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“To rule Evalon, of course,” Mirryn said.

But — Mirrynalreadyruled Evalon. She was a Vallentis. A princess from birth.

Kiva’s brow furrowed. “I don’t understand.”

“Do you seriously have no idea?” Mirryn huffed out a laugh. She shifted forward, wrapping one hand around the bars, nearly brushing Kiva’s fingers. “You see my brother just like everyone else — perfect and wonderful and amazing in every single way. Can’t you imagine what it’s like growing up besidethat?”

Kiva’s exhausted, throbbing mind was scrambling to follow. “You’re — You’re jealous of Jaren?” she asked. “That’swhy you’re helping the rebels take the throne?Yourthrone? Just so he doesn’t inherit it?”

Mirryn snorted. “You’re finally starting to catch up. But you’re only halfway there.” Her angry blue gaze locked with Kiva’s as she explained, “It wasnevermy throne, but it alwaysshouldhave been. I was the firstborn child — it wasmybirthright until precious Jaren came along, his magic considered so much more powerful, as if that meant something. Everything was taken from me the day they decided he should rule in my place: my title, my future,everything.I was raised in his shadow, always second best, always thespare.”

Her face twisted, the knuckle of her hand turning white against the bars, but then she visibly relaxed. “When I met your sister, she told me we could work together to get back what belonged to me, what belonged tous.It was a proposal too tempting to resist.” She paused, then admitted, “That said, it’s only been in the last few weeks that I really dedicated myself to our work. I helped provide information before that, but I wasn’t in a rush for action. Now I am.”

“Why?” Kiva croaked. “What changed?”

“Navok.” Mirryn spat the Mirraven king’s name like a curse. “He said I’m not good enough, that I’m ‘just a princess’ — can you believe that? We were so careful to keep our relationship secret from him, but somehow he found out. And now he’s forcing the woman I love to marry Voshell, knowing that one day he’ll be king, and she’ll rule Caramor at his side.”

Kiva blinked, realizing Mirryn was talking about King Navok’s sister, Serafine. But that meant —

Her family got involved. They didn’t think we were a good match.

Princess Serafine was Mirryn’s girlfriend.Ex-girlfriend. They must have been forced apart because Navok wanted his sister to marry an heir, not a spare.

Kiva almost felt sympathy toward Mirryn — but only almost.

The princess leaned closer, her eyes fevered. “This is the only way I can get Serafine back — by becoming Queen of Evalon. Navok promised he’ll terminate her betrothal the moment I’m on the throne. Then she can be mine.”

“Where does Zuleeka fit into that plan?” Kiva asked hoarsely.

“She and I will rule together,” Mirryn said. “We’ve already agreed — we’ll be two queens the likes of which this world has never seen. A Corentine and a Vallentis, the way it was always meant to be.” A slash of a smile. “And it’s all thanks to you.”

Kiva shook her head in denial even if she knew the princess spoke true.

“The Royal Ternary,” Mirryn mused, raising her free hand. On her finger was a ring — the queen’s Signet, Kiva realized with a sinking heart. “We never would have known about that clause if not for you,” Mirryn went on. “That saved usyearsof planning.” Another flash of teeth in the low light, stretching into a beaming grin. “Thank you, Kiva. You have no idea how happy you’ve made me. And Zuleeka.”

Kiva felt hollow inside.

“Unfortunately,” Mirryn said, her grin fading, “it’ll take time for us to figure out how to make the announcement and enact the change of rulership. Even with the Ternary clause, the citizens of Evalon could still revolt. They may not care that we have a legal right to the throne, despite the Royal Council having no choice but to confirm it.” Mirryn’s lips tipped upward again as she added, “But your sister has a backup plan, just in case. I’ll let her explain when she gets here. She wants to say goodbye.”

Goodbye?Kiva wondered.

“In the meantime,” Mirryn went on, “we’ve ordered Mother to act as if nothing has changed, even though she’s fully aware that she’s no longer in charge. The Royal Council will be informed first thing in the morning. We’ll then discuss the most effective way for my family to abdicate.”

“Jaren won’t abdicate,” Kiva said, everything in her hurting from just saying his name. “Royal Ternary or not.”

Mirryn’s face tightened. “He won’t have a choice. Once we find him —”

She broke off suddenly, as if realizing what she’d said.

Kiva latched on to it, hope welling within her. “Find him?”

Scowling down the dark corridor, Mirryn shared, “Caldon got him and Naari out before we could secure them. But they have nowhere to go, and Jaren has no magic. We’ll find them soon enough.”

For the first time since she’d awoken, a smile touched Kiva’s lips. “Don’t count on it.”

Mirryn’s scowl deepened. “You look much too pleased for someone locked in a dungeon.”

“You obviously have some plan for me,” Kiva pointed out, “or you wouldn’t have dragged me here.” She’d already noted the lack of guards, making her think Mirryn must have levitated her into the cell without anyone seeing, everyone too distracted by the party. “If you’re hoping to use me to lure Jaren back, it won’t work. Not now that he —”