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Majesty. She remains in exile, undiscovered.” The guard did not budge from his position.
    The Queen smiled, a sinister grin spreading across her face. She dismissed the guard and turned to sit on the dais, closing her eyes against the pain that throbbed behind them. Shade couldn’t help but stare at her. She wanted to ask this dark Queen what she had meant about her grandmother when the room suddenly swirled and jerked her back into the dark cave of Ilarial’s abode.
    She breathed in, slowing her heart’s frantic race as she moved her eyes up to the Oracle who now watched her with curious eyes.
    “What just happened? Who was that woman, and why is she looking for me? That, Queen or whatever she is said I had a grandmother. Ilarial, what does she mean by that?”
    Shade felt her stomach fill with dread. She felt confused and didn’t like it. She had had her share of fear and confusion for a lifetime already, and she wasn’t ready for more. The vision made her skin crawl, and the shudder that ran along her skin was like a wintery gust stealing her warmth. She turned and slumped on the floor, hugging her knees to her chest as she began rocking the cold away.
    “Shade, what exactly did you see? It can feel disorientating when you first scry. I didn’t know you would be so sensitive to it, or even be able to do it yet for that matter. Just breath slowly. Here drink this draught, it will help with the chill.” She moved about the room, then returned to the table, pushing a cup into Shade’s hands and encouraging her to sip the warm liquid.
    Shade followed her directions and let the fluid warm her from the inside out. She took deep, slow, breaths as Ilarial had instructed, and the shivering lessened with each passing moment. She peered up at the beautiful Oracle, her long, flowing, white, silvery hair draped around her like a cape of smooth cotton. A warm and concerned smile danced on her lips.
    “Feel better?” Shade nodded. “Alright then, can you tell me what you saw now?”
    Shade bit her lip as she studied Ilarial’s illuminated face. Shade squeezed her eyes shut, concentrating on the vision and the swirling remains of it that were floating around in her head. It felt like a dream, making her wonder if she was really still awake.
    “I saw a Queen of Faerie, but I don’t know her name. She had raven-black hair with blood-red color streaked throughout it. Her skin was as pale as arctic ice, and her eyes were black as a night without stars. She was in her throne room and was somewhat agitated. She asked one of her guards where I was and why had they not captured me yet. She asked if I had discovered anything about my grandmother, whom she has imprisoned in exile. I don’t really understand any of it, but it seemed to bother her very much that I am free of her.”
    “Was that everything, Shade?”
    “No. She also mentioned that some Prince Lotinar was meeting with Queen Zinara soon, and would be allying with her against this Queen. She did not like that at all. I heard this name before, Prince Lotinar, when we returned from the Santiran Fountains. I heard Sary speak his name. Who is he?” Shade watched the oracle sink down into one of the large pillows near her on the floor. She seemed to ponder her words, lost in her thoughts.
    “That is Queen Aveta, the Lonares Unseelie Court’s Queen. You described her perfectly. As for Prince Lotinar, he is the Crowned Prince of the Northern Realm of Faerie, based in the main Santiran City. He is to meet with Queen Zinara’s advisors very soon actually, Aveta’s spies have done well.” Ilarial rubbed her forehead and sighed. She seemed tired, and her eyes reflected for a moment just how old she must be.
    “Your grandmother, now that is interesting. It seems I am missing a piece of the puzzle here. If she is your real father’s mother, it could be very important for us to find her. She could help you with your powers, and tell you exactly what kind of magic you hold