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“Will she die? Like Father?”

I stroked her hair. “Not for a very, very long time.”

“If she’s not sick, why did she leave? Where did she go?”

I pulled her a little closer. “You know where she went,” I said, trying to keep my voice light and to hide how much fear I was feeling. “Uncle Viktor took her to the temple. She’s helping the priestesses prepare for the funeral.”

But the memory wouldn’t leave me. Viktor’s hand at my mother’s elbow, polite but firm. The guards that had flanked her as they escorted her out of the house and back to the carriage. Just before the carriage door closed, Mother had looked back up at the drawing room windows. She must have known Aenia and I would be standing there.

“She didn’t even say goodbye,” Aenia whispered.

She hadn’t had time. Viktor had told us the news and then declared that my mother was needed at the temple. Something had passed between them. I still didn’t understand what it was. But now Mother was gone. I had the terrible feeling she wasn’t coming back.

The doors to the drawing room swung open, and Marcus strode in. He eyed the maid, and she quickly scooped up her tray of dirty dishes and hurried from the room. Our servants knew to avoid Marcus. My older brother looked unchanged by grief. His clothes were clean and neat, his hair freshly brushed. His expression was so bright that it made my stomach churn. He tossed a newspaper my way. I didn’t catch it, just let it land on the floor by my feet.

He rolled his eyes. “It’s done. Viktor was confirmed as Sangratha’s new regent this morning.”

At first, I didn’t understand. “What?”

Marcus crossed the room and poured himself a drink at the side table. He tossed it back, then sank down into an armchair, spreading his legs out in front of him. He looked as if it were just another day, not the day after our father had died. “The regency. Viktor will take Father’s place and represent House Drakharrow.” He looked smug. “In the city, the bells are already tolling. Banners are being hung from every corner. The temple is already swarmed with blightborn.” He yawned and put the glass down. “Viktor’s announced that the entire realm should prepare for a full month of mourning.”

That part made sense to me; of course the realm would mourn for our father.

“Viktor didn’t waste any time,” I said with disgust. “This couldn’t have waited a few days?”

Marcus shrugged. “Why wait? We all knew it had to be him.”

I frowned. “Did we?”

He laughed. “Of course. Who else would it be? Who else would rise in Father’s stead but Viktor—you? Me?” He snorted, then walked back over to the side table to pour himself another drink.

“There’s always Mother,” I said coldly. “Or have you forgotten about her?”

Marcus’s back was to me, but I saw his hand pause. “Ridiculous. Mother wouldn’t want that kind of responsibility.”

“Why don’t we call her back here and ask her?” I suggested. “You know she hasn’t come home all night.”

Marcus turned slowly and leaned back against the table. “I’m aware. Viktor told me. Mother wants to spend some time in the Sanctum.” He eyed Aenia. “You’d better get that through to the brat.”

I looked down at my little sister. Aenia had fallen asleep; otherwise, no doubt she’d have lunged for Marcus. She hated being called that. “Aren’t you worried about her?” I asked him quietly.

He shook his head. “’Course not. Viktor knows what he’s doing.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I said heatedly. “What’s that got to do with Mother being at the temple?”

He hesitated. “Look, I know you’re mourning Father but …”

“But what?”

“But the truth is, he made us all look weak,” Marcus burst out. “He let the other houses think they were our equals. He let blight-borns forget their place. Viktor always carried the real weight. Now it’s time he gets his due.”

“Father shaped the realm. He rebuilt it. He brought peace and unity.”

Marcus shrugged. “Look where that got him.”

The room seemed to swirl.

I swallowed. “What the fuck does that mean?”