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Violette’s voice draws me out of my reverie.

“Where is it that you’d like me to take you, Your Grace?” Violette saunters toward her kitchen—or laboratory, I can’tactually be sure—wearing a high-collared dress similar to the one I’d first met her in, clinging perfectly to her generous curves.

“I’m not sure, actually. I haven’t done much travelling. Especially not outside of our realm, what with my duties and all. I’ve never taken a vacation. Not since my parents… um…”

Were brutally murdered in front of me.

“…passed away. ”

Violette’s brows give a subtle shift as she studies me with an unreadable expression.

“My condolences. Might I offer you some tea, Your Grace?”

That little voice of unease scratches at the back of my mind.

Hmmm. Would I prefer to be rude or risk death by poison?

Death by poison, obviously.

I muster a trepidatious smile. “Certainly, thank you.”

Violette looks pleased by my reply as she begins rooting around in her kitchen, collecting a variety of herbs.

“No need to fuss with trying to add any fancy ingredients, Miss Lark; plain black tea will do just fine.”

Violette’s movements still as she twists to look back at me. “Well, I can’t resist trying to impress the Duchess herself.”

She returns to her search. “And how do you feel about foreign languages? Once you leave Bellorum, I’m afraid Caerwynathian will be useless to you.”

Very nearly, squealing my delight, Iwillmy vial of water from the Well of Tongues into my hand. “No matter! I’ll be quite alright, thank you.”

Violette’s gaze darts back to me from over her shoulder, eyes widening in recognition at the sight of my vial.

“Where in all the realms did you get that?”

“Azrael.”

Her jaw drops.“As in the god of death?”

“Indeed.”

Not so long ago, Azrael visited our realm–something to do with a catastrophe on a neighboring continent–I’d been visiting my cousin at her palace for the annual council meeting when he’d arrived. Unannounced.

Being the unpredictable, charismatic, and charming fellow he is, if not a little eccentric, we’d spoken of books and my travel aspirations. He’d generously provided me with an enchantment that enabled the imbiber to read any language, along with a vial from The Well of Tongues, and promised me that one day, I would travel to new worlds far beyond Bellorum.

I give the vial a little shake, and it glows a healthy purple-y blue color.

Violette’s brows are up by her hairline as she watches me down it. Her lips part in awe as a halo of iridescent blue and purple light momentarily radiates from my head and body before she turns back to the many rows of glass jars and vials containing various herbs and oddities. A few moments later, she finally returns to where I’ve made myself at home on her couch and passes me a dainty teacup. “Might I ask for payment now, your majesty, seeing as you’ll be leaving soon?”

“Oh, certainly.”

Iwillforward one of the diamonds from my coronet and offer it to her in my upturned palm. I don’t miss the hope and longing flickering in her eyes at the sight of it.

“You’re too kind, Your Grace.”

“Not at all, Miss Lark. I’m sure you’ll guarantee my safe departure and return.”

Violette bats her impossibly long lashes at me. “Of course, Your Majesty.”