THE FOREST SANCTUARYThe Citadel was too loud. Even in the middle of the night, the halls echoed with the sounds of heavy boots and whispered secrets. Esmeralda stood by the window of the infirmary, watching the shadows of the guards on the grass outside.

"They're talking, aren't they?" Kael whispered, stepping up behind her. He was holding a blood-stained basin.

"The Lords," Esmeralda said, her voice flat. "They see a dying King and a hero who can't stand up. They aren't mourning, Kael. ...