Free The Queen of Blood by Sarah Beth Durst

Semo for the past fifty years. It was due in three days. Daleina and Revi hurried next to magical theory.
    The teacher for magical theory acknowledged the new students by making them stand at the front of the class and answer a barrage of questions: how intelligent are spirits (it varies), can any female develop an affinity for spirits (yes, it can manifest in any family), can anyone with an affinity learn to sense spirits (yes, with proper training), can spirits sense humans (no, but they’re drawn to the use of power), and so on. “Correct, correct, correct,” the teacher, Master Bliara, said. “Now, tell me what happens when a queen dies.”
    â€œDeath,” Merecot said.
    â€œCorrect. After a queen dies, the spirits are released from her commands and obey only their base instincts, causing upheaval in the land and slaughtering any humans they find. Many years ago, it was discovered that women with affinity, working together, can override these instincts if and only if they issue one specific command. And what is this command that renders the spirits powerless?”
    All of them chorused, “Choose!”
    â€œCorrect! This command triggers an almost hibernation-like state in the spirits, suspending their powers and their will. They remain in this state for seven days—a boon for us because it allows us time to gather our best heirs in the Queen’s Grove. After seven days, the spirits choose the best heir to be queen and infuse her with enough power to command them all.”
    One of the students raised her hand. “But why? I mean, they hate us. Why give one of us more power?”
    â€œAhh, excellent question, Zie. It’s the wonder of nature, protecting herself, ensuring the continuation of the species. Why does a river fish swim for miles and miles to reach a particular bank to lay her eggs?” The master paused. “That was not rhetorical, students. Marilinara?”
    â€œBecause it’s safer there? Or the water is better for baby fish?” Mari glanced around her as if checking to see if anyone else had a better answer. Daleina was glad she hadn’t been chosen to speak. She didn’t want to be singled out on the first day—especially not about fish. “There must be something about that spot that makes it more likely that her offspring will live.”
    â€œAh, but does the mama fish think to herself, ‘Oh, that riverbed is a delightful place to raise children? It has nice weather. Great schools . . .’ Please, you may laugh at my pun.”
    No one laughed. Daleina managed a smile, which seemed to be enough for Master Bliara. She continued on. “No! The mama fish doesn’t think . She doesn’t decide in a rational way, weighing the pros and cons. It’s instinct! The same for the spirits. They act on instinct. Even the intelligent ones are ruled by their instincts. Do not expect them to think like we do. They can be smart, butdo not mistake that for human logic. Now . . . what are the two primary instincts that drive the spirits?” The master looked directly at Daleina.
    Daleina shrank back, and then squared her shoulders. “To kill humans.”
    â€œAnd?”
    â€œTo . . .” Daleina glanced at Revi and then at Merecot, who was watching her with a faintly amused expression. “Well, fire spirits start and spread fires. Wood spirits grow trees . . .”
    â€œPrecisely. To destroy and to create! And what is the problem inherent in those two instincts?” The master continued to look at Daleina expectantly.
    Daleina swallowed. Why me? There were plenty of other students in the class, including older students who probably knew exactly what answer Master Bliara was looking for. Daleina hadn’t even seen, much less read, any textbooks yet. “They’re contradictory?”
    â€œExactly. That is why they crave a queen. As much as they hate us, the spirits need a