tonight.”
“Try the southwest tower.”
She should have guessed. Gerta enjoyed the view from the towers. She often snuck away to the western towers to watch the sun set. Danielle started to leave, but Armand tugged her back. He kissed her again, more deeply this time, and said, “Don’t be too long.”
Smiling, she made her way through the palace, doing her best to greet and acknowledge all she passed while fending off further requests for her time. By the time she finally reached the tower, she was seriously considering asking Gerta to cast some sort of illusion or disguise that would allow her to move about in peace.
She found them standing atop the tower, looking out over the waist-high walls toward the ocean and arguing about Fairytown. Danielle leaned against the door. “Aren’t there supposed to be guards up here?”
“I sent them away,” said Talia. “Will you please tell Gerta how many times Fairytown has used loopholes in the treaty to-”
“It’s in their nature,” Gerta countered. “Might as well ask a bird not to fly, or an Arathean not to be so stubborn.”
“I’m not saying we shouldn’t reexamine the treaty,” Talia said. “Only that our first priority has to be the protection of our people.”
“Most fairies have never raised a hand against humans. Would you imprison them all to protect us from the threat of a few?”
“Fairytown is hardly a prison,” Talia shot back.
Danielle cleared her throat. “Speaking of threats…”
Both of them turned to face her. Danielle suppressed a smile when she saw how close they stood to one another. She started to speak, but stopped to stifle a yawn.
Gerta and Talia exchanged knowing looks.
“A rough day, Your Majesty?” asked Gerta.
“The hardships of royalty,” said Talia.
Gerta clucked her tongue. “It must be difficult, having your every meal prepared by an expert chef, your gowns handmade by the best tailors in Lorindar, your room tended, with servants hovering about to fulfill your every wish.”
“Be fair,” Talia said. “The kingdom’s treasury isn’t endless. Why, I doubt she could buy more than half of Lorindar, at most. She’s practically living in poverty.”
“The poor thing.”
Danielle gave them both a decidedly unqueenlike gesture, earning a delighted laugh from Gerta. Even Talia grinned.
“So what’s the threat?” Gerta asked, slipping her hand into Talia’s. Talia appeared a little self-conscious, but didn’t pull away.
“Have you heard the tale of the girl with no hands?” Danielle asked.
“From Najarin, right?” Talia pursed her lips. “Her father made a deal with a devil. He cut off his daughter’s hands, and in exchange the devil rewarded him with tremendous wealth. The story says she eventually replaced her lost hands with hands of silver, and went on to marry a minor king.”
“That’s the story, yes.”
“You’ve heard otherwise?” asked Gerta.
“Rumors only, so far. A woman with silver hands was seen in the southern isles off the coast of Lorindar. Five people have been found dead. Four men and one woman, all wealthy.”
Gerta’s lips pursed. “Her father mutilated her for gold.”
“So now she punishes the rich,” Talia guessed.
“For their greed.” Danielle pulled out the note she had received. “I’ve spoken with Najarin. The girl’s father was her first victim. She killed thirteen other people before fleeing.”
Talia whistled softly.
“A mermaid named Nallinix claims to have witnessed the last murder. She says the woman’s hands absorbed magic, reflecting it back at her caster. A single blow from her silver fists was enough to crush bones. So be careful.”
“Define careful,” Talia said.
Danielle smiled. “It means you do whatever it takes to return home safely. That’s an order from your queen.”
“Not my queen,” said Gerta. “I’m Allesandrian, remember? I don’t recall swearing fealty to Lorindar.”
“Come to think of it, I don’t think I ever swore an oath to our new queen, either,” said Talia.
“You leave in the morning.” Danielle gave Talia a mock glare. “Don’t keep Gerta up too late. Some of us need our sleep.”
Gerta tugged Talia closer. “Sleep is overrated.”
The setting sun made it difficult to be certain, but she could have sworn Talia actually blushed.
Danielle turned her head, hiding her smile. “Good night, my friends.”
