Eighteen minutes more. I mused, watching the clock. Eighteen minutes until I sneaked out of the house and into the forest.

I looked at the backpack lying idly on the bed beside me. I had everything arranged for this little journey—prepared for whatever consequences might happen along the way. There were even snacks—because a woman could never be caught hungry, right? 

But I was tired of sitting and waiting. It wasn’t a surprise then, when El slipped into my mind and reminded me of the Queen’s letter and her impossible request.

 Maybe I should send her a reply now, I concluded, a furrow marring my forehead. I shouldn’t have to...