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“But?” I asked, taking her hand in mine.

She turned back to face me, determination on her face. “I just hope it’s not too late.”

“Alright, then,” I said with a resigned sigh. She clearly knew something, and what she’d shared had to be important. “Let’s get my sister to the library.”

Thirty-One

Leuruna

“Idon’t understand,” I said. “Don’t you want your time?”

Nye sighed. “I do, but according to the seer, you would benefit more from the last day in Tromodia. Now go on before I change my mind. Oh, and Rune?” She threw herself into my arms, nearly knocking me down. “I believe in you.”

“You’re being weird.” I furrowed my brow at her.

She sniffled, and I shook my head, then willed myself awake.

I found myself in a small sitting room with floral couches and two worn armchairs next to a fire. Beside me was Rivven’s sister, the seer who had apparently convinced Nyah to call me back sooner than expected. Not that I minded, but it did confuse me.

“Hello.”

I turned my head at the greeting to find a beautiful woman with auburn curls and curves that made me feel like a child.

“I brought some tea and sandwiches,” she said, setting a silver tray down on the table in front of us. “I trust you’re comfortable, Your Majesty?”

“Oh, call me Rune, please.”

“And you can call me Lou,” she answered, scarlet lips curving up in a smile. “Feel free to explore this floor for another hour or so. But I’m afraid once the girls are up and around, it would be best for everyone if you kept to your rooms.”

It wouldn’t do to have a wanted princess strolling the grounds, I guessed. Not that I minded spending extra time shut away, as long as it was with Torvo. I nodded, scooping up a sandwich. “Thank you for your hospitality.”

To my surprise, she dropped into one of the empty armchairs and started pouring amber liquid into the mugs laid out on the tray.

“Honey?” she offered.

“Yes, please. And the princess would like cream,” Sharlyne answered for us both. I shifted in my seat, uncertain how I felt about her knowing my preferences.

“So, Your Highness, er, Rune?” Lou said, setting my tea before me. “I hope that when all is said and done, and you are on the throne, you will remember who helped you along the way.”

My eyebrows shot up as I clutched the warm mug in my hands. Lou was nothing if not straightforward. I appreciated that quality, though I wasn’t certain how I felt about the sentiment. If what mattered to her was reward, my father could line her pockets far easier than I could.

“I hadn’t thought that far ahead,” I admitted before taking a sip. “But I am certainly in your debt for taking in me and my friends.”

“I’m on your side,” she clarified. “But protecting my girls is my priority. I hope you understand that.”

Galan strode in at that moment, adjusting the sleeves of his cobalt robes. “Ah, I thought I might find you here.” He dropped onto the arm of the chair Lou occupied, placing an arm casually behind her.

Though her jaw remained in a hard line as she attempted to maintain an aloof air, her skin flushed ever so slightly. She covered it by sipping at her steaming mug while Galan reached around her for a sandwich, but I’d seen it. So, she had feelings for Galan. Perhaps that was why she had been so accommodating.

“I understand,” I said, brushing the crumbs from my hands. “We will be as discreet as possible. And should I—no, when I take the throne from my father, I will make sure you and your girls are comfortable.”

“Thank you, Rune.” She smiled and patted Galan’s leg.

“You should explore while you still have time,” Sharlyne announced, standing.

When Lou’s hand slid up Galan’s thigh, I quickly joined the seer at the door. “Yes, good idea.”

Once we’d made our way down the hall a bit, I paused and cleared my throat. “Do most people do that?” I asked, face burning.