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“At once, Your Majesty.”

As Gustav left to prepare, Avera paced, wringing her hands. Was she being foolish dangling herself as bait? So many things could go wrong. She spun and paused, her eye caught by something in the bookcase. She frowned at the little figurine of a bird sitting on a shelf. Odd. She didn’t recall seeing it before.

It made her think of the clay snake in her armoire. The bird wasn’t as rudimentary, the carving quite lovely, the colors of its plumage vivid, its jeweled eye sparkling.

Still, she felt much better once she’d smashed it on the floor.

Hopefully she could smash the conspiracy to murder her just as easily.

Chapter 10

As planned,Gustav notified the stables that Avera would be going for a ride, and from there she readied herself quickly so as to not give the traitor too much time to prepare. As she went to exit the palace, she ran into Josslyn.

“Where are you off to?” asked the lady who was dressed in a lovely gown of green, nipped at the waist, with tight sleeves.

Shooting a quick glance around, Avera murmured, “To see if we can catch a traitor.”

The statement widened Josslyn’s eyes. “I take it this is because of Venne’s abrupt death.”

Avera nodded. “Gustav finally agreed to see if we could draw them out so I’m going for a ride.”

“I’m coming with you,” Josslyn declared.

“It might be dangerous.”

“Then you definitely shouldn’t be alone,” Josslyn huffed.

“I’ll have some rooks with me.” Avera inclined her head to show her pair of shadows.

“I am coming, and you can’t change my mind.”

In truth, Avera didn’t want to. She’d be glad of the company. “Then let us be off.”

They emerged from the palace into a gloomy day, the skies heavy with gray clouds. They walked to the stables, their skirts fluffing with each step, leading Avera to grumble, “How goes the plan to make trousers a new fashion?”

Josslyn laughed. “Not well. I asked my seamstress and she looked so appalled.”

“I don’t see the issue. Men wear them all the time.”

“Patience. The good news is as queen you will set the fashion. Already the ladies are wearing much more subdued styles, matching your own.”

Were they? Avera hadn’t noticed.

An already saddled Luna stood just outside the stable with a groomsman holding her reins. Avera almost sighed in relief to see they’d used plain tack as requested rather than the fancier stuff other royals used when going out. Avera preferred her gear to be functional rather than pretty. Not to mention, she liked to avoid being noticed, especially now.

“My queen.” The man bowed low. “Your steed is ready.” Upon noticing Josslyn, he asked, “Will the duchess require her mount as well?”

“Yes, please,” Avera stated. “And my rooks will require horses to ride as well.” She gestured to her pair of shadows.

“At once, Your Majesty.” The man trotted back into the stable and in short order four horses stood in the bailey. As the groomsman handed the reins of Josslyn’s mare to her, he said, “My thanks, Duchess, for the new hay. The last batch we had wasn’t the best quality. The horses are already much happier.”

“Glad to hear it,” Josslyn declared. “I hope you’ll let me know if anything else is required. After all, these fine animals deserve it. Oh, and keep an eye out. I’ve got something special being delivered later for their caretakers.”

The man beamed ear to ear. “Thanks, Duchess.”

“Don’t thank me. Thank her majesty. She’s the one who demanded I rectify the situation.”

“Majesty.” The man hit the ground and bowed his head.