Chapter 20

Queen Elaine.

The moment the raven lands, I know something is wrong. I felt it from the moment my son went to war. I knew he didn't need to go. But he wanted to be self righteous. Wanted to win his people. Wanted to fight for them.

The bird’s feathers are soaked in dark mist, its eyes too wide, too human. It drops the scroll with a hollow croak before vanishing in a puff of ash. I don't wait for a herald or a courtier—I snatch the scroll with trembling hands and break the wax seal bearing King Liam’s crest.

My breath catches. My knees give way, but I hold fast to the edge of the chamber table, forcing myself to read every word.

Neil. Wounded. Shadows. Poison in the trees. Battle in the Vale. Survived.

I do not scream. I do not weep. I walk. Tears stinging my eyes. My heart bleeding.

Past the guards who lower their heads in silence. Past the curious ladies who flinch at my face. I descend the winding stair to the war room where Liam still pores over maps, unaware.