54

“It’s all about appearances.” My throat ached, the few bites of breakfast I’d eaten heavy in my stomach. “A queen needs protection, and she wants to ensure no one questions her claim to the title.” I hated that I was beginning to understand her.

Chelsea sat taller, the white priestess dress looking different on her, especially with Dina on the other side of her, dressed in black.

“Were there any signs of witches?” Chelsea held a cup of tea in both hands.

King Sutton winced. “We didn’t send any witches with them, but they saw five women working in a garden in the backyard. They wore dresses similar to yours.”

“From what I remember, Kel’s royal coven consists of twenty witches.” Dina held her head high, but her dull-looking skin made her appear like a different person. “I’d estimate at least twenty there with her, just to be safe.”

“Seventy is what we need to account for.” Bodey nodded. “Fifty shifters and twenty witches. We should bring at least double.”

That sounded reasonable, but wh