King Gavriil had opened a refugee camp for Lashed—a haven against the onslaught of persecution, in hopes that this would earn Rozaria’s approval, at least until she could be stopped. They had no reports of beasts yet, but Lashed were killing people each day, just as they were in Lochlanach.
“There’s a catch,” King Charles said softly as he read the parchment. “Once the Lashed go into the camp, they are not allowed to leave.”
“They are made prisoners?” Queen Leighlane asked.
Councilman Duke Gulfton clucked his tongue and chuckled without humor. “I suppose they’re saying it’s for their own good. That they are protecting them.”
“Smart,” muttered Duke Streamson. “Very smart.”
The two older dukes had been the only councilmen approved to attend official meetings with the royal family again. One younger councilman, a guard, and an officer were still being held for daily questioning. All others had been let go. Their possible treason was so despicable and saddening that nobody spoke of it.
“As for Kalor,” King Charles said, “it is no longer safe for Lochlans to travel there. We’ve had reports of people attacked and rumors of Lashed uprisings. Prince Vito has neither confirmed nor denied that his kingdom is in a state of unrest. It seems he does not trust written communication, which I can understand. In a message with his seal received before dawn, he says he has sent ambassadors to speak with us directly. They will arrive before dark.”
This piqued everyone’s interest.
“That should be interesting,” Lord Baycreek said sarcastically. Wyneth knew from past stories of interkingdom balls and functions that Kalorians and Lochlans did not always play well together.
“Aye, lock up the wee ones.” Duke Gulfton’s jowls shook as if he’d shivered in fear.
“Now, now, gentlemen,” the king admonished. “Remember, Prince Vito allowed many of his kingdom’s best hunters to come here and fight the beast. Every one of them was killed.”
A respectful silence filled the space until Lord Wavecrest spoke. “Any news from Ascomanni?”
“No.” King Charles and the entire room all turned to the man at Wyneth’s side. Lord Alvi rocked back on his heels and nodded.
“My uncle tends to be a private man when it comes to kingdom matters. He’s not likely to send news of trouble, lest it be perceived as a call for help.”
“Seas forbid,” Queen Leighlane said with a sigh.
Lord Alvi gave a wry shrug, unoffended, as if that’s simply the way it was.
A commotion sounded outside in the hallway. Wyneth’s pulse quickened and on reflex she grabbed Lord Alvi’s arm. Without hesitation he brought his hand over hers. Wyneth’s mother, Lady Wavecrest, glanced at Wyneth and did a double take at their joined hands. Wyneth quickly dropped her arm from Lief’s just as the door flew open.
Vixie, disheveled and panting, burst into the room with a veritable army on her heels. The king rushed from behind the desk and held out his arms, which she ran straight into.
“What is it, Vix?” he asked.
“A flying beast, Father!” The entire room gasped and went still, except Lord Alvi, who ran from the room to join the fight.
Vixie pulled away enough to peer up at the king. His eyes darted around at the faces of his family and advisers, all at a loss. Wyneth pressed a shaking hand over her mouth. Vixie’s eyes were rimmed in red. “It took one of the soldiers.” At the memory of it, Vixie broke into tears. Wyneth stepped up and took her from the king, who rushed away with his men.
“I must check on the children.” Lady Wavecrest ran from the room with Lady Baycreek.
Vixie trembled in Wyneth’s arms. “Wyn . . . it was so big. Oh, my seas. Its eyes!”
“It’s okay, love. You’re safe now.” Wyneth stroked her hair, feeling faint with fear. The queen joined them, taking Vixie’s face in her hands.
“You’re not injured?” She looked her daughter over as Vixie shook her head.
“I need to go. I need to make sure Tiern is okay.”
Both Wyneth and the queen grasped her.
“You’re not going back out there,” Queen Leighlane said firmly.
Vixie still had panic in her eyes. “When will this end, Mother? Papa can make it stop. He can change the laws!”
“It’s not so simple,” the queen whispered. She stroked Vixie’s cheeks, drying her tears.
“He must never change the laws,” came a grainy voice from behind them. “It is imperative that we not give up control.”
Wyneth, Vixie, and the queen turned to Duke Streamson. He seemed to be addressing Duke Gulfton, who leaned on his ornate walking stick, eyes glazed.
“Perhaps it will never end,” Duke Gulfton whispered. He hobbled from the room, green robes dragging across the floor, and Duke Streamson followed, shaking his head.
Wyneth thought with sadness that they should both retire. She looked to the queen. Her aunt Leighlane gave her a tight smile that was meant to be reassuring, but it wasn’t. It felt as if everyone in the entire kingdom had lost their wits along with their control over the situation. If they’d had any control to begin with.
Something had to give.
Vixie walked to the window, looking out at the sky and grounds. “I hope they’ve killed it.”
Wyneth’s stomach turned at the thought of what her young cousin had seen. She prayed Tiern and the other soldiers were safe against it.
“Aerity is out there with monsters on the loose,” Vixie whispered. “She needs to be brought home.”
The queen pursed her lips. “I’ve been thinking the same thing. She could be anywhere by now, the foolish girl. She knows we don’t have enough people to chase her down.” She shook her head and walked to her daughter’s side. Winter light shone against her deep red curls.
Wyneth moved to her cousin’s side. Vixie looked straight at her, and in that moment the girl’s terror morphed into an intensity Wyneth had never seen from the lass. It was as if a thought had taken root in her cousin’s soul and was growing to massive proportions before she could attempt to stop it.
Aye, the kingdom lacked soldiers to find Aerity. But Princess Vixie, it seemed, was willing, able, and ready.