Page 28 of The Witch Queen

At that, Ayleth pales. “Theregency? At sixteen?”

“Callen was only eighteen whenhecompleted the trials,” Aunt Margaret returns with a shrug. “There’s hardly any difference. And Blodwyn is far more than prepared than my brother ever was. I’ve seen to that myself.”

“Prepared forwhat?” Ayleth asks, her patience clearly thinning. “Will someone explain to me what these trials mean?”

Aunt Margaret presses a hand to her chest. “Oh, do forgive me. I forgot that you aren’t familiar with royal customs, given your…unusual background.”

A muscle in Ayleth’s jaw feathers. I smirk.

“Braxos’s Trials is the formal investiture of Riven’s heir,” Master Parnell begins. “The challenges take place over the course of a month, each modeled after those conducted to select the first White King, Braxos. While the specific details of the original contest are lost, we know that Braxos’s Trials were comprised of three parts: Bravery, Wisdom, and Justice. Likewise, it is those themes that make up the current challenges. The claimant—”

“Theprincess,” Aunt Margaret corrects.

Master Parnell pauses. Dips his chin. “If the trials commence, then yes—Her Highness will be called to demonstrate her aptitude in each area, thus proving her worthiness to rule.”

Ayleth glances at me and then away, her knuckles stretched white as she grips the arms of her chair.

“But the trials cannot proceed without consent of the council,” Lord Warbeck interjects. “Andwehave not consented.”

“He’s right,” another adds. “Aside from her age and relative inexperience, the princess has been away for the past few years. The people may not accept her.”

May notwantyou,that small voice whispers.

“Nonsense.” Aunt Margaret dismisses the idea with a wave of her hand. “The people will adore Blodwyn.”

Even I’m not convinced of that.

“Perhaps we should give them time to do so,” Ayleth suggests. “Allowthe princess to become reacquainted with the court. See how they respond. Then we can revisit this discussion.”

“An excellent idea, Majesty,” Lord Warbeck agrees, raising his glass.

Aunt Margaret just smiles placidly back at him.

“Perhaps you’re right,” she says. “But do tell me—what other discussions were you hoping to conduct in the meantime?”

Ayleth’s brow furrows. “Discussions?”

“The reason for thisroyal visit.” Aunt Margaret tilts her head. A jewel hanging from her earlobe glitters. “I know it must be more thandeepening our acquaintance,as was written. After all, I didn’t even receive an invitation to my own brother’s wedding.”

Ayleth hadn’t invitedmeto that event, either. I had to learn about it through my ladies. I fix her with a hard stare, enjoying the way she squirms.

“The ceremony was small,” she attempts.

“Was it?” Aunt Margaret asks. “I find that odd. Callen always insisted upon a show.”

Ayleth twists the ring I assume to be her wedding band. Interestingly, it’s the plainest thing she’s wearing—just a simple strip of white gold on her finger. I wonder if there’s a reason for that, like perhaps she doesn’t like to be reminded of the promise she made to my father. She obviously never honored those she made to me.

“And then there’s Blodwyn.” Aunt Margaret goes on. “The single surviving heir to the throne, shipped off like damaged goods.”

“The princess was sent to her family. Toyou,for her own safety,” Ayleth argues. “Because of the war ramping up, as well as her illness.”

“Her illness? Well, as you can see, Blodwyn is more than recovered,” Aunt Margaret replies. “And if the war is your excuse, why summon us back now? Has the conflict ended?”

More mutterings and whispers. Ayleth and the crow-like man exchange a brief, silent conversation. At last, Ayleth nods.

“Far from it, I’m afraid,” Master Parnell admits. He repositions a few markers on the map. “We’ve suffered a setback at the Rycinthianborder. Our forces are depleted after the last battle. Even more so with the recent attack on the Dwarvian Mines. Without reinforcements, we may be in danger of a Rycinthian invasion.”

“Ah.” Aunt Margaret toys with her strand of pearls. “So that’s it. You want my army. Just as Callen and my dear papa did.”