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Liam nodded, looking far more serious than a boy his age should be. She could definitely see the resemblance. “I am trusting you, Kit.”

Thicket fought to restrain her laughter. This kid was easily becoming her new favorite person.

“Liam,” Lotta said, grabbing his shoulder. “You mustn’t call your future queen by such a familiar name.”

“But you call her Thicket,” Liam protested. “And Miss Bern calls her Kit. Why can’t I call her Kit, too?”

“Because it isn’t proper,” Lotta said.

“Then why is it proper when you do it?”

“You know what?” Thicket said. “If you do one very important thing for me, you can call me whatever you like.”

Liam’s face lit up. “What is it?”

“I will tell you, but first I need to make sure you are brave enough.”

“I am brave enough,” Liam said, setting his hands on his hips and sticking his nose up high in the air.

Thicket glanced at Milo. “What about you? Are you brave enough to help your brother?”

Milo glanced up at Lotta, who gave him an encouraging nudge. He stepped closer, curiosity overpowering his shyness. “I am.”

“Then I would like you to meet someone.” Thicket whistled. Bayo came bounding over.

Both boys shrank back, eyes going wide at the sight of the wolf.

“It’s okay,” Thicket reassured them. “See, look.” She grabbed their small hands in hers and rested them on Bayo’s thick fur. She panted gleefully, letting out a small yip. Milo flinched, but he kept his hand on her fur, a slow smile spreading across his face.

“Her name is Bayo. I can’t take her with me, but I am worried she will be lonely while I am gone. Can you take care of her for me?”

Both boys nodded, giggling as Bayo licked their faces and hands.

“We will,” Liam said. “You protect our sister, and we will protect Bayo.”

Thicket ruffled his hair. “I knew I could count on you.” She glanced up to see Lotta, lips pursed tightly as she tried to hold back the tears threatening to flow down her cheeks.

Thank you, she mouthed.

Anytime, Thicket mouthed back then rose to her feet. “I have to get going. I will come see you when I get back, okay?”

The boys nodded absentmindedly, their attention focused solely on Bayo. Thicket made her way back over to the horses, giving Lotta some time to say goodbye to her brothers in private.

The remainder of their party returned around the time Lotta finished her goodbyes, Caspian in tow. Thicket’s eyes immediately fell on Elian. He gave her an awkward wave. Thicket’s stomach twisted. She stepped towards him, wanting to see how he was doing, but Caspian stepped into her path and pulled her aside.

“I am proud of how far you have come, Miss Vogeli,” he said, resting a gentle hand on her shoulder, “and I am eternally indebted for your persistent effort to save this kingdom.”

Thicket’s chest swelled, a warm, stinging lump catching in her throat.

His eyes hardened. “However, your safety comes first. Do what you can to save Princess Alouette, but if things become risky, come home immediately. Dymree’s alliance isn’t worth your life. Do you understand?”

Thicket fingers balled into fists. This was her last chance to avoid facing her sister alone in a battle she doubted she could win. She would do everything in her power to make it happen. But, she nodded.

Caspian eyed her for a long moment before shifting his attention to where Marcellus hovered against a nearby building, eyes closed and arms crossed as though pretending not to listen. They both knew he was. After all, it was his job to ensure Thicket heeded Caspian’s words.

“Good luck, Miss Vogeli. Have faith in yourself. You are far more than you believe yourself to be.”

Marcellus pushed off the wall. “Let’s go,” he said. “Princess, you’re with me.”