The days that followed Freya’s discovery were nothing short of chaos. Logan had ordered the complete stop of the particular spice she’d pointed out, banning it from every kitchen in the kingdom. The royal cooks obeyed, every pot and plate was inspected, yet it changed nothing.

People still fell sick.

Every morning, the cries from the lower quarters grew louder—families mourning their loved ones, healers running from house to house with bundles of herbs that did nothing. Even the ...