Each day in Ronona Castle, Nehalennia and Helena were the first to rise and the last to turn in. While Helena’s position as castle steward took her immediately to Queen Melasia’s chambers, Nehalennia’s mornings began in the kitchens.

  “Good morning, Praline,” Nehalennia called to the white-haired catgirl coaxing the embers to flames. Her Shi Island dress looked right at home in the castle’s expansive kitchens.

  “Good morning, my lady,” Praline replied brightly. She stood and brushed her palms over her apron, then set to work collecting the pots and pans she’d need for breakfast. “Has there been any word on our next shipment of sugar?”

  “I fear not.” Nehalennia looked over her notes beside the day’s checklist in her planner. Has Queen Melasia still not signed the agreements? San Island had threatened to stop all sugar trade if the queen did not provide the aid she’d previously promised. “I will check into that today. Is everything prepared for dinner this evening?”

  Praline hesitated, her hands freezing around a glass bottle of milk and a measuring cup. “Is Ichi Island’s man dining with us tonight?”

  Nehalennia frowned and reviewed her planner. “Yes. I informed you of this two weeks ago.”

  “I-I know. My apologies, my lady, I was certain that I heard… No, never mind. Please, forgive me.” Praline returned to her work, gently heating the milk before procuring fresh fruits from the cold box.

  Anxiety tensed Nehalennia’s shoulders, and she fingered the edges of her planner. There was little she could do outside of mitigating the impact on their appearances. “What do I need to do to ensure everything goes as planned this evening?”

  “First, I’ll need two more pairs of hands, if you please.” She added a cup of oats to the pan, then set to work chopping pawmegranates. “Joy and Erika won’t be here for the evening.”

  Nehalennia made a note to reassign one chambermaid and one handmaid to the kitchens as soon as she left Praline. “What else?”

  “More of the wine I suggested with dinner is set to be delivered tomorrow morning. I meant to correct the order, but I haven’t had time this morning. It’s the Irisil Rose, and The Chirping Ferex carries and delivers it.”

  “The tavern?”

  “Yes.”

  ‘Irisil Rose at Chirping Ferex,’ Nehalennia wrote. “Anything else?”

  “No. We have everything else we need. I may have to find an alternative for dessert without our sugar reserves, but I can adjust that myself.” Praline plated the queen’s breakfast, then bowed. “Thank you a thousand times, my lady. My sincerest apologies again.”

  “It’s quite alright, Praline. This is a turbulent time for us all.”

  Praline bowed again, then lifted the silver tray and made her way to Queen Melasia’s bedroom. Nehalennia followed her out and through the castle hallways. When they reached the door, Nehalennia opened it wide.

  While Praline set to work ensuring Melasia’s tray was set comfortably on the bed, Nehalennia stepped over the threshold and caught Helena’s eye, beckoning her out of the room. Helena closed the door behind her.

  “Is something wrong?” Helena’s yellow ears flicked forward with concern.

  “I’m taking care of it.” Nehalennia sighed. “I need one of the handmaids in the kitchens immediately. There was a misunderstanding on tonight’s dinner, and Praline needs two more assistants.”

  Helena flushed. “He’s coming tonight? Are you certain?”

  Am I the only one who remembered? “Yes, Helena.” She spoke each word slowly. “Did you not take note of this in your schedule?”

  “Of course I did. However, four days ago, Queen Melasia said—” Helena held one hand up to her lips and closed her eyes. “Excuse me. I must have misinformed Praline.”

  Melasia said what, exactly? “...I see. Thank you for your candor.” Nehalennia exhaled her frustration and continued. “Would you please assign a chambermaid to the kitchens for this evening as well? I must retrieve the wine Praline requested from a tavern in the city.”

  “Yes. Of course. I will send Cassidy and Ngaio to help with tonight’s dinner. Is there aught else that you need, Nehalennia?”

  Patience. Nehalennia shook her head. “No. That is all.” Without another word, she turned and made for the castle’s entrance.

