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“Not like yourself.” Her eyes widened. “You have red hair and so many freckles! I’d never recognize you.”
I laughed. “If you’re saying that, it’s a good sign.”
“Caelo, do yourself.” Prince Vale’s voice had taken on a new level of tension.
The knight nodded and pulled a small square mirror from one of the horse’s saddlebags. Magic flowed from him as he worked. He’d clearly done this before and knew exactly what to tweak on his face because he worked faster than he had with us. His blue eyes became violet, his dark skin lightened a touch, and his hair grew longer and turned silver.
I turned to face Prince Vale. “What about you?”
“I need to remain looking like myself. In case the worst happens.”
“I’ve already sent a messenger to get the lads, changing the time of your meeting. See you by the Warmsnap Tavern,” Sir Caelo said, and the prince took a horse and left. “Saddle up, ladies. Neve takes the black mare. Her saddlebags have gold. The rest carry food and small weapons.”
I went to the horse set aside for me and then froze. Could Anna ride? When I turned to ask, though, my worries fell away.
Sir Caelo had hoisted her onto a horse and showed her how to maneuver the beast. “I’ll ride with you through the city and past the gate, but I won’t be traveling through the woods. You have until then to get the feel of riding.”
“I will.” Determination laced Anna’s voice.
I exhaled. Anna was smart and when she set her mind to it, little could stop her. After a tutorial, she’d be fine to ride at a moderate pace. They had everything under control. I simply needed to do my part.
Keeping that in mind, I mounted the horse. I found it easier this time, a reassuring thought. Even better, Clem looked like a natural on her horse. More confident this would actually work, I arranged my cloak, so it covered the stakes strapped to my thighs. They needed to be handy, but if anyone saw them, it would raise questions.
“Follow me, ladies.” Sir Caelo gazed at all of us once more. “Don’t speak unless you must.”
We did as he said, guiding the horses through the castle grounds. With each step, I couldn’t help but look around. Everything seemed normal. No noble lords and ladies milled around the yard. I hoped Prince Vale was right, and they still gossiped about us at the feast.
As we neared the main gate, I assessed the situation. Only two fae guards manned it—light security. But then again, the king had made a statement today by feeding rebels to his white bear. Anyone who wished ill on those in the palace would think twice about acting again
Ahead of me, Sir Caelo raised a hand to the guards. “Evening.”
“Going somewhere at this late hour?” the guard on the right asked. The question seemed nonchalant, but everyone saw the truth behind it—a demand of what we were up to.
“I’ve worked up quite an appetite.” Sir Caelo chuckled. “Heading to the Warmsnap now.”
“Ah, the lords and ladies left you nothing from their feast, did they?” the guard gestured to the palace, where the feast was being held.
“Their appetites are always voracious.”
I marveled at the way he insinuated that we planned to go to the Warmsnap to eat, but we wouldn’t be stopping in, no matter how hungry anyone was. I noted this fae method of twisting the truth. One day, when my magic returned, I’d likely have to use it.
“Fill your bellies then.” The guard opened the gates.
I exhaled as we plodded into the greater city. Aside from when we arrived, it was my first time in Avaldenn proper.
Despite the late hour, or perhaps because of it, many fae walked the streets. Some hawked wares, some watched their younglings play, and some strolled with lovers. One pair of lovers made my skin tingle and the kisses I’d shared with Prince Vale flashed through my mind. Perhaps in another life that could have been us.
“Two copper claws, and I’ll give ye the best night of your life!” A whore called out and caught my eye with a saucy wink, deteriorating any thoughts of romance.
I looked away, which only made the whore cackle something about what a sweet, pure thing I must be.
Sir Caelo turned, and I guided my horse in the same direction. We rode down a few more streets, all of them filled with life that I could watch openly—another difference from Sangrael. There, had I been stupid enough to walk the streets after dark, I never would have observed the vampires. They would have taken it as an invitation for a snack.
Here, I existed among my kind. Even if I didn’t belong in this kingdom and planned to leave, I found comfort in that.
I had begun to salivate over a food stall serving a fried cheese dish when Sir Caelo held out a hand and guided us to the side of the snow-covered cobblestones. Across the street, a sign proclaimed that we stood in front of the Warmsnap Tavern. A spider crawled over the words, making me shiver. Usually, a tavern brought to mind a business more rundown than this one. The Warmsnap appeared well maintained, clean, and sleeker than most taverns I’d seen.
“He should be out here already,” Sir Caelo muttered. “Where in the bleeding—”
