eagle eyes watching the crowds as we traveled past taverns, apothecaries, inns, butchers, bakers, and candlestick makers. The marketplace was in the large Silvera Square where people from the neighboring provinces came to sell their wares. Haydyn always had a particular interest in the artists and craftsmen of Raphizya and the beautiful glasswork of Vasterya.
“I’ve decided to hold a ball.” Haydyn waved to Silverans who bowed and curtsied as we cantered past.
I raised an eyebrow. “A ball?”
“Hmm.” Haydyn grinned excitedly. She seemed so young in that moment, despite her nineteen years. “A ball. I’ll invite all the Rada and all the noblemen and women of every province. A way of showing our solidarity in an unsettling time.”
“A ball?” I still wasn’t convinced.
“I think it’s a fine idea, Princezna.” Matai smiled at her.
I sighed. “No one asked you, Lord Matai.”
“Rogan, be nice,” Haydyn tutted. “Anyway, Lord Matai is correct. It is a fine idea.”
My heart jumped a little at the determination in her voice and hope bloomed. Perhaps Haydyn was finally taking charge. And I might not like fancy balls, but … it was a good idea. If only because it was her idea.
Her face fell when I didn’t respond. Abruptly, she looked anxious. “Don’t you think it’s a good idea, Rogan?”
I cursed inwardly. Why did everyone’s opinion matter so much to her? She was as smart and capable as any of us fools whose advice she solicited. I wished she’d remember she was fair and just and royal—she should not concern herself with my opinion, or anyone else’s, for that matter.
Instead I gave her a soft smile. “Lord Matai’s correct. It’s a fine idea.”
Moment of worry over, Haydyn’s expression turned cheerful as we entered the marketplace. Again, all went quiet at the sight of us, but gradually, as we trotted over to the stables, the noise level rose again.
“Please, I want you to seek out the finest fabric for me, for my new ballgown, as well as the finest for yourself,” Haydyn commanded politely as Matai helped her dismount. I was so shocked by the request, I dismounted without help, forgetting I wasn’t supposed to do that in public. But Haydyn very rarely used my magic and never for something as frivolous as fabric shopping.
My body crackled from the inside out, drawing me toward a fabric stall deep in the crowds of the square. “Fabric?”
“Hmm.” Haydyn nodded. “We want to look our best for such an important event.”
“Not the key to world peace? Not the answer to shutting down a rookery or controlling nomads? Fabric?”
Haydyn exhaled wearily. “Must I repeat it, Rogan, when we both know you’re being facetious?”
I shrugged. “Well, I just had no idea that the form of our fashion was so incredibly important to settling Phaedrian disputes.”
“More facetiousness. Lovely.”
“Fine. Away I go to seek and order the fabric.” I glanced between her and Matai. “What are you going to do?”
Haydyn stared a little too adoringly at her bodyguard. “Lord Matai’s going to escort me around the market while I choose some gifts to present to our guests at the ball.”
I threw him a mock horrified look. “Lord Matai, may I say now how much I’ve enjoyed knowing you, for I fear it will be the last time I look upon you.” I winced. “Death by boredom is such a tragic way to go.”
He grinned. “I’m sure I’ll survive.”
“You don’t have to sound so put upon.” Haydyn sniffed.
I laughed, thinking about her well-known generosity. “And just where are all these gifts going? We didn’t bring a cart?”
“I’ll borrow one. Or buy one. I am the princezna.”
I almost rolled my eyes. She asserts her authority when shopping. Wonderful.
“Don’t let me keep you. Off I go. Shan’t be long.” I disappeared into the crowds before Haydyn demanded I take an escort.
I breathed deeply of the thick smells. It was a strange mixture of pungent sheep’s wool, beets, chocolate, oil, sweet meats, bread, perfume, paint … oh, it was a fragrance of all the variety of the market. Usually, I disliked the crowds, preferring to escape to the cliffs some miles from the palace. I loved the peace and quiet of watching the surf of the Silver Sea crash against the cliff walls. The sea’s fierceness reminded me what it was to be alive.
But I was never alone. There was always a guard with me some way in the distance.
Today, as I swept past people, some who recognized me, some who didn’t—merchants calling out to me to buy their wares, desperate