A Blackcoast guard intercepted Marcus outside the military infirmary.
Celeste intended to remove the legions from the palace.
The words had been heard clearly through her door: she had tried to destroy Evelyn. Now she would remove the army that made her untouchable.
Marcus had traded court formality for a short black field coat with close sleeves and one dark Blackcoast clasp. Snowmelt marked his boots.
He had crossed the outer yard quickly.
Celeste had finally recognized the base of Evelyn’s power.
That made her more dangerous.
Inside the infirmary, a physician bent over Evelyn’s injured hand.
The cut crossed her palm beneath the fingers. It was shallow but long enough to need stitches.
Evelyn sat beside the examination table with one sleeve rolled back. Her sword rested against
