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But it is a risk I will gladly take, for Kipp.

And because you’re attracted to him too, insists a traitorous voice in my head.

“You will meet in a crowded place.”

“Of course.”

“Noblemen cannot be trusted, my child, whether they be from the south or the east. You know what you are.”

“I know it well.”

The lessons of our ancestors, one of whom was killed by such a lord for her skills, linger. That we should be so feared for remedies that can be found within nature, within ourselves, once confused me. But no longer. I see now that as Garra learn, and become stronger, they begin to transcend what can be explained in the natural world alone.

“Most especially a Curia commander. But you must go.”

“Aye,” I agree, “I must.”

She stands, with some struggle. I leap forward to help, but she shoves my hand away. Amma will not allow any to coddle her, even me.

“Kipp could return at any time. We must learn why the king has sent for him,” she says.

“He will not go with them.”

“No.” She appears thoughtful. “He will not. But Kipp will be better prepared if we learn their purpose. ’Tis been many years since the king has attempted to claim him.”

So why now? Does it have anything to do with the latest disputes at the border?

“Be careful, my child. If I were stronger, I’d accompany you.”

I hate that Amma rarely leaves the manor. These days, her longest walks are to the forge. Distances and stairs pose difficulties for her.

“I will be well,” I assure her, tying a gold-threaded rope belt around my waist. “He is kind enough, for a nobleman.”

Amma lifts her chin. “Do not mistake cunning for kindness.”

“Of course.”

“And I will deal with your father.”

I wrap my arms around her, breathing in the scent that is uniquely my grandmother. “Thank you, Amma.”

She lets go.

“Be well, child.” She looks into my eyes. “I do not like this. Not at all.”

Amma’s instincts are never wrong. Her words send a chill through me, but I end our conversation by saying, “But all is well in Murwood.”

I’ve grown up with that expression, used to end all conversations about happenings in the two kingdoms we distance ourselves from.

“All is well in Murwood,” she repeats.

But her expression belies her words.