Calliope [Book 2]

Queen Ryenna greeted her advisor (Gisla) as the woman entered the throne room. They stood close to each other as they discussed, as if attempting to hide an unforeseen truth from their world. They spoke in hushed voices to one another, their expressions blank.

“Not everyone in Asmar is at peace with these changes,” the advisor said.

Queen Ryenna nodded. “I knew there would be a disturbance for some,” she said. “But surely my word must mean something to them. If they can trust me as much as they do, they should be able to trust my trust in Calliope.”

“You broke your promise to them, My Grace,” the woman reminded her.

“Because I let one witch outside of our boundaries?”

“I think it would be best for your people – and safest for Calliope – if the witch were to stay here in your kingdom.”

“I don’t feel right locking her up like that, especially as Asmar’s queen.”

“Perhaps she shouldn’t be their queen.”

“Tell me what you see, Laeann,” the witch queen said. “If Calliope does not stay, King Mido will not stay, regardless of his promise to me.”

“I see the loss of a great kingdom,” Laeann said.

“I cannot allow that to happen under my rule.”

“I fear this will only bring another war amongst the people of Asmar.”

Queen Ryenna nodded, confirming what she feared to be true.

“You must take action quickly,” her advisor said to her.

“I will do everything in my power to keep the peace once more between our kingdoms.”