Page 114 of In Violent Waves

Lyra worked to still her trembling fingers. The eyes in the paintings seemed to follow her as she passed, and dread coiled around her gut. She hadn’t tried to escape—as far as they knew. She showed up on time for training and tried her best. Hell, she even shot the bow today. What could this be about?

The doors of the private chambers swung open as she approached, and she left a very uneasy-looking Maelys and Daisy at the threshold.

“Lyra, darling, have a seat,” Queen Aine murmured from a chaise lounge by the bookshelf.

She reclined against the cushions and had an air of aloofness about her as she patted the end of her seat. Lyra walked with hesitant steps.

“Has something happened?”

Queen Aine looked up from the book she was reading.

“I thought we could have a little chat.”

Lyra breathed a sigh of relief and took a seat on the plush chair.

“It was quite spectacular watching your training today.”

“Thank you,” Lyra murmured.

Queen Aine had always been pleasant towards her, but she didn’t know how much of it was genuine. Most royalty, she knew, always had ulterior motives.

“I’ve been thinking a bit about this situation with your magic …”

Lyra stilled. Her magic was still a source of contention.

“I think you would have a stronger connection to it if you felt more comfortable with your surroundings. Perhaps a tour of the kingdom?’

Lyra frowned.

“Do you think that will help?”

She nodded. “I do. Magic is tied to the heart, and your heart belongs to the sea. Does it not?”

Lyra thought of her home, of the rhythmic current that her heart mimicked with each beat. The queen could be on to something.

“And you want my heart tied here?”

Queen Aine tittered. “I would never expect you to feel at home here. But if you were more familiar with your surroundings and the people here, it would be easier for you.”

Lyra weighed her words and found them agreeable, so she nodded.

“Great, I’ll make all the arrangements. Oh, and one more thing.” Queen Aine picked up another book beside her and handed it to Lyra. “I thought you might like to learn a little bit about our customs here and how exactly bargains are made and broken.”

She reached for the book, but Queen Aine did not relinquish it immediately.

“If you’re after something you’ve never truly had, you’ll have to do things you’ve never done, darling.”

With that, she let go of the book and released Lyra from her gaze. She picked up the book she was reading and resumed.

Lyra sat frozen as the queen’s words gripped her completely. It was as if the queen knew all her thoughts and motivations, all the things she kept tucked tightly to her chest.

“You may go.”

Lyra rose and strode for the door, but before she could reach it, she turned.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Queen Aine waved her off with a kind smile.