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enough to let Haven move towards the great doors of the ballroom, where Emeril awaited. “We are forever grateful.”
    “Salander is happy to help, Lady Queen.” Emeril held his hand over his heart and bowed to her in greeting. “I see you have a new friend.”
    Haven looked down at her small leech. Mirabel clasped her hand, thumb returning to her mouth. “Yes, this is Mirabel. She is a lovely girl, is she not?” She smiled, and Mira blushed, hiding behind the young queen’s skirts, while still peeking out at Emeril.
    “That she is. May I borrow you for a moment?”
    “Of course,” Haven said, turning to bid farewell to Mira. She crouched and embraced the girl. Mirabel was warm in her arms. “I will return to sing to you soon, young Mira. Be well.”
    “Thank you, Lady Queen,” Mira murmured against Haven’s hair.
    Haven released Mirabel and her gave a small wave before joining Lareina at the hall doors. Emeril dismissed his guards and his healers, whom Haven directed to Toma. Her adviser would know the best place for their aid.
    Haven led Emeril to her personal sitting rooms, hoping for somewhere quiet to speak in private. When they arrived her chambers were clear of maids and servants, so she ushered her guest inside before taking a seat on her long red sofa, urging Emeril to join her. He sat beside her, keeping a respectable distance. Alone in her chambers, aside from Lareina who stood near the main doors, Haven turned to her friend.
    “Is there news?” she asked.
    Emeril shook his head. “Not much. But I wanted to convey a message to you from King Alton. A meeting will be held tonight,” he said. “I’m sure Toma will receive word soon, but I thought it best to prepare you.”
    “Prepare me for what?”
    “I’m not sure, but Alton urged me to warn you in advance. I’m sure it’s something to do with the war.”
    Goosebumps rose on her skin. Surely a warning could not mean good news. Fear for her kingdom rose within her. She imagined what the news could possibly be; another kingdom taken, Salander to be the next, Eris under siege, Calisa in ruin. Her imagination took hold until Emeril finally stopped her.
    “It doesn’t seem to be terrible news, My Lady,” he began, “but I think Wakefin may need our help again. You should spend some time thinking about your decision. Speak with Toma, he seems wise in the ways of the kingdoms.”
    Haven nodded in understanding. “He is.” She was sure her concern showed on her face, after all things couldn’t be as bad as she thought. She voiced her worries anyway. “King Corrin is going to battle again isn’t he?”
    “I imagine that is what the meeting is about, yes.”
    “I don’t know if I can put my people in so much danger, Emeril.”
    “I don’t think I can either.”
    They looked long and hard at each other. In this regard they were on the same page.
    “Come to my chambers again when you’re heading out. We shall travel together tonight,” Haven said.
    Emeril nodded in agreement. “I shall.” He rose to leave, bowing to her again. Haven stood to see him off. Just before he left, half out the door, he turned to her. “You really do have a beautiful voice, Haven.”
    Blush crept onto her cheeks. “Thank you,” she said, trying her best not to reveal how shocked and flattered she truly felt.
    “You have a very positive effect on your people.” he paused, avoiding her gaze. “I hope to have the same effect on mine someday.” It was the first time Haven had ever seen him question his ability to lead. She’d gone to him for help with the refugees, instinctively knowing he could help. From the look on his face, she recognized her own doubt. Being the leader of so many was difficult, especially without much experience. Emeril had grown up knowing he would one day be king, but to follow in his father’s footsteps would be the challenge.
    “You are your father’s son, Emeril,” Haven said, smiling. “You will be a great king one day.