Page 85 of Return of the Vengeful Quee

Holland patted her one more time before slowly letting go. “Only a week?” His voice was thick with emotion, and he cleared his throat. “Charis, Tal, Reuben, and I spent a lot longer than that in a Rakuuna brig.”

“And that’s another thing!” Nalani raised a finger and pointed it in his face. “You were supposed to watch over Charis and stay alive, and what do you do? You let her act as bait for the monsters and then you join her.”

Holland raised an eyebrow. “Well, I certainly wasn’t going to be left out.”

Nalani threw her hands into the air and turned to Charis. “I expect it’s been difficult spending so much time with my brother.” One final tear slid down her cheek, and she swiped at it with her palm.

“You have no idea,” Tal muttered as Charis rushed forward and hugged Nalani.

“I heard that.” Holland folded his arms over his chest.

“You were meant to.” Tal moved closer to Nalani and said, “I’m really glad you’re safe.”

Holland laughed. “No one in this room is safe.”

“You know what I meant.” There was a warning in Tal’s voice, but Holland paid no attention.

“I know that all four heirs are now in the palace, which means the filthy traitors in our midst will be trying to kill us soon.” For the first time in weeks, Holland sounded like his normal self. He settled into a chair, draped one leg over the edge, and snatched another slice of pumpkin bread.

Tal grabbed breakfast for himself and sat on the sofa while Reuben stood by the door, ready to cause a distraction if the Everlys entered during a discussion of their treachery.

Charis ignored them all and simply held her cousin. Nalani had lost weight. Her bones pressed sharply against her skin, and she trembled as she leaned against Charis.

“I can’t imagine how awful that trip was when you were all alone,” Charis said. “And Holland’s right. We aren’t safe here. But I am so glad to see you alive and well.”

Nalani clung to her and whispered, “I thought you all must be dead. Why else would they send for me? They needed an heir to exchange with Alaric, and I thought I must be the only one left.”

“If Ferris gets his way, none of us will be left,” Holland said, an edge of fury to his voice.

“Ferris?” Nalani stepped back, wiping more tears from her face.

“It’s an explanation that can keep for a few more minutes.” Charis shot a look at Holland, and he closed his mouth. “Let’s get you cleaned up and fed.”

An hour later, Nalani was bathed, dressed in a plain gown of green wool, and had eaten a bowl of oatmeal and two slices of bread. Charis had eaten more as well—not because she was hungry, but because Holland was right. Now that Nalani was here, the Everlys would soon make their move, and Charis had to be clearheaded if she was going to have any chance at defeating them.

As if her thoughts had summoned him, the suite door opened, and Ferris entered. Holland choked in the act of swallowing the rest of his sister’s bread and coughed so hard, he gagged.

Ferris’s lip curled. “That’s disgusting. Go be sick in the bath chamber.”

Holland coughed once more and then said, “I can’t be the only one you have that effect on, Ferris.”

“One of these days someone is going to have to teach you some manners.” Ferris brushed his hands against his shirt as if wiping off the taint of being near Holland.

Holland raised his head and pinned Ferris with his dark eyes. “Want to try?”

“I see nothing has changed,” Nalani said, dusting crumbs from her dress.

“If by that you mean that your brother is still an embarrassment to Caleran nobility, then you are correct.” Ferris moved closer to Nalani, and Holland made a warning sound in the back of his throat.

Nalani raised one eyebrow in a look that was a copy of the expression her twin usually wore. “I meant that you’re still as insufferable as you ever were.”

Something flashed across Ferris’s face, and a chill spread over Charis’s skin. Holland opened his mouth, but Charis said, “Enough arguing. Ferris, would you like some bread? We have one slice left.”

“Thank you, Charis, but I’ve been sent by Queen Bai’elsha to deliver a message, and I can’t stay long.”

“We’re heartbroken.” Holland took the final slice of bread and stuffed half of it in his mouth.

“What message?” Charis asked, folding her hands in her lap to hide their trembling. She knew what he was going to say before he said it. All four heirs were here. It was time.

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