hadnât wanted the responsibility of being Regent. But the Crimson Queen had decreed him in charge, and he would obey because, as loathsome as he could be, Lannan was loyal to the throne, and to his sister Reginaâthe Emissary for the Queen. He was also Reginaâs lover, but that was beside the point.
âI repeat, the Regent requires that you stay indoors. Defend yourselves should you need to, but be aware: These creatures cannot be reasoned with; they are cunning, intelligent, and out for blood. Do not approach them. Do not attempt to bargain with themâthey are ruthless killing machines. Hide yourselves, and tonight, the patrols will be out in full force to counter their attacks. During the meantime, the city council is appealing to the Courts of Winter and Summer to send aid, and to the Consortium.â
Rhiannon was standing to one side, and when the newscast ended, she crossed the room, arms out. Without thought for decorum, I gave her a tight hug, and the warmth of her skin almost burned me. I stood back, gazing at her.
âYou feel like youâve got a fever.â Cocking my head, I searched her eyes. She looked worried, but beneath the worry, I could sense happiness, and also exhaustion.
She returned my gaze. âAnd you feel like youâre chilled to the bone. You look as tired as I feel.â
âWeâve both got a lot to learn and not much leeway as far as time.â I paused, feeling oddly unsure what to say next. We hadnât seen each other for a couple of weeks, and a subtle distance had grown between us.
âWe should respond to their request.â Rhiannon looked as uncomfortable as I did. Her hair was flame red, and she practically crackled as she moved. While I could control the winds, she had power over flame, and the sparks arced off her body, a flickering of pale orange that haloed around her.
I glanced at Luna and the others. âCan you give us a few minutes? I need to talk to Rhiannon and Chatter about something.â
There was a flash in Lunaâs eyes that told me Iâd hurt her feelings, but she motioned to the others and led them out of the parlor, followed by Rhiannonâs guards. Check and Fearless stayed behind with us. I closed the door and locked it.
âWhatâs going on?â Rhia sounded more like herself, and as I turned, her gaze flickered toward the door. âSomethingâs up, Cicely. I didnât want to give away anything in front of the others, but I can feel it. My advisor, Edge, told me that Strict contacted our shamans. They put her and my private guards to the test this morning. They also searched Chatterâs mind. Just
what
were they looking for?â A hint of anger colored her voice. I didnât blame her.
âThank gods. We are at least a leg up, then. The guards you brought with you? They all passed the loyal test?â
âYes, and I donât mind telling you, it wasnât any fun watching the process. Now tell us, whatâs going on?â Sitting on the sofa, she patted the cushion beside her, and Chatter joined her.
Grieve and I sat opposite, on the loveseat. I glanced at the closed door, then lowered my voice. âThere is a spy in my Court working for Myst. We donât know who it is, yet. But we also encountered Shadow Hunters in my realm, and we know Myst is on the move again. For all we know, there may be spies within your Court as well.â
Rhiannon was silent for a moment. Then, âDear gods . . . sheâs back, already?â
âWe knew she wouldnât take long. She just managed to regroup faster than we feared.â I gave a little shrug. âSo we have to find this spy, and any more that might be hiding in the shadows. I think we should go on the offensive.â Pausing, I looked into my cousinâs eyes. She was nodding. âAlso, on the way here? I met my grandfather.â
âWhat?â She leaned forward. âWould that