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“The Warrior Bear,” one whispered.

“My husband,” I added. “Now, move aside.”

The gate opened, and we strode into the city and down the long cobblestone road leading through the heart of Guldtown.

That victory had been won easier than I’d imagined. Perhaps most of that was due to the fact that the soldiers were in awe and even scared of Vale, but I took the triumph, no matter how we’d achieved it.

As it had the first time I stepped foot in the city, it struck me as well-kept, the buildings all nice and tidy, the people too. But after living in Avaldenn for a while, I also recognized that Guldtown was a rather small city.

“There’s more wealth per fae here than anywhere else.” Vale walked by a shop displaying gorgeous gowns and a few lovely dresses for daily wear. Even from a glance, I recognized the craftwork as expert. It wouldn’t have surprised me if Roar had gone to this very shop to purchase the gowns he’d gotten for me.

“Because of the mines?” I asked.

“That, and, as much as it pains me to admit this, Roar has opened many new businesses since he took over as the warden.”

He often had meetings with the Merchant Guild. I hadn’t asked about those gatherings because I’d been having my head filled with matters of court. I’d been focused on what mattered at the time, not Roar’s duties.

“The Lisika family has always been cunning inbusiness,” Caelo agreed. “Many knights come from this area. They have often benefited from that house’s wealth.”

“What’s that?” Anna asked, not following our conversation at all as she pointed to a shop I’d been inside.

“A store for tea.” I smiled as we passed Tvali’s tea shop. “I’ve been there. The tea maker is eccentric.”

“It looks calming. Smells good too.”

“It’s nothing like the weak tea we had growing up. Once I’m done giving Roar a piece of my mind, we can go.”

From that point on, much of the conversation became Anna asking what certain shops were and one of us supplying an answer. Often, people did double takes when they recognized either me or Vale, but no one stopped us, either to talk or to detain us. After that happened a half dozen times, I allowed myself to take in the city. It surprised me how many places I recognized, especially as we neared the castle. Each time I found one that struck a memory, I became a touch angrier.

Roar had made me feel safe and like he cared. Then he’dleft. No explanation. Not even an attempt at contact. He could have sent a letter too, after all, he had sent someone to break the blood vials sealing our magical agreement.

In short, he’d never cared for me at all, no matter how much he’d pretended to.

We turned down the street leading to the castle, and, now properly pissed, I rolled my shoulders back. Another set of gates rose in front of us, but when I strode up to these, I didn’t feel nervous. No, I was a female who wouldbe given her due explanation—in the matter of Roar leaving and if he had recognized me as a Falk. About the Ice Scepter too. If anyone should be nervous, it was High Lord Roar Lisika.

Once we got to the soldiers, I lifted my chin. “I’m Princess Neve, here to see Lord Lisika.”

“Apologies, Lady Neve.” The soldier ignored my title. “You are not to be let in.”

“Me specifically?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“You betrayed our lord by marrying the prince.”

I scoffed. “Is that how he’s spinning it? Well, let me?—”

Vale stepped forward. “Youwilllet her in. Else, you will find yourselves in a fight with me and Sir Caelo of the Clawsguard.”

I wanted to be annoyed that he wasn’t letting me handle the issue, but truth be told, he looked so handsome, so righteous that I couldn’t muster any negative emotions.

“Do you wish to face us?” Vale asked, hand onSkelda’shilt.

These guards did not fold like the ones on the city wall. However, they also didn’t seem too keen on the idea of fighting the prince and a Clawsguard either.

So I took back the upper hand and called upon my winter magic, then directed it at the two guards. Though I didn’t possess the king’s finesse yet, I was naturally powerful and my morning of lessons with Vale had proved fruitful. Frost covered the pair, then a thin sheen of ice. The effort was draining, but it needed to be done.This city required a show of my power, so I would give it.