"Where is Sebastian Conner? Speak!" Marta's voice smashed the silence in her gilded hall. "The Guardian Elder—he was struck at the shrine, Your Highness," the messenger stammered, collapsing to one knee. "They say his blood seeped into the salt stones. They say—" "Say nothing." Marta walked across the hall with no hurry in her step. Her boots hit marble and everyone felt it like an order. She grabbed the man's chin and lifted his face. "Who hurt him?" "A priest from the Harbor Coven—Brother Merek. He led a small ritual and—" The man blinked. He couldn't finish the sentence. Marta laughed, sharp and small. "Brother Merek. How quaint. Did he sing to the sea? Did he offer coins? Did he think he could stop me?" "You should not speak so—" Lady Celine began, voice cool. Marta let the messenger go. He fell back, fingernails white where they'd dug into the floor. "You," she said to the room, "tell the Harbor Guard I will personally visit their shrine tonight. Bring torches. Bring ropes. Bring shame." "Your Highness—" Kaelynn cut in, stepping forward between Marta and the messenger. "This is a delicate matter. The Harbor Coven has ties to the court. They bargain blood for prayers." "And?" Marta asked. She folded into the nearest throne and did not look regal. She looked amused. "Careful," Kaelynn said. "The Queen will hear rumors. The King—" "Let them hear." Marta's voice lowered until the hall strained to catch