I tore open the veil and addressed my grandmother. "Okay, Ahbi," I said. "Where can you put us inside the palace that won't land us in the middle of a battle?"

She hummed and hawed a moment and, I swear, was actually enjoying herself. Piers's frown told me he was more than a little confused, but he held his silence, bless him.

When the flickering image settled, we were looking at what seemed to be a kitchen. Empty. At least, for now.

"Perfect." I pulled Piers ...