Page 158 of Burn Her They Said
“I had a vision,” Queen Celine says, pushing on her armrests to stand.
“I was unaware of your seer abilities. I apologize.”
“Seer? No. Are you so disconnected from a witch’s natural skills and abilities?”
“I’m sorry, I do not follow.”
She sighs along with her witches-in-waiting, making a concert out of their exasperated breathing.
“Every witch possesses these skills. However, we require certain practices to amplify our power—to attune with the energies to better wield them. We must commune with nature—take in the rays of the sun and light of the moon, dance under the stars, walk among the plants, animals, and other witches. We recharge by spending time in nature, and with our coven.”
The very thing I am kept from having. Sequestered within the gray stone walls, with nary an open window.
“No one deserves to live a life so controlled—so isolated and lonesome.” Her voice is somber, though her eyes flick over to Varic, drawing the heat back into my cheeks. “You need to explore wooded areas, collect items that call to you, and build altars for those who came before us, in honor of their sacrifices and to seek their guidance. A witch must maintain a connection with the land, the universe, and others. But what I cannot understand is how a ruler so driven by power would keep his prized witch from those very sources. He should want your magic to grow, not die out. And you’re only allowed to practice one of the many forms of power the Gods and Goddesses blessed you with at birth—it’s absurd.”
My heart feels as if it might burst from my chest when I rise, and then curtsy with the hope she will release me.
Varic holds his hands out before him, as if to help steady me.
The Queen and her witches-in-waiting miss nothing as they all share a quick glance. Then Queen Celine turns to me and extends a hand, which I take. She pats my knuckles and says, “What I can offer you is wisdom and allyship, should you ever need our help.”
My chest compresses with the uncertainty of how, or if, to accept.
“Thank you, Your Royal Highness. The Empire—” She holds her palm out to stop me.
“Allow me to clarify. You have an ally. Every citizen in need of refuge has an ally in Annovia. Should a group of rebels seek to overthrow the corrupt system ruling over you, they will be welcome. The Empire has no reason to be grateful for anything from either me or my country.” She stares at me, and I nod subtly. “I do, however, accept your gratitude.”
Her eyes flick to Varic before she turns to her attendant. He glances over at me, and I shake my head to warn him off. Now would be a good time for him to practice restraint and subtlety.
“Please ensure Tasch has as much of my tea blend as her heart desires.”
A smile breaks across my face from such a small gesture, which feels much more meaningful beneath the surface.
“You are free to roam the castle. My guards will notify you if any rooms are off-limits. You might find the library of particular interest.”
My vision blurs around the edges with the way she so casually offered me access to information. Freely given. Even to a perceived enemy.
Chapter Fifty-Five
Suspicious
The view through the large picture window draws me in as soon as we re-enter the guest suite. A sense of wonder fills my chest as I stare out at the cascading foliage, until the latch clicks and I spin around to survey my Guards.
Malin and Lars wear hardened expressions, whereas Fray, Cirrin, and Varic all stare off in thought. I pull in a much-needed breath and strip the stole off my shoulders, then toss the fabric over the empty chair.
“Well, that was unexpected,” I say, pausing in the middle of the room.
A round of nods and grunts proves their agreement.
“I want to trust her. I want to trust that she made this offer of aid earnestly.”
Fray sighs, and we all look in his direction. “Of course, you want her to be trustworthy. You always try to find the good in others, even when they haven’t earned it.”
Silence descends until I kick the heeled shoes off to the side and pace the room. “There are countless citizens in need of support, despite what the Emperor reports. We witness it every time he holds court.” They each nod out of my periphery. “So many travel to speak with him, yet are never heard. And my magic senses the emotions they hold within are far more intense than any they express—which means their local councils cannot be providing support as intended. For what sort of oversight can we say there is to ensure the courts are acting fairly and justly toward the average citizen?”
“While we don’t know if we can trust her,” Cirrin admits, “we do know we cannot trust the Emperor.”
Malin leans back against the bedpost nearest the door. “He’s the most unstable he’s ever been. Panicking as time goes on, with no answer as to how he will achieve immortality. And his dangerous decision-making is only escalating.”
