Once they arrived at Kit’s room, Vin ordered Kit’s guard out of the way so that he could set up shop outside of her door, but the princess didn’t wait for them to negotiate. Instead, she opened the door for herself and went in, barring it behind her.

“Katrinetta!” Avinia flew at her, followed closely by Seph and Isla. The four of them stood with their arms around each other for several minutes, despite the confrontation happening on the other side of the door. “How are you?” Avinia took a step back and looked her cousin over. “Are you well?”

“I’m fine.” Physically it was true. Kit glanced over her...