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you joined me this morning with ulterior motives. Maybe this is the time to discuss them.”
    I begin to open my mouth to make more demands but see the look in her eyes: I will make no demands. If I want to get anything out of this, I must respect her and ask for her permission. Taking a deep breath, I sit back down in my chair.
    I gather my thoughts before speaking. “I seek your permission to begin battle training once again. I know it may make you uncomfortable, but I do not feel my body will return to its full capacity if I am unable to exercise.”
    The queen studies me for a moment while thinking. She finally nods before saying, “As you wish. You may begin training this afternoon. I know who the perfect training partner will be for you—Gideon. He’s one of my best, and he’s young like you, which should provide an even match.” She smiles slyly at me and finishes, “He’s also quite handsome.” Then she winks at me.
    I stop myself from rolling my eyes at her attempt at matchmaking. “I assure you, Queen Lily, I have no interest in this trainer of yours, other than for training.” I pause, hoping she will believe me. “Thank you for this, but I have one other favor to ask.”
    â€œYes?”
    â€œI would like my daggers back.” Then I quickly add, “I would be uncomfortable with anything else.”
    â€œOkay. Willow will get them for you and bring them to your room. She will then escort you to the training room where Gideon will be waiting for you.”
    With that, she rises from her seat and exits the dining hall. The servants sweep in after her and begin bustling around the table. They clear it completely and reset it with fresh linens, dishes, and flowers before I am able to snap out of my daze. The queen has not only given me permission to train, but she has also given me my weapons back and seems to be trying to set me up with one of her warriors. I shake my head at the utter nonsense of the whole situation as I stand then exit the dining room. As I head to my room, I can only hope Willow will be able to provide some sort of insight into this bizarre situation.

Chapter Four
    As I make my way back to my room, I once again stop to study the paintings but with renewed interest. I find myself wondering what type of crimes these humans and fae committed and how long they have been trapped in these prisons. The way in which the queen runs her court is interesting and impressive. She punishes as she sees fit, always taking into consideration the crime that was committed, which makes the punishments seem fair for those that are in her favor. This brings my thoughts directly back around to Holly, and how she is in the queens favor. Their relationship causes my curiosity to burn even brighter.
    My pace quickens, and I return to my room, where Willow, at least, has the sense to act as if she were not anticipating my arrival. Instead of looking up when I enter, she ignores me, keeping her eyes averted and paying close attention to the beautiful crystal vase in front of her. The vase is filled with crisp white daisies and pale lavender roses of various sizes. There are several similar arrangements throughout the room, filling the air with a fresh, spring-like smell.
    I allow the door to shut louder than usual, watching as Willow turns casually toward me. Her lack of surprise and smooth movements only reinforce my thoughts of her being well aware of my presence. In fact, I almost smile at her casualness when she greets me.
    â€œOh. Hello, Poppy. How was your breakfast with the queen?”
    I mimic her casual tone with one of my own, fully aware of the fact that she is tidying up my room like I have asked her not too. “Hello, Willow. It was very nice. How has your morning been?”
    â€œWonderful.” She places the last flower into the vase before offering me an innocent smile. “Aren’t these flowers just beautiful? They smell simply