I nodded. “We heard the rumors during Springmarket.”
“I’d like you to come.”
“To work? How much are you paying?”
“As a guest. Of course, you can also keep an eye out for the Aetheric practitioner. I’ve also sent an invitation to Wren and your Lady.”
My lip curled, but I understood why he’d done it. “Attempting to keep yourself in her good graces?”
“It seems practical. I didn’t want you to be surprised if you saw her.”
“I don’t need to be in a ballroom to let you know if there’s Aetheric magic. And we aren’t fancy enough for a royal gathering.”
“I’ll take care of the gowns.”
“Why do I need to be at a party with rich people and aristocrats?”
“Because I like you, Fox.” His smile was warm. “You’re mostly very amusing.”
“Mostly?”
“Sometimes you’re running headfirst into danger. Or insulting my trusted bodyguards.”
If he hadn’t been on duty, Galen would have stuck out his tongue at that.
“That’s just more proof that I’m not the type to attend fancy parties.”
“Since my preferences are apparently not enough,” he murmured, “there will be food and Vhranian sweetwine.”
I grinned. “Then I’ll be there. Are there bows or something I’ll have to do? Or, I don’t know, learn whether to call someone ‘sir’ or ‘Lord Rumpkin’ or ‘Madam Horse’s Arse’?”
“I don’t think Lord Rumpkin will be in attendance. You only have to be yourself, Fox.”
I snorted. “Please. If your guests knew I was a thief and a bond servant, they’d assume I was there to steal my way out of servitude or sleep my way to freedom.”
He crossed his arms and frowned down at me. “And which do you plan to do?”
I leaned forward, as if imparting a secret. “Neither. I’m in the palace because you’re paying me.” Even if it was only partially the truth, I wasn’t going to tell him anything else.
“Whatever your reasons,” he said, and his tone said he knew I had others, “I look forward to seeing you tonight.”
“I won’t enjoy it,” I said, but he was already walking away.
“Oh, I bet you will.”
Galen stayed behind and gave me a level stare. “No stealing from the guests.”
“You’d never even see me,” I said, and closed the door in his face.
I considered hiding myself in a secret corner of the palace until the party was over and done, but since he’d agreed to myconditions, it was probably best that I go. And I wanted to talk to Wren—and find out if she’d seen Luna.
I didn’t understand why he wanted us there. There were surely plenty of strongholders eager to attend to the prince at a party in his honor.
In the meantime, to the books. I drifted down the hallway and emerged in the space with the high dome where the passageways branched off. This time, I took the passage marked by the scroll and walked until I reached the end of a hallway, where an enormous arched wooden door was an imposing barrier to whatever lay inside. Another scroll had been carved into stone above it, confirming I’d found the right place.
Talia stood near the door, a candleholder in one hand and enormous iron ring of keys in the other. She was jangling the ring, apparently trying to select the right key while keeping a grip on her light.
She glanced up as I walked toward her. “Hello, Fox. Taking a stroll?”
