From the way the Queen Mother’s eyes burned with fury, Althea knew there was only one way to make her stand down: she had to heal Princess Riela. For the Queen Mother to agree, Althea would have to stake her life, otherwise the queen would not allow her to touch the princess.

“Drink this now,” the Queen Mother ordered coldly.

Althea didn’t move. Her silence made the Queen Mother’s brow arch, irritation flashing across her face.

“What’s wrong? You refuse?” Her voice grew ...