But what if you’ve sworn to protect the one you were born to destroy?
Tarisai has always longed for the warmth of a family. She was raised in isolation by a mysterious, often absent mother known only as The Lady. The Lady sends her to the capital of the global empire of Aritsar to compete with other children to be chosen as one of the Crown Prince’s Council of 11. If she’s picked, she’ll be joined with the other Council members through the Ray, a bond deeper than blood. That closeness is irresistible to Tarisai, who has always wanted to belong somewhere. But The Lady has other ideas, including a magical wish that Tarisai is compelled to obey: Kill the Crown Prince once she gains his trust. Tarisai won’t stand by and become someone’s pawn but is she strong enough to choose a different path for herself?
Illustrations by María Alconada Brooks
This is a space for joy. Welcome. Even in a year of strife, there have been opportunities to soak up a little sweetness, to be entertained, to find warmth and ease. Personally, I’m learning to find joy in reflection. There’s a strange sense of contentment that comes with naming my deepest wants and carefully considering how to build a life that reflects those strivings. That, and 30-minute sitcoms. There is much happiness to be had while watching “The Good Place.” Team Lily, along with some of our friends, wanted to share the experiences and items that expanded our well-being and left us delighted (or delightfully distracted) these past months.