The palace chimes started ringing differently. Not the usual gentle sounds, but something urgent and complex. Dewdrop immediately sat up on Osa's shoulder, her golden sparkles getting brighter.
"What's wrong?" Osa asked, watching the tiny spirit bounce around anxiously.
Dewdrop chittered rapidly, pointing toward the corridor. The other healing spirits around them started acting weird too, the crystal one was spinning in circles, the foam spirit kept diving in and out of pools, and the light spirit flickered like a broken lamp.
"I've never seen them this excited," Master Nerida said, looking confused. "They only get like this when—"
Footsteps echoed outside. Not regular walking, but the kind that meant important people were coming. Guards appeared in the hallway, followed by palace officials in fancy robes.
Then Princess Liyana walked in.
