Page 204 of The Witch Queen

Understanding drops like a stone in my mind. My attention pivots to Parnell, who regards me with such smugness that my blood roils. He must have written to the Dwarves on my behalf, as I’d asked him to do on countless occasions during the war.

This is your fault,that voice accuses.

It always is.

“Your Majesty,” Warbeck attempts again, but even his nerves appear frayed. “Please, if there’s some way we can correct our error—”

“Oh, there is,” Callen replies. “In fact, I’ve spent a long time considering how to repair the damage done to this court. In the end, it was my dear sister who showed me the answer.”

He pauses at Margaret. Takes her chin in two fingers and tilts it up.

“Her condition was a shock at first,” he goes on. “But then I realized…I rather prefer Margaret this way. She’s so much more biddable. Helpful.Loyal.And then I thought, why not have a court made up of people just like her?”

Just like her?But he can’t mean to—

Callen signals to the guards again. Wood slams as the huge doors close, metal screeching as the lock slides into place. The audience’s confusion transforms instantly to panic. Frenzied courtiers flock to the exits. The guards fend them off, which only intensifies the chaos. Someone screams and it’s cut short by the sound of a sword skewering flesh. The others back away as the wounded courtier sinks to the ground,blood pooling beneath him as his last breaths wheeze from his lungs. An eerie quiet descends on the chamber.

“Try to run if you like,” Callen drawls. “But there are only two ways out of this chamber now: dead or part of thenewWhite Court.”

He’s lost his mind. My heart pounds in my chest. A few courtiers have started sobbing.

“Now, then,” Callen says, his eyes glittering with malice as he turns them on me. “Let’s begin with you,wife.”

He motions to Parnell, who carries over a slender box, then lifts the lid. My stomach drops at the sight of a silver blade. A jeweled hilt. It’s the mirror’s knife.

“Papa.” Blodwyn steps forward. “Please. You can’t do this. It’s madness.”

“Madness, genius.” Callen shrugs. “As far as I’m concerned, there’s not much of a difference. AndI’mnot going to do anything, my dear. You are.”

At first, I assume he means me. But the king’s attention is fixed on Blodwyn.

“Me?” She blanches. “No. I’m not…”

“A witch?” Callen asks. A slow smile curls along his lips. “Aren’t you? At least, that’s what I heard. Or did you think my sister was the only one who could see through that mirror?”

Cold comprehension dawns. He was still able to command the mirror. No wonder the guard was expecting us. Callen had been watching the whole time, like a spider hunting its prey.

As if he can read my thoughts, Callen’s grin widens.

“There’s no need to be nervous,” he says to Blodwyn. Tucks a lock of hair behind her ear. “I know you can do it. Master Parnell will assist you.”

“Indeed, Princess.” The crow-like man steps closer. “Just take the knife.”

Blodwyn goes perfectly still, like a rabbit caught in a snare. “I…can’t.”

“Why not? She was going to use that knife on you,” Callen jerks his chin in my direction. “She was going to imprison you in a mirror, just like she did to me.”

“Blodwyn, no.” I try to move toward her, but the guards yank me back. “I couldn’t.”

“You considered it,” Callen replies. “Wantedto. Trust me, Blodwyn. I’ve come to know the queen better than anyone. Even herself.”

The ridges of my ears redden. And I hate that I cannot refute his accusations. Hate the truth that is staring me in the face.

“You were right about her, by the way,” Callen goes on. “From the moment you arrived, she schemed to control you. Win you over to her side. Make youbelievethat she cared. All so she could manipulate you if you won the trials.”

Blodwyn studies me, questions churning in her eyes. I do not try to deny it.

“I was wrong,” I say. “I know that.”