He barely noticed how cold it was. It must be my frozen heart.

Here I thought that had melted just a little around the edges.

Oh, no. Magnus couldnt help but smirk. All Limerians have frozen hearts. We melt into puddles in places like Auranos, with its relentless heat.

Youre making me miss Auranos. I love the warmth there. And the trees, the flowers . . . flowers everywhere. And the palace courtyard . . . Her voice trailed off, and Magnus could see the wistfulness in her eyes. She took a seat on a fallen log, pulling her gloves off to warm her hands at the fire. Magnus sat down beside her, keeping his father in view.

There are courtyards in Limeros, he said.

She shook her head. Not the same. Not nearly the same.

True. Are you thirsty? He offered Cleo his waterskin.

She eyed it warily. Does that contain water or wine?

Sadly, only water.

Thats too bad. I could use some wine today to help warm me up.

I couldnt agree more.

His gloved fingers brushed against hers as Cleo took the waterskin from him. She took a long sip and handed it back. Enzo and Milo have gone to kill the men who are following us, havent they?

They have. Does that bother you?

I think you may have suddenly confused me with the girl I was more than a year ago, one who would have shuddered to learn of such violence.

He raised his brow. And now?

No more shuddering. Just shivering.

He had the urge to put his arm around her to help keep her warm, but kept his focus instead on the fire before them.

Dont worry, soon well be back on our horses, headed for the even more frigid Reaches. He picked up a stick and poked the small fire with it.

How soon until we get there?

A day. Two at the most, as long as my father doesnt drop off of his horse.

I wouldnt mind witnessing that.

He smiled at that visual. Me neither.

What do you know of your grandmother? I know you havent seen her for many years, but do you remember anything that could be useful?

He tried to think back to his childhood, which wasnt a time he enjoyed dwelling on. I was no more than five or six when I presumed shed died . . . It was just after my grandfather had been buried. I cant even remember anyone telling me that directly, but when people suddenly disappeared, Id discovered that it usually meant they were dead. I remember a woman with black hair and a white streak right here . . . He stroked a lock of Cleos hair that fell over her forehead, wishing he werent wearing leather gloves so he could actually touch her. And I recall that she always wore a silver pendant of snakes twisting together.

Charming.

I actually liked it.

You would. She flashed a smile, but it quickly disappeared. Do you think your father has the air Kindred on him right now?

The king was crouched by the river, his head lowered as if he didnt have the strength to hold it upright. Magnus watched this frail version of the man hed been afraid of all his life.

Probably not. He likely hid it somewhere before he left. He cocked his head, reconsidering her question. Then again, he would fear someone might find it, so its very likely on his person.

So youre saying you have no idea.

Thats exactly what Im saying. He snorted softly. You have your Kindred, though.

She held out her hand to show him the obsidian orb. It saved our lives, she said, gazing down at the black crystal. We know it works"weve witnessed it cause two quakes. But I need more. We need more.

Well get more, he assured her. My father wouldnt come all this way if he didnt think my grandmother could be helpful. And I wouldnt have come all this way if I didnt think she might be a help in breaking the hateful curse on you.

Her expression shadowed at the reminder. Well see. Clearly, its possible to unleash the magic if Lucia is involved. She helped Kyan harness the fire Kindreds power.

The thought of it caused him near-physical pain. Perhaps. But we dont know that for sure.

I cant think of another reason why hed be capable of magic like that.

If so, then she could do the same for us, he said.

I fear youre hopelessly optimistic when it comes to your sister.

Magnus swallowed hard. I fear youre right, but that doesnt mean Im wrong.

It wasnt long before Enzo and Milo returned, nodding to the king that the deed was done.

Slowly, and with help from Milo, King Gaius got back on his horse, and they continued on.

It turned out to be three days of travel, which included frequent stops so the king could rest, taking them through small snow-covered villages and ice-encrusted cities. Amara didnt have soldiers patrolling this far east yet, so they didnt have to try to avoid being seen by those who might send word to the empress that King Gaius now traveled with both Magnus and Cleo at his side.

Just as Magnus was ready to demand more answers from his father"answers he was sure he wouldnt receive"they came upon a village in the Reaches called Scalia. It looked no different from the others theyd passed through, yet Magnus felt that something had changed. His father now rode with his shoulders straight rather than slumped.

They followed the king as he took them along a row of stone cottages, each identical to the next. Smoke rose from each chimney, so thick in the frigid air that it resembled puffs of cotton.

The king slipped off his horse, then looked to Magnus. Come with me.

It seems weve arrived, Magnus said to Cleo.

At long last, she replied. Despite her dry tone, he could see the hope in her eyes.

They followed the king as he approached the door of the second cottage on the left. He paused for a moment, straightening his spine. Magnus was shocked to see such hesitation in his father. Finally, Gaius took a deep breath in, raised his fist, and pounded three times on the doors surface.

It took several long moments before the door creaked open inward and a woman looked out at them. Her eyes widened immediately.

Gaius, she said, her voice barely audible.

It was her"Magnuss grandmother. She looked different"older, of course. Her black hair had turned a dark gray, but the white streak in the front still remained.

