Three Dark Crowns

She is prettier; red and yellow and black. Toxic colors, they say. The perfect accessory for a poisoner queen.

A small snake bracelet is not as fancy as one draped across one’s shoulders, but Katharine prefers her little adornment.

Natalia will wear a black mamba.

Not one poisoner, one naturalist, and one elemental

Katharine is still in her robe and underclothes and is still cold.

Natalia regards her a moment, as though deciding whether she will bother to answer.

The entire capital of Indrid Down is theirs now. It has been for over a hundred years.

And still so small. Small queens do not inspire much confidence. The others on the council cannot stop whispering about it.”

She has only her scant underclothes and the long, black hair that hangs down her back to fend off the drafts. E

Three dark queens
are born in a glen,
sweet little triplets
will never be friends
—
Three dark sisters
all fair to be seen,
two to devour
and one to be Queen