  Early mornings in Ronona were a peaceful affair. Merchants trickled into their shops and set up their stalls. The smell of cooking meats and fresh bread filled the air, and [Scout]s and [Hunter]s returned with their hauls.

  Nehalennia had called Ronona home for fourteen years. The streets and faces felt welcoming and familiar. The aromas and sounds reminded her of the bustling Shulan, where she’d spent her life as a kitten. But as of late, the whispers between Ronona’s citizens were sharp and difficult to ignore.

  “Have you been able to buy sugar this week?”

  “Once. At five times the price. It’s unbelievable.”

  “I’ve heard the castle is stocked with the stuff. Just what is the queen doing?”

  “Dallying with her plaything, I’m sure. Ha! I have a friend of a friend who heard they were caught together!”

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  “Is that why she doesn’t have heirs?”

  Nehalennia pushed the rumors away and swallowed against the tight knot in her chest as she stepped into The Chirping Ferex. The tavern’s only patron was a kitten with blue hair sitting in a far corner and sipping from a steaming bowl. She looked up at Nehalennia and grinned.

  “Ma! Ya got someone here from the castle!” she cried over the empty tables.

  A woman with thick arms and thicker eyebrows burst through the door leading to the kitchen. Her thin tail whipped behind her, and her ears perked up. “Hello there, my lady! Did sweet Praline send ya?”

  “She did. I’m Nehalennia, one of the castle’s stewards.” She bowed. “My apologies for the misunderstanding, but we had meant to order the Irisil Rose for tonight’s dinner. Would you happen to have four bottles available?”

  “It just so happens that I do! I thought it was strange that the order was scheduled for tomorrow. You have the Ichi man comin’ this evening, don’t ya?”

  Even the tavern owner remembered… “Yes. That’s right.”

  “Thought so! Good choice by the way,” the woman continued. “Praline’s always had excellent taste. I’ll be back in two shakes of a tail.” She performed a messy salute and vanished behind the door.

  “You have a pretty name!” the kitten exclaimed. “I’m Kaipo!”

  “It is a pleasure to meet you, Kaipo.” Nehalennia smiled and curtsied. “How did you know I work at the castle?”

  Kaipo giggled. “‘Cause you carry yourself like a queen.” She slurped loudly from the bowl. “I’ve never met the queen. She’s real pretty, though. Is she nice?”

  Melasia is…difficult. “Her Eminence, Queen Melasia, is very kind,” Nehalennia replied.

  “Ooh. I hope I get to meet her someday!” Kaipo threw her arms into the air. “I could be a Queen’s Own! Like Lady Espada!” She swung one fist, then the other. “Whack! Whack! Down goes the Defiled!”

  Nehalennia kept her features carefully neutral and measured her words. “Warriors are certainly admirable. However, I believe your mother’s work is also an esteemed position. It is no easy task to manage a tavern.” Or a castle.

  “Oh yes! Ma’s amazin’! Sometimes, she even lets me help serve the food!” Kaipo lowered her hands back to her bowl and finished its contents.

  “Very good.” Nehalennia smiled. “It is always wise to measure your options, Kaipo. You have your whole life ahead of you.”

  The owner returned just then, carrying four wine bottles in her arms. “Right! Four bottles of Irisil Rose for Praline. Were you good company, Kaipo?”

  “Kaipo was excellent company,” Nehalennia replied. “I thank you both for your time and assistance. Has the order been paid for?”

  She shook her head.

  “Then allow me.”

  After counting out the Bells and leaving an extra for Kaipo, Nehalennia collected the bottles and journeyed back to the castle. When she reached the kitchens, Cassidy and Ngaio had joined Praline in beginning preparations for that evening’s dinner.

  “Perfect! This is perfect,” Praline cried. “Thank you so much, Lady Nehalennia. Everything will be ready for this evening.”

  “Wonderful. Thank you all.” That was one quandary solved.

  The next listing in her planner, however, would be much more difficult.

