Page 67 of Return of the Vengeful Quee

“Where do those rumors come from?”

Lanni shrugged and glanced at the door again. “Your Majesty—”

“One last question, Lanni.” Charis lowered her voice. If the Everlys had a contact who could sneak into and out of the palace, then there was hope that Tal or Holland could too. They could deliver the message to the rebellion and put Charis’s plan in motion, but only if they knew where to go. Praying Lanni could help, Charis said, “If I needed to find Lord Thorsby, where would I go?”

Lanni’s eyes widened. Quickly she whispered, “He is rumored to be with Lady Ollen, Your Majesty.”

“At her house?”

Lanni frowned. “I think her house was destroyed. All I know is that she enjoys a good afternoon tea.”

Tal choked on his bite of muffin. “How is that helpful?”

Lanni shrugged again, looking miserable. “That’s what Cook said to the milkman when he delivered supplies the other morning. I thought maybe it meant something because it was a strange thing to say, but I could be wrong. Your Majesty, please, I must go, or I’ll be punished.”

“Thank you, Lanni.” Charis turned to Tal as the woman hastily left the room, closing the door behind her.

Tal shook his head. “We’ll need to ask other people about Lord Thorsby. Maybe Ferris can—”

“I know where Lady Ollen is.” Charis gripped Tal’s arm. “Her favorite tea shop is the two-story bakery on the northwest side of the merchant district. I can’t remember the name of it, but there’s an alchemist shop across the street and a bookbinder next door.”

Tal gave her his crooked smile. “I do love your brain.”

“And I love yours.” The words left her lips before she’d truly realized what she meant to say. His eyes darkened, and he leaned close enough that she was suddenly, exquisitely aware of the rise and fall of his chest and the way his collarbone caught the early morning light.

“So where is Nalani? I wanted to—what is happening here?” Ferris demanded, staring at Tal and Charis, who were standing far too close to one another.

“Nothing that concerns you,” Tal said at the same time that Charis said, “Strategy.”

Ferris stilled, his eyes narrowing. “Why is Charis blushing?”

“It’s nauseating, but you get used to it.” Holland grabbed the last muffin and moved toward Charis.

She pivoted toward Holland, reaching out for the muffin as an excuse to put a little bit of distance between herself and Tal.

“Eat that.” Holland shoved the food into her hand.

“Fine.” Charis held the muffin without taking a bite.

Ferris craned his neck to look at the bedrooms. “Where is Nalani? We need her so we can start planning how to manage things. I know what Queen Bai’elsha is really up to.”

Charis glanced at Tal, Holland, and Reuben. Each of them looked as wary as she felt. “Nalani isn’t with us. And how do you know what the queen is planning?”

“What do you mean Nalani isn’t with us?” Ferris set down the remains of his muffin. “Where is she?”

“She’s still in Solvang.” Holland crossed his arms over his chest. “She’s safe. Now, I think you’d better explain yourself.”

“Safe.” Ferris took a deep breath and blew it out slowly, then nodded. “Good. That’s good. It buys us more time.”

“How does that buy us time?” Charis asked.

Ferris met her gaze. “Because the terms of King Alaric’s agreement with Queen Bai’elsha state that all four heirs to the Caleran throne must be present before he will deliver the jewels. He’s camped just far enough inland that the Rakuuna can’t reach him. They have to spend time in the sea each day, or they grow very weak.”

“All four heirs—that doesn’t make sense.” Tal turned to Charis. “Father only needs one heir to fulfill the betrothal treaty. Why would he care about anyone but you?”

“Father?” Ferris’s voice was sharp. “Who exactly are you?”

“He’s Prince Percival Talin Penbyrn, King Alaric’s younger son.” Charis waved that announcement aside as Ferris left the food tray and moved toward them. They had bigger problems than Tal’s identity. “Would your father be trying to force the Rakuuna to keep the line of succession safe?”

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