Kirstie Summer, another musician who was mostly known for her outlandish concerts, and her outfit was more like a costume. My guess was that it was either something she usually performed in or an experiment in painted leather. Either way, I was surprised she got through the door, both because of the way she was dressed and the fact that if you passed within a foot of her, you could smell the alcohol radiating off her.
“Nicoletta,” Queen Amberly said, approaching us. “How wonderful to see you again.”
They exchanged kisses on both cheeks before Nicoletta spoke. “The joy is all mine. I was elated when I received America’s invitation. We all had such a wonderful time on our last visit.”
“I’m glad to hear that,” the queen commented. “I’m afraid it’s going to be a bit calmer today.”
“I don’t know,” Nicoletta countered, pointing over to where Kirstie and Tessa were standing in a corner and talking loudly. “I’m betting those two will send me home with at least one story.”
We all laughed, though I could see a little anxiety in the queen’s eyes. “I suppose I should go introduce myself.”
“Always the picture of bravery,” I joked.
She smiled. “Please, relax and enjoy yourselves. I hope you get to meet some new acquaintances but, honestly, just take some time together with your friends.”
I nodded, and Queen Amberly left to meet Celeste’s guests. Tessa was looking fine, but Kirstie appeared to be picking up and smelling every finger sandwich on a nearby table. I made a mental note not to eat anything near where she’d been standing.
I surveyed the room. Everyone seemed busy eating or talking, so I decided now was as good a time as any.
“Follow me,” I said, heading to a small table in the back. We sat, and a maid brought us tea. Once we were alone, I dived in, hoping this would go smoothly.
“Georgia, first, I haven’t had a chance to apologize about Micah.”
She was shaking her head even as I spoke. “He always wanted to be a hero. We all accept that things might . . . end like that. But I think he was proud.”
“I’m still really sorry. Is there anything we can do?”
“No. Everything’s taken care of. Trust me, he wouldn’t have chosen a different end,” she insisted.
I thought of the mouselike boy in the corner of the room that night. He willingly ran out into the fray for me, for all of us. Bravery hides in amazing places.
I turned back to the matter at hand. “Well, Georgia, as you can see, Nicoletta is the princess of Italy. She visited with us a few weeks ago.” I looked between them. “At that time she made it clear that Italy would like to be an ally to Illéa if certain things changed.”
“America!” Nicoletta hissed.
I held up a hand. “Trust me. Georgia here is a friend, but I don’t know her from Carolina. She’s one of the leaders of the Northern rebels.”
Nicoletta sat up in her seat. Georgia gave her a timid nod, confirming what I’d said.
“She came to our aid recently. And lost someone close to her in the process,” I explained.
Nicoletta placed her hand on Georgia’s. “I’m sorry.” Then she turned to me, curious as to how all this tied together.
“What we say needs to stay among us, but I thought we might be able to talk about some things that would benefit everyone here,” I explained.
“Are you trying to overthrow the king?” Nicoletta asked.
“No,” Georgia assured her. “We’re hoping to align ourselves with Maxon’s reign, and work toward eliminating the castes. Maybe within his lifetime. He seems to have more compassion for his people.”
“He does,” I added.
“Then why do you attack the palace? And all those people?” Nicoletta accused sharply.
I shook my head. “They’re not like the Southern rebels. They don’t kill people. They sometimes deliver justice that they see as fit—”
“We’ve gotten unwed mothers out of jail, things like that,” Georgia interjected.
“They have broken into the palace, but never with the intent to kill,” I added.
Nicoletta sighed. “I’m not so bothered by that, but I’m not sure why you need me to know them.”
“Neither am I,” Georgia confessed.
I took a breath. “The Southern rebels are getting more and more aggressive. In the last few months alone, their attacks have increased, not just at the palace but across the country. They’re merciless. I worry, as does Maxon, that they’re very close to making a move we won’t be able to recover from. Their idea of killing their