Page 144 of The Witch Queen

And I wonder yet again what Rhea would say if she could see the world I built.

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The day of our departure dawns gray and rainy. I wait with the rest of the party in the courtyard as guards inspect every crack and crevice of the wagons and carriages. Jacquetta hasn’t been brought out yet. I think they’re saving her for last, which is fine with me. Given her connection to the covens, it was necessary for the other witch to join us during some of the planning meetings. But we’ve not spoken alone. I considered going to the dungeons to visit her before we left, but what’s the point? What could she possibly have to say to me after her betrayal?Still, I recall the pain in her gaze in the throne room. Why hasn’t she namedmea witch? Is this all part of her plan? Or is there another, deeper reason?

“Your Majesty,” Master Parnell brings me back into the present, his black robes rippling like smoke as he cuts through the throng of onlookers. “Everything is prepared. The scouts sent word that they sighted the witches’ party about a day and a half from the meeting site. That should give us plenty of time to prepare for their arrival.”

I nod. Callen gave me a similar report earlier this morning. It’s good news, I tell myself. Everything is going according to plan. Even so, I can’t shake the restless feeling that I’m missing something. But that’s probably Callen’s fault.

Good luck,he drawled before I left.I’m certain this endeavor will turn out about as well as all your others.

Perhaps once the witches are defeated, I’ll finally be able to smash that mirror.

“I must caution Your Majesty again regarding the danger of this journey,” Parnell continues. “There’s no need for you to join the party. The Hunt is perfectly capable of bringing the witches back to the palace on their own.”

“It’s better that I go,” I insist.

Because I’m not letting Jacquetta out of my sight for an instant.

“Yes, don’t try to dissuade her, Parnell,” another voice chimes in, one I’d honestly—and perhaps foolishly—hoped to avoid before I left. “When the queen makes up her mind, it’s quite settled. Isn’t that right, Ayleth?”

Margaret glides over, one of her courtier’s smiles plastered to her face.

“You didn’t need to see me off,” I tell her, meaning it.

“Nonsense,” she replies. “You’re family. And don’t worry. I’ll keep the palace in good order during your absence.”

The back of my neck prickles. Leavingheralone here is perhaps the most dangerous aspect of this plan. But Shade won’t be far, I remindmyself. He’ll keep Margaret reigned in, if it comes to that. Nearby shadows shimmer, as if in reassurance.

“And I’m so sorry the princess can’t be here to wish you luck before you go,” Margaret continues, frowning. “I sent for her, but I don’t know where she is.”

Avoiding me, likely. I glance up at the library windows and think I might see someone peering down at me. But the face just as quickly vanishes.

“What about Joan?” I ask Margaret. “Have you seen her?”

“The marquess? I’m afraid not.”

“I heard she may be leaving court,” Parnell supplies.

That shouldn’t surprise me, either, given our last conversation. But Joan’s evident rejection still stings.

It doesn’t matter,that voice insists.She was never truly your friend.

“Majesty?” a guard calls. “We should go if we’re to arrive at our stopping point by dark.”

I nod and head for the carriages.

“Take care,” Margaret says, following me across the courtyard. “We’ll finish the arrangements for the final trial before your return.”

I don’t bother to respond. Because there won’tbea final trial. Not if I can help it.

A slight commotion stirs the courtyard as someone else is brought out of the palace. Jacquetta, escorted by her ring of guards. Her eyes meet mine and I sense a question churning in their depths, one that might even be a plea.

A crow calls overhead, its shadow skimming over the courtyard.

That old rhyme resurfaces:One for sorrow.

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