Daughters, It is not only Fae blood which blesses your crown. It is mine. It is every other queen’s—spilled in one way or another—to grant you your throne. There are those, spurred by greed, who would rob you of this inheritance. Be wary and vigilant. Wise and fair. Do not lose yourselves in the sea of wealth and power to come. Surround yourselves with loyalty and love. And if nothing else, remember this: That which is given oft cannot be regained. —Lost letter from Leythana, first Briar Queen, to her heirs. Age of the Rose, 45
