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“Ladies,” I spoke up, ending their chatter. “Would you mind telling me all the female names you know?”
“Names? I’m not sure I understand,” Carlin replied.
“Never too early to start thinking baby names.” I patted my stomach. “I’d love some ideas, if you wouldn’t mind helping me.”Because maybe you’ll say the one that triggers my memory.
That set them off jumping up and down, squealing.
“Oh my Meya, yes! We’d love to help,” Carlin gushed. “What about Brona? That’s my mother’s name.”
“Oooh, so pretty,” I murmured, but felt nothing. No tingle of recognition.
“Evaleen?”
“Kiara?”
“Finella,” Eadaoin threw in.
They pelted me with names from all sides. Mine would come up eventually. I was sure of it. Meya knocked sense into my stubborn head, so I’d finally wake up and see the man she had meant for me all along. No one was going to take him from me.
Alisdair loved to speak of the little bird who belonged to him, and that was fine. Because every night I lay next to the beast who belonged to me.
“—life or death! I must speak with her now!”
“Let him through,” I heard Bradach bark from the other side of the door.
Riordan, the vegetable-seller burst in and slipped on the wet floor—crashing flat on his back.
I blinked at him, robes high. “What on earth is going on? Are you okay?”
“I’m fine!” He shoved up, huffing and puffing. “I’m sorry, my lady, I... I ran all the way here.”
“I assume it wasn’t to wish me well on my big day?”
“No, it’s—it’s terrible, my lady. Terrible, terrible news!” He surged at me and a blur shot into my path.
Riordan bounced off Eadaoin, nearly winding up on his back again. “That’s close enough.”
“Riordan, just calm down, and tell me what’s going on,” I said, rising up.
Riordan sought me over Eadaoin’s shoulder, face stricken. “My lady, it’s Aya Olene. She and Meliora have been arrested for treason. Some of the treasures I gave them had the Wind and Wild crest on them. They’re saying it’s proof of payment for espionage!
“Queen Ana, they’re to be executed tomorrow at daybreak!”
I clapped my hands over my mouth. “That’s horrible. You have to tell Treasa at once. She’ll know what to do.”
“What? My lady, I... I don’t understand.”
“Treasa,” I cried. “I can’t say too much, but she’ll know how to help.”
He didn’t move.
“Well, go on!” I flapped a hand. “Hurry. They don’t have much time, and if Treasa knows them, they’re vital to the kingdom.”
“But, it’s Aya Olene,” he repeated, giving me a strange look. “Olene, Meliora, Gisela, Jaclan, and Savia. You’ve done so much for them. More than anyone ever has. Aren’t you going to do something? Don’t you care?”
“Of course I care, but what can I do? I have no idea who these people are.” I returned to the vanity. “Treasa will. She’ll think of something, so hurry. Find her.”
“But, I—”
