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“What am I to do while you’re in your forge making weapons for nonexistent people? I can’t be an actress without an audience.”

“You could get a hobby.”

“I have hobbies!”

“I don’t think flirting counts. Besides, there are no men in my world.”

Temra shakes her head in astonishment. “One day, you’re going to fall madly in love. You’ll find someone who will make you want to leave the forge. You won’t even see him coming.”

“The day the world runs out of iron ore will be the day I leave my forge. But even then, I’m sure I could figure out something with copper.”

Temra flicks droplets from her spoon into my face.

CHAPTER

THREE

There is nothing more terrifying than a well-attended party.

“It will be a small affair,” Governor Erinar had said. “Just my family and a few friends at dinner to celebrate Ghadra’s most talented smithy. You must come. I won’t take no for an answer.”

And I, in my haste to get rid of the governor after finishing his mace, agreed.

I wish I’d had it in me to be rude to the man. Instead, I’m stuck at a party that has more than a hundred guests in attendance. Either Erinar is related to everyone in the city or someone really needs to explain to him that his idea of a “small affair” is terribly misguided.

Either way, I’m trapped. As the guest of honor, I can’t escape without notice.

Even now I feel the eyes of those in attendance on me like lions tracking a herd of antelope. I clasp my hands together and fiddle with my fingers.

I will not panic.

I will not run.

Iprobablywon’t die.

Has being social killed anyone in the history of the world? Surely not, but that does not seem to matter to the lead weight in my heart or the buzzing insects in my stomach. My whole body ripples with discomfort at so many eyes on me, at so many people surrounding me.

My sister—bless her!—materializes before me.

“What are you wearing?” Temra asks, eyeing me up and down before I can demand why she’s arrived so late.

“A dress,” I say with disgust. I pick at the fabric, missing the lightweight material of my typical loose tunic and trousers. They’re perfect for combating the heat in the forge, and right now I swear it’s hotter in the governor’s home than it’s ever been in my workspace.

People make me sweat.

Temra blinks slowly, as if to compose herself. “Why didn’t you put on something nicer? Where is that dress I bought you for last Sisters Remembrance Day?”

“It’s in my closet.” Buried somewhere deep, but there, nonetheless.

“It’s so lovely. Really brings out the blue of your eyes.”

I don’t recall the color of the dress, but I smile as though Iremember it or care just how lovely it is. My current ensemble is a light tan. Nondescript. Lacking any fancy embellishments. Perfect for hiding.

Or so I thought.

“Ziva, all the other girls in attendance are in bright colors. You’re practically wearing your work clothes in dress form.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. My work clothes have stains,” I say, proud of myself, but as I scan the room, I realize she’s right. My bland dress no doubt makes me stick out like a lone weed in a flower garden.