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We don’t have to ride far. Knowing we’d be sending them off soon, Axius assembled the illusionary experts and the associates who’ve volunteered to attempt to merge gifts with them in one of the military camps set up around the city walls—the one closest to the Kosmelian temple.

The high commander nudges his stallion to a gallop to arrive a little ahead of the rest of us.

The camp is mostly empty now as the main force has moved north, but several tents and a few covered wagons remain.

When I rein my horse to a stop at the edge, our hastily assembled company has gathered in front of me.

Most of my companions dismount, but I stay in the saddle where I can see everyone’s faces.

Along with the eleven illusionary experts are familiar faces like Baronissa Hivette’s, whose gift for transmitting images we’re hoping will extend the distance and breadth of her partner’s mirages, and Calvus the harpist, whose gift for projecting and intensifying sound seems to be able to combine with illusions in similar ways.

They could have stayed in the palace and hoped to remain far from any fighting, but they’re here. I’m not going to let any of them down.

“We have a divine mandate for our plan, delivered by Kosmel in all his impressive trickery,” I announce.

“We’re going to hide the foreign soldiers right before our enemies’ eyes, making them believe the newcomers are more Darium troops on their side.

We’ll send you with as many actual uniforms as you can carry to help bolster the illusion, but most of the deception will depend on you.

High Commander Axius will give you further instructions on who will head to which region and how to best make your approach. ”

Everyone nods, the soldiers with a spark in their eyes that makes me think they’ve been eager to finally put their skills to full use. Hivette squares her shoulders, nervous but determined.

Gods, I hate to think how her wife will worry while she’s off on this perilous quest.

Because I’d feel like a villain not to, I add one more remark.

“Remember what we told you about the possible consequences of combining gifts. Don’t push your magic until you’re coming within view of any of Valerisse’s forces.

And if you’ve had second thoughts about attempting it at all, please let us know.

I wouldn’t order you to risk another sacrifice. ”

Not a single person budges from their cluster. If anything, their expressions turn more defiant.

Calvus offers a hard grin. “The traitors aren’t getting away with this. I’m looking forward to finding out how far I can stretch my talents to protect the empire.”

A murmuring of approval follows his words.

After the preparation Axius has already given them, it takes less than an hour before all pairs are ready to ride out. I stay at the camp to see them off. As the stable hands who’ve come out with their steeds start distributing the horses, Calvus ambles over to where I’m standing with the princes.

He offers me a respectful bow. “Never thought I’d see a time when even a musician could help win a war, but I’m glad for the chance, Your Imperial Highness.”

My lips twitch upward at his wry tone. “I’m grateful for your willingness to attempt it. We’ll miss your music until you return.”

“You’ll have plenty of other good company in the meantime.” His gaze darts over the princes, and Neven’s posture tenses.

He and the harpist had some kind of relationship for several weeks during last year’s coronation tour. Are there lingering hard feelings?

Calvus simply arches his eyebrows at me. “You’ve hoarded all the other princes. I suppose I’m lucky I got to dally with one while I did.”

A sound of protest escapes Neven. “You shouldn’t talk to the empress like that. She never— Anything I did?—”

The harpist raises his hands in surrender, his expression softening as he meets his former lover’s gaze.

“It was more a compliment than a complaint. I think the ‘wild princess of Accasy’ has been good for all of us in different ways—including you. It’s been a relief to see you in a better temper these last few months. ”

Neven hesitates, and his stance relaxes slightly. He aims a trace of a smile at me. “She’s definitely got a knack for leading the way.”

Calvus bobs his head to me again. “Let that talent lead us all the way to victory.”

I watch him ride off with the others and try to ignore the sinking sensation in my stomach. It remains heavy through the short trek back to the palace.

I stride into the front hall already girding myself for the final meetings and preparations ahead—and a small crowd of nobles hustles in to meet me.

Bianca steps forward at the head of the bunch. Most of the noblewomen who’ve joined our combat training sessions, including Hivette’s wife Damina, follow her alongside perhaps fifteen of the court noblemen.

Bianca holds her head high. “We’re not letting you go out to fight those would-be usurpers alone, Your Imperial Highness. Tomorrow morning, we’re all setting out with you to do battle however we best can.”

A sharper pang radiates through my chest, but a simultaneous swell of affection dulls the worst of the pain. “I’ll be honored to fight alongside you.”

By all that’s holy, let our efforts be enough.