I awoke undressed, a little blurry about the night before, but full of drive. I knew what needed to be done. I slipped out of bed, leaving Tristan, still asleep, he stirred a bit but didn’t wake. I got dressed and walked outside.

I needed to interview the prisoner, Warren Davis. Tristan had told me last night that he’d been Athena’s lover, that he’d betrayed Thomas to Brayton. That must have bought him his place commanding the shadows.

“Good Morning,” Athena said, as I approached the tent. I nodded at her. “I’m going in there with you.”

“No you aren’t,” I said simply. She scowled at me. “Thena, think, I need to question him, but I can’t have you lose it, I can’t.”

“I can handle it,” she said through clenched teeth.

“You can’t,” I said, she sighed, “you almost abandoned the fight just to go after him.” She sighed. “He hurt you.”

“Yes,” she mumbled, “but that isn’t the point, you shouldn’t see him alone, where’s Tristan? Or Martin? Or hell even Marina!”

“Marina is still regaining her strength,” I said, “and I don’t need protecting. I wish you would all stop behaving as if I were a foolish child.” Athena stared at me.

“Alright,” she said softly. “But if you decide to execute him, I insist on swinging the axe.” I nodded and walked in.

Warren Davis was tied to the post holding the tent up, he grinned at me. I suppose he was good looking, in an arrogant way and if the bruises healed, he’d be handsome even.

“Your Highness,” he grinned, “I’d bow, but as you can see.” I nodded. “It is interesting to see you in the flesh. We were all so sure you were dead.”

“Brayton never thought I was dead,” I said. He laughed.

“No, no he did not,” he sighed. “He had plans though.”

“For you?” I asked. He shrugged, as much as he could. “I’d have given you an army, and maybe even a title. I think you picked the wrong side, Commander.” He frowned.

“I chose Cammadan,” he said, “others understood that.” I leaned against another post.

“Athena didn’t,” I said, he snapped his head over to me. “She asked if she could execute you, should it come to that.”

“Athena,” he whispered, “is a practical woman, in the end,” I laughed.

“You think she’ll come back to you?” I sighed. “I’m sorry Warren, but no.” He glared at me.

“They won’t accept you,” his voice sharpened, “the Provenance leaders and the court. They hated your mother, they thought she was a witch and a whore, and your father was a fool who she trapped with magic and promises of glory from the gods.” I swallowed hiding the lump in my throat.

“I am of Cammadan, of the line of Dovetail, reared in her heart.” I said. “But I am also of Phania and the sea. Rana and Cornan united in me to bring balance to the world.” He grinned.

“You were reared in her heart by another fool,” he sneered, “you call Aaron Pantona brother because you grew at his side, but everyone knows he is also your brother by blood.” I slapped him, hard across the face.

“Insult my father and Olivia again and it won’t be my hand you feel,” I growled as he laughed and I walked out of the tent. I swallowed and went to Olivia’s tent. She was awake, fully dressed, hair not a stitch out of place. I don’t understand how she does these things.

“Lisette,” she said, “sit darling. You look pale. I’ll make tea.” I looked at her.

“I need to know the truth,” I said, she frowned, “All of it, about you, and my father.” She sighed.

“Oh,” she said softly and sat back down. “Darling, there isn’t much to tell, we were young, my father wanted me to be queen.” She looked down. “I loved him, I won’t deny it, but, well, we weren’t a good match.” I nodded and sat down. “With Anton and me, it wasn’t real, Lisette, we were playing a game, flirting, dancing,” I nodded.

“And with Martin?” I asked softly.

“That was different,” she said softly. “That was,” she looked away, “that was two people who had no bussiness together breaking one another’s hearts.” I nodded. “Why are you asking me this now?”

“What am I walking into?” I said. She smiled. “In Dovetail, Davis,”

“Ah,” she said, “I’m sure he said many things, Aaron is your father’s son, your mother was a witch who spelled your father.” I nodded. “Lisette, your mother was loved in the capital. Young and beautiful and full of light from the gods. Your father was enamored of her, we all were. If we were enchanted, well, then we were easily duped, I suppose.” I smiled.

“I need to see Martin,” I said softly, “we need to go to Dovetail as soon as possible.”

“Lisette,” she cautioned, “listen to me, do not let this derail you. The plans Caleb and Thomas have made,”

“I need to go,” I said simply. “Olivia, it needs to be over.” She nodded.