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Why had the Shalador Queens neglected this? Cassidy wondered as she knelt at the edge of the bed Surely they were aware of the need Had they been so afraid to call attention to the that would have helped so many? Or had they stopped because they realized that if they made this land richer than the rest of Dena Nehele by following traditions, it would have been taken away? Ranon had told them that the reserves were half the size they had been when Lady Grizelle and Lia had established those parts of Dena Nehele as a place that belonged to the Shalador people

Well, it was ti one of the duties of a Queen

She didn’t turn around If she looked at him, Gray would join her—and raise too many objections Ceremony could come later First she would show themwhy ; then she would show them how

Cassidy called in a short-bladed knife and made a cut on each palm As the blood flowed, she vanished the knife and pressed her hands into the soil—and sent her Rose-Jeweled power flowing through her blood and into the ground

So parched So needy So e

Power flowed, spreading through the vegetable garden like sweet rain

The land was the true root and heart of the Blood’s power They were the caretakers of the Realms That was more than society and cities It wasover the landens A connection to the land was an important part of what made the Blood who and what they were, and the Queens were the bridge because their power supported the land

So parched So needy Soaking up everything she illing to give She could feel the land responding under her hands, wanting

“Cassie?”

A little ive a little more Saturation would co her

“Cassie”

So parched So needy To be wanted so much

Then the poas draining too fast, too much But she couldn’t pull away, couldn’t turn ahen there was so much need

Just a little—

“Cassie!”

CHAPTER 6

TERREILLE

The ground felt soft and s herbs in the vegetable garden

Groaning, Cassidy rolled onto her side Her eyes felt sleep-crusted, but it was too much effort to pry them open One hand pressed on the surface next to her head Pillow Was she in bed? How did she get there? What in the name of Hell happened? Everyso dry she was hollow

Quiet rustling Moveht settled beside her on the bed

Had to be Shira since the psychic scent was fen thatso with her

“Hell’s fire,” Cassidy muttered with her eyes still closed “A’s feast?”