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Plus, Saga was offering it to me. Not forcing it upon me.

I took the flask. “How much do I drink?”

“At this dose, a mouthful a day,” Saga said. “And truthfully, that isn’t a complete guarantee. Rhistel, Vale, and I take a much stronger Mind Rönd potion twice a moon, but if she wants to, Mother can still read our thoughts.”

I recalled that day the queen broke into her sons’ heads. They’d appeared pained.

“It’s easier for her to do it to us, though,” Saga added. “We’re her blood, of her own flesh, so we have a deep connection. She’d have to try hard to do it to you—after you take this, that is.”

“Then I best not give her the chance.”

“Limit contact, no touching, and you should be fine.”

I uncorked the flask and took a swig.

“The flask should last a week, if not a couple of days more,” Saga said.

“What happens when I need more?”

“I’ll make sure you have it. It’s in everyone’s best interest that your true past stays hidden.”

“And you think your mother knows nothing of it?”

“After we took Sir Qildor to the healers’ wing, I spent hours with Mother. We talked about you. Not once did I get the impression that she knew you were a slave.”

“But I’m sure your mother can keep a secret.” After all, she was a mind-reading queen. I could only imagine the things she’d learned with each turn of the sun.

“Yes, but Mother and I are close.” Saga shrugged. “I did my best to feel her out. I’m pretty sure she has no idea.”

It would have to do.

“Thank you, Saga.” I set the flask on the dresser. “I appreciate you looking out for me. For being a friend.”

“I meant it when I said I’d like you as a family member. Never expected it would actually happen. Or quite in the manner that it did, but”—she lifted a delicate shoulder and gave a half smile—“here we are. And I’ll do what I can to protect you from Father’s ire.” She looked away, uncomfortable about bringing up her kin.

I hated that the king was related to Vale and Saga. Both were good and kind, and the king was despicable. That he had ever been different was difficult for me to believe.

Saga cleared her throat. “Well, I guess I’ll see you at the Courting Festival gathering.” She brushed a hand down my arm in farewell and winked slyly. “Do try not to incite more gossip, sister.”

Chapter 12

VALE

Hand in hand, Neve and I walked to where the Courting Festival event of the day would take place. With each step, my shoulders grew tighter.

Though my sister had protected Neve against our mother’s magic—something I was disappointed in myself for not having thought of—so much could still go wrong. And that was only considering the fae.

I wasn’t worried about the vampires. Not yet anyway.

It would take days for Captain Barvo’s ship to land upon the shores of the Vampire Kingdom and hours still for him to reach Sangrael, the heart of the Blood Court. Then the royals would have to hire assassins. Or worse.

Will the King and Queen of the Blood Court come?

Before the thought could take root, I vanquished it.

No reason to worry about that when threats lived inside the castle. Threats to my new wife, a fae ofWinter’s Realm I had sworn to protect. Threats who shared my blood.

Father and Rhistel remained my primary concerns, and I wasn’t sure which one posed a greater risk.