“I’m afraid that…” Chetana closed her mouth.
“What?”
“My Keeper.” Chetana’s tone was deadly serious, one full of horrible confidences she needed to share.
Taking her cue, Kiria broke away from Jori and headed into a different room with Chetana, trying to brace for more bad news. How much more could she take? “What’s wrong?”
“My Keeper,” she began again, “I have made a decision.”
Kiria froze stiff with dread.
“I must go back to the palace.” She dropped her eyes. “I’ve given you what I was able, but I cannot continue. I will send a new messenger for you. I’ll figure out a way for you to have all you need. But I have been away from my son for too long.” Her face was etched with pain. “Daelon is still alive, and I fear Belik plans to use him to get to me. I thought my duty was with you,