  Nehalennia went to the castle’s private library, where she assisted Melasia with the letters from other islands, the council with their paperwork, and managed the constant stream of messages from Nyarlothep requesting meetings with the queen.

  On the surface of the rich oak desk were two stacks of letters—ones that had been answered, and ones that hadn’t. As she sorted through the pieces that still needed to be addressed, she came across Mai Linh’s three previous requests for aid over the last two months.

  Anger simmered in Nehalennia’s veins. She picked up the stack and marched to Melasia’s chambers. It wasn’t yet time for the queen to move to the throne room, which was fortunate for them both.

  Nehalennia brusquely knocked twice, then entered the room. Melasia posed at her vanity, fingers twined in her hair, while Helena stood at her side meticulously weaving matching braids. The wide-eyed look on Helena’s face betrayed that Nehalennia had interrupted an important conversation.

  Melasia’s clear gaze found Nehalennia’s in her expanse of mirrors. “Ah, Nehalennia. Good, I must speak with you.”

  “Your Eminence, perhaps we may speak alone?” Nehalennia glanced at Helena.

  “As you wish. A moment, please, Helena.” Melasia turned her attention back to the mirrors, returning to her braids.

  Once Helena had left the room, Nehalennia moved to Melasia’s side. “My queen, might I speak freely?”

  “How many times must I grant you such permissions?” Melasia smiled. “Always, you may. Please. Speak freely.”

  Nehalennia held up the letters from Mai Linh. “You promised them aid if they requested it. San Island needs funds and hands for their recovering farms.”

  Melasia glanced at the parchment, then pursed her lips. “I had thought we responded to these together?”

  “There was never an agreed-upon Bell amount, or a solidified number of soldiers available to spare.” Nehalennia frowned. “We have breached this topic multiple times in council meetings, but you have not attended the last four.”

  “I fear the council’s suggestions have never been well-researched. They suggested nearly a quarter of our army and thousands of Bells.”

  “Then it is up to you to finalize a number on both, Your Eminence.” Nehalennia’s frustration kindled her anger. She rested her arm with the letters at her side when she realized her fingers were trembling. “They have stopped sending us sugar. The newest missive from Lady Emberlynn of Zhuli assures she will not Enchant any further stones or equipment for Ronona should we continue to ignore their requests.”

  Melasia shook her head. “Forgive me, Nehalennia. Let us review these requests this evening and truly finalize this together.”

  Nehalennia narrowed her eyes. “Ichi Island’s man is dining with us this evening.”

  “Oh? Did I not tell you?” Melasia rested her hands on her lap and turned her head to look up at Nehalennia. “I fear that I must ask your forgiveness again. I declined his request five days ago.”

  Nehalennia chewed her tongue and waded through her frustration for the right words to say.

  “You are angry with me,” Melasia murmured.

  “Why did you decline?” Nehalennia asked slowly.

  “We have much to attend to, Nehalennia. Even more than I feared.” Melasia gestured to the letters. “Now is not the time to receive guests. Men especially. Not when Nyarlea is in such turmoil.”

  “An heir to the throne would put many hearts at ease, Your Eminence. My own included.”

  Melasia nodded. “And you will have one. I wish for a world that my daughter may find comfort in, not fear.”

  Nehalennia closed her eyes and sighed. Always an excuse. Each and every time. “Shall I send Cassidy and Ngaio away from the kitchens?”

  “Helena advised me of the miscommunication. Why don’t the two of you dine with me this evening instead? Afterward, we will review the San Island requests,” Melasia said.

  Nehalennia paused, but her feelings didn’t matter. One did not reject a queen’s invitation. “I would be honored, Your Eminence.”

  “Excellent.” Melasia smiled. “Your hard work does not go unrecognized, Nehalennia. Thank you.”

  Nehalennia bowed and left the queen alone at her vanity. Outside, Helena and Espada flanked the door. Nehalennia looked between them, swallowed her grievances, and returned to the library.

  A rich meal would do little to quell the raging storm in Nehalennia’s chest.

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