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"Now don't you feel silly." Sophie smirked at Richard.

"Forgive me for trying to prevent my brother from killing the crown prince of our most notable rival kingdom." He pinched the bridge of his nose, and Wren was reminded of when Malaki would do the same thing.

"I hardly think we are at risk of that." Sophie rolled her eyes.

Richard only stared at Sophie, who didn't seem moved by his gaze.

"What we really need to think about is why your father is so set on causing this rift. He does nothing without purpose."

Richard nodded. "You are right. He is obviously trying to put distance between the relationship Kai and Wren have formed."

"I am right here, you two," Wren pointed out.

Richard and Sophie merely glanced at her, before turning back to each other. "Could be he finally wants to make a move on North Helm. To be honest, he didn't seem thrilled about having Princess Mary here," theorized Sophie.

Richard shook his head. "Too risky. North Helm is too strong."

"Not if he has both their heirs," rebutted Sophie.

"North Helm would go to the next successor without issue," responded Richard.

"What if he thinks he has a weapon that will help him?" said Wren looking at Sophie pointedly.

Richard was oblivious to the exchange. "Ridiculous. There is no such weapon."

Sophie shook her head, a silent message to hold her tongue with Richard there. Wren was saved from having to decide whether or not to abide by her friend's advice when a pale Malaki opened the door, holding a paper.

Chapter 27

Malakipulledhiseyesup from the paper long enough to take in the three of them. His eyes lingering too long on Wren. Wren felt the weight of his gaze on her and it took all her self-control to not shy away from it. While she couldn't regret what had just happened between her and Wesley, there was some other feeling beside it she couldn't understand.

"Good, you are all here." For all the fuss they had made about figuring out what she had done with her afternoon Malaki did not seem concerned. He turned to Richard and said unceremoniously, "Richard, you should likely know that Wren is the goddess Serephina reborn, brought from another world to Valmere by father and the Bishop."

Richard just stared open-mouthed at his brother while Sophie said, "Excellent plan, Your Highness. Why hadn't I thought of announcing it every time I walked into a room?"

Malaki ignored her and looked at Wren. "I am sorry I didn't ask you first to tell him, but he is here and I've spoken to Maxon, the sorcerer from North Helm, and he knew the second verse." He was talking uncharacteristically fast which made Wren nervous. She stood up quickly and went over to him to grab the paper knowing what would be on it. Malaki didn't argue when she took the paper and read aloud.

"Time leaks away

The vessel returns

The curse its sway

Time's fragile turn"

Richard was still frozen in place, unable to speak, but Sophie squinted her eyes as if she was seeing the words.

"Time is obvious, it has been countless generations since Serephina was banished. The vessel returns though," pondered Malaki.

"It's me," said Wren.

Malaki nodded, agreeing with her.

"What?" said Richard, finally finding his voice.

"I was brought back to Valmere, and the magic within Valmere has been pushing into me, a vessel," explained Wren matter-of-factly.

"Exactly," agreed Malaki. "The curse—its sway. That could be Serephina's curse of being reborn, but why would that hold any more sway if the vessel has returned."