Mother, Gaius replied, his tone void of emotion.

Her gaze swept past the king to Magnus and Cleo. This is quite a surprise.

Im sure it is, the king said.

Selias gaze moved back to the king. Gaius, my darling, what has happened to you? Before he could reply, she opened the door wider. Come in, please. All of you.

The king gestured for Milo and Enzo to remain outside and stand guard, but then he, Magnus, and Cleo entered the small cottage.

Please sit. Selia indicated some modest seating around a small wooden table. And tell me why you look so desperately unwell.

The king sat stiffly upon one of the chairs. First, in case you dont recognize him, this is your grandson.

Magnus, she said, nodding. Of course, Id know you anywhere. Youve barely changed. Her eyebrows drew together as she patted his cheek, her gaze lingering on his scar.

Trust me, Ive changed a lot, he said. This is Princess Cleiona Bellos of Auranos, my . . . wife. For the first time since their forced marriage, he tasted no bitterness or resentment in the word.

Cleiona Bellos. The womans assessing gaze slowly tracked toward the princess. Elena and Corvins youngest daughter.

Yes, the king hissed.

Selia raised a brow. You didnt take the Damora name upon your marriage to my grandson?

No. I chose instead to continue to honor my family name, Cleo replied, since Im the last Bellos.

I suppose thats understandable. Selias attention returned to the king. Now, tell me how you came to be in such dire shape, my son. I assume this is the reason for this long-awaited visit?

Magnus heard no accusation in her tone, only concern.

One of the reasons, yes, the king admitted. And then he briefly told the woman about his fall from the cliff, without giving specific details about why he fell.

Selia all but collapsed into a chair when he finished. Then theres very little time. I feared this would happen one day, and I could only pray to the goddess that youd come to find me if it did.

You know what to do? the king asked.

I believe so. I only hope it can be done in time.

Why are you here? Magnus finally put his thoughts into words. Why did you disappear all those years ago only to . . . live here, in Scalia, of all the undesirable places in Limeros?

She eyed him quizzically. Your father didnt tell you?

No. But to be truthful, my father doesnt tell me very much. I thought you were dead. He gritted his teeth, angry all over again that this secret had been kept from him for thirteen years. Clearly, youre not.

No, Im not, she agreed. What I am is in exile.

Magnus shot a look at the king. For what reason?

It was her own choice, the king replied weakly. There were those on the royal council who demanded her execution"those who believe to this day that her execution was carried out privately. Instead, your grandmother came to live here. And here she has stayed all these years without anyone in this village"or at the palace"being any the wiser for it.

Why would anyone demand your execution? Magnus asked, sharing a look of confusion with Cleo.

Because, Selia began slowly, I confessed to poisoning my husband.

Magnus shook his head, confused. But I saw Father poison him.

Did you? She regarded him with interest. Then you saw the poison that I supplied to him. Gaius couldnt take the blame and the throne, so I made everything easier so that he could rule"much better than Davidus ever could. She said it so simply, as if they were discussing the weather. It hasnt been so horrible, really. This town is sometimes unbearably cold, but its pleasant enough most days. I have friends here, which helps to pass the time since my sons last brief visit. What was it, Gaius . . . five years ago?

Six, Gaius replied.

Sabina visited me twice since then.

You were her mentor. Im not surprised.

Cleo remained silent, but Magnus knew she was filing information away in that beautiful blond head of hers.

Theres no more time for talk. Selia stood up from her chair. We must leave immediately for the city of Basilia.

What? Magnus shot a look at his father. Thats in west Paelsia.

The king too looked surprised by this. Its a long journey. And weve only just arrived here.

Yes, and now we must leave. I have a friend in that city who can supply the magic I need to help you before its too late.

What I need more than that, Mother, is your magic to help us find Lucia. Shes gone missing just when I need her the most.

So the prophecy was true, Selia whispered. And you didnt tell me until now? I could have helped her as I did Sabina.

I chose to use tutors who didnt know of the prophecy.

She said nothing for a moment, then nodded sharply. You were right to be careful with her. However, finding her current location will be a challenge. After all these years in hiding my magic has faded to a point that its useless to me. The answer for this too lies in Basilia. We will go there and get what we need for the next steps in our plan. She took the kings hands in hers, smiling. At long last, everything is coming together. But I need you well.

I never knew you were a witch, Magnus said, choosing to remain mostly silent until now, watching and listening.

Selia glanced at him. I told very few this secret.

And you feel that you can restore your elementia?

She nodded. I havent had a need to do so for years, but to find my granddaughter, to acquire the magic necessary to heal my son . . . it will be worth it.

My father recently told me about a curse . . . He glanced at Cleo, whose expression was bleak.

Selias eyes widened. Yes, of course. The tragic curse on Elena Bellos. Im so sorry, Cleiona, for your loss.

Cleo nodded. I am too. I wish I could have known my mother.

Of course you do. Even though my magic is weak, I can still sense this powerful curse all around you when I concentrate. I wont say that it will be easy, but I promise to do everything in my power to break it when my magic is strengthened.