The Impostor Queen by Sarah Fine Page B

among themselves as they use their magic to propel the boat back to shore, but their words are carried away by the breeze and the splash of water against the hull. They help the acolytes carry me to the Saadella’s wing. I know I’m home when I hear Mim cry out. They set me on my bed, soaking my sheets with pink and red. Kauko sits down next to me and touches my shoulder.
    â€œDid you read the stars wrong, Elder?” I whisper.
    â€œNo, child. You were the one it referred to. I am certain.”
    â€œThe prophecy, then—you said part of it was missing.”
    â€œThat is true.” For the first time, I hear anger in his voice. “We have priests scouring all our texts, trying to find hints of what it could have said. In the meantime . . .” His shoulders slump as he looks me over.
    â€œI . . . I will go back in the copper trunk if you think it would help.” Even though the mere thought makes me shudder.
    He shakes his head. “It’s not necessary now.”
    I nearly choke as the tears come. “I’m sorry for disappointing you.”
    His thick lips tremble. “There is one more trial,” he says, sorrow in his eyes. “One more trial, and we’re hoping this one will work.”
    â€œDo it, then,” I croak. “I’m eager to face it.”
    He squeezes my arm. “You’ll have to be very brave. But you are, aren’t you? We can all see that. Even Aleksi.”
    What they can also see: my bravery is not enough. Not nearly enough.
    â€œI’m courageous enough for one more trial.”
    â€œI wish we didn’t have to ask these things of you, but I’m grateful you understand their necessity.” He bows his head. “Rest tonight. Look at the moon. The clouds are clearing.” His voice falters, and he clamps his lips shut for a few moments before continuing. “It is a sight to behold. Lovely, like you are. Then sleep, and may your dreams be peaceful. I will see you tomorrow.”
    After he leaves, I squint at a small piece of sky through my open balcony doors. I can’t see the moon, but its reflection shines in the Motherlake. I drift outside myself, out of the temple, over the lake, and float toward that gorgeous orb. How heavenly. The weight of responsibility falls away. No one needs me anymore. No one even knows I’m gone. The sweetest sense of freedom envelops me, welcoming me into its embrace. It’s so nice, so peaceful. . . .
    â€œElli,” whispers Mim. “Wake up.”
    She shakes me, and I groan. It’s hard to draw breath. I slip my hand under the loose collar of my gown. A length of gauzy fabric has been wrapped around my chest and back, binding my wounds. My hair is braided. My sheets are clean. I’m wearing a simple dress of brown wool, like the kind Mim wears every day. But it is still dark out, with no sign of the day to come.
    â€œIs it time for the final trial?” I whisper. Stars, I’m so, so tired.
    â€œSit up, my Valtia. Sit up now.” She pulls my arms and then apologizes when I let out a strangled moan. Once I’m up, she slides a pair of plain leather slippers onto my feet and takes my face in her hands. “You must be very brave.”
    â€œKauko said the same,” I mumble. “I’m doing my best. Mim, I’m so sorry for letting you down.”
    Her blue eyes shine with tears. “Oh, my love, you could never do that. Get up now.”
    â€œWhere are we going?”
    Her brow creases with fear and sorrow. “Away, Elli. We’re going away.”
    â€œBut the trial—” My words are cut off when she presses her fingers over my lips.
    â€œI overheard the elders speaking in the domed chamber, making preparations.”
    I cringe. “I don’t think I want to know.”
    â€œYes, you do.” She carefully helps me to my feet. “Because in a few hours, they’re going to come