Page 18 of Return of the Vengeful Quee

Lunay frowned and then shrugged. “Maybe both. Maybe not. Been many years since I was in Embre.”

Charis was too triumphant to care about this small setback. She’d figure out the delivery system for the poison herself. She’d coat every weapon, fill tiny satchels for every warrior in her army, even pour it into Arborlay’s water supply if she had to.

Finally, she had a way to secure the support of her allies. A way to rescue Tal and get King Alaric to honor the betrothal agreement she’d signed with their treaty.

A way to ruin those who’d ruined her.

She lifted her chin, fire burning through her as she said, “I’ll buy all the moriarthy dust you have in stock.”

“Don’t have much.” Lunay reached for another jar and shook the gritty red-brown contents at Charis. “Only grows on Embre.”

Embre. How convenient. Charis had been planning to sail in that direction anyway.

The fact that Embre hadn’t pursued trade with Calera in many decades was of no account. They would help Charis, or they would learn firsthand why Montevallo had called her the warmongering princess. She’d approach with honey but finish with a sword if that’s what it took.

Nalani hurried forward to pay Lunay for the moriarthy dust. The herbologist poured the dust into a small leather satchel. Charis accepted the satchel from Nalani and attached it to the braided silver belt that wrapped around her stomach.

The group remained silent until they were safely back inside the carriage and the coachmistress had ordered the horses forward. The instant they were in motion, Grim leaned forward.

“Did she have what we need?” The frayed hope in his voice scraped against Charis, and she wrapped her hand around the satchel at her waist as she levied a cold stare in his direction. He was worried about his precious prince, but she had the fate of an entire kingdom on her shoulders.

“She had a small amount of poison that she says will kill Rakuuna. Not nearly enough, but at least now we know where to get more.”

“Where?” Even Dec sounded eager.

“Embre.” Charis turned toward Holland. “I have dinner with Vyllanthra tonight, and Nalani is meeting with your uncle’s friend the retired admiral to discuss possible battle strategies, so I want you to prepare our crew to set sail at first light.”

“Sailing through dense, early-morning fog.” Holland raised a brow. “Sounds difficult.”

Charis gritted her teeth. “You’re right.”

“A frequent occurrence,” Holland said. Nalani huffed.

“We’ll have to leave the harbor at midday, Your Majesty,” Dec said. “But Grim and I can gather the rest of the crew and their belongings and make sure all final preparations are made while you’re at dinner. Perhaps Reuben could give some of the palace staff the job of bringing your trunks on board?”

He glanced at Holland and Nalani, and Charis gathered herself for the argument that was about to erupt.

“Nalani is staying behind as my ambassador to Solvang. And Holland will be staying as well. Only my belongings will need to be transferred to the ship, Reuben.”

There was a beat of silence, and then protests erupted from the twins.

Holland swore with such creative flourish, Charis felt sure he’d learned some new words during his time at the docks.

“You aren’t going out there alone.” Nalani leaned toward Charis. “Who will watch out for you?”

“I have an entire crew—”

“With me on it.” Holland glared at her.

“Orayn, Finn, and Reuben are perfectly capable of keeping me safe.”

“It’s not just about your safety.” Nalani’s hand wrapped around Charis’s and squeezed gently. “You need a friend, too.”

Her words pierced Charis, and salt stung her eyes. Blinking, she drew herself up straight. “The northern waters are treacherous.”

“Which means you should stay here and send me instead.” Holland’s hands curled into fists.

“Embre needs to be handled by an expert negotiator,” Charis said.

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