I hated to give her hope, but felt it rise like a flare of flame, her fingers trembling in my grasp. "You have a cure?"

I couldn't help but turn and look at Sebastian who nodded to me before bowing to his former queen.

Pannera coughed again, softer this time. "My darling Sebastian," she said. "How I've missed you."

He came to her side at once, kneeling next to me, face so sad I wanted to hug him. "Sweet Pannera," he whispered. "Let Sydlynn help you."

Her ...