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“We do have allies on other continents.”

“Who might not want to get involved in an internal war. And what could I even offer in return? Not to mention, how would it look if I attacked my people with a foreign army?”

“The queen has a point. I doubt Merisu or Pequilh will render aid, not until they see what Benoit does next,” Gustav commented. “But the same can’t be said for mercenaries.”

“Hire cutthroats?” Josslyn scoffed.

“With what funds?” Avera added. “They won’t work for free.”

“Which is a problem,” Gustav admitted.

Clutching the locket once more, Avera murmured, “Part of my mother’s final instructions to me stated I must journey to Fraegus Spire. That things would be revealed that I needed to know to rule.” While her mother had claimed the pilgrimage was a secret, Gustav knew about it as he’d accompanied the former queen. Given circumstances, Avera saw no reason to keep the information from Josslyn whom she already trusted.

“What is that cold mountain supposed to reveal that’s so important?” Josslyn asked, standing and shaking out her skirts.

“She didn’t say, but she stressed the importance.”

The reply pursed Josslyn’s lips. “I don’t see how visiting a cold and rocky mountain that is deadly to people will help our situation.”

To Avera’s surprise, Gustav rumbled, “I think she should go.”

“Really?” Avera couldn’t contain the exclamation.

“At this point, you’re a queen without a throne. A wanted criminal who will die if captured. You have no allies but me.”

“And me!” Josslyn piped up.

Gustav continued. “We need an advantage, something Benoit can’t predict or counter. Perhaps you’ll find it at the spire.”

“You went with my mother on her journey.”

“I did, and while she never told me what transpired on that mountain, she emerged changed. Sobered by something she’d seen or heard.”

“Did she ever go back?” Avera asked.

“Yes, without me.” His lips turned down. “When I was laid abed with a broken leg, she set off with a visiting dignitary from Verlora.”

“Why would she take him there?” Avera wondered.

“I don’t know, but she returned from that voyage alone and months later, you came along.” His gaze slewed to Avera.

The man who’d fathered her had visited the mountain with her mother. Why? What had they been seeking?

“I think my course is clear, then. I must go to Fraegus Spire.”

“It will be a ride of at least four days. Three, if we push hard,” Gustav stated. “If we only stop sparingly, we should reach Treble Pine before nightfall. I have a friend there who can conceal Josslyn until my return.”

“Hide me? I’m going with you,” his sister declared.

“It’s too?—”

“Don’t you dare say dangerous,” Josslyn huffed. “Or hasn’t it occurred to you that if Benoit has maligned Avera, then chances are my name has been smeared too. I am just as likely to be arrested. And while we might be able to safely visit this town today, I imagine it won’t be long before everyone in Daerva is told to take us into custody or even kill us on sight. I might as well be with you.”

“I’m sorry,” Avera stated softly. “When I made you duchess, I never expected any of this to happen.”

“This isn’t your fault and together we will fix this,” Josslyn declared. “After all, we are friends.”

“We are?”