The Main Hall of the Jade Palace was a masterpiece of botanical malice.
The walls were lined with trellises of climbing vines. The flowers were breathtaking—vibrant purples, deep crimsons, and neon blues. But Primrose knew her plants. That was Wolfsbane. That was Nightshade. That was Blood-Orchid.
To touch the walls was to die.
"Keep your hands inside your sleeves," Cassian murmured to the group. "And do not bow too low. We are guests, not servants. If you show your neck, they will bite it."
Jasper adjusted his silk sash, looking terrified but determined. Orion looked unimpressed, scanning the architecture. Caspian looked bored, while Luna was shaking like a leaf.
At the far end of the hall, seated on a throne of carved serpentine jade, sat Duchess Venetia.
She was the Head of House Viper. She wore emerald robes embroidered with real gold thread in the shape of coiling snakes.
As they approached, Venetia stood. She glided down the stairs.
"Cousin," Venetia purred.
