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“Would you feel better if we called it a trial run?”

“Maybe.” The lady tapped her lower lip. “You say you’d be leaving after the coronation in a few days. How long would you be gone?”

“Gustav seems to think we could complete the royal tour in about a month.”

“A month? It takes a carriage two weeks just to go to Seaserpent Bay unless you’re planning to skip it.”

“No, I’m visiting everywhere, but by horse, which is much faster.”

“Horse?” Josslyn’s eyes widened. “What of your luggage?”

“Not planning to bring much.” Avera’s lips quirked. “Have I mentioned I’m not very traditional about certain things?”

“So I’m beginning to see.” Josslyn cocked her head. “May I think upon it?”

“Yes. I understand this is quite the undertaking, especially since I don’t know what I’m doing.” Probably not the thing to admit.

“Neither did I when I inherited. Sometimes that works in our favor as tradition isn’t always the best method.”

“Agreed!” Avera exclaimed. “I do hope you’ll say yes as I need someone, but thus far, everyone I’ve spoken to is either about flattering me endlessly or trying to marry me off to a family member. I need honesty, even if it’s not pleasant. Someone I can count on.”

“You’ve given me much to think about, Your Majesty.”

“Please, call me Avera.”

“I couldn’t. Do you know what people would say?” Josslyn exclaimed.

“I don’t really care, but I guess you might. So how about in private you drop the formalities?”

A smile ghosted Josslyn’s lips. “I think that could be done. Avera.”

There was something about hearing her name that lightened her spirit. “Feel free to drop by if you have questions, or to accept my offer.”

“I just might. You’re not what I expected.”

“What did you expect?”

“I don’t know, really. No one seems to have a firm grasp of you. It’s as if you didn’t exist until you became queen. I’ve heard you called a dowdy mouse, which is obviously untrue. A shrill harridan, which again doesn’t seem likely.”

“You forgot murderous bitch, conniving harlot, and evil changeling.”

Josslyn’s eyes widened and Avera offered a rueful smile. “I’m well aware of what people think of me. Here’s to hoping I can change some of their minds.”

“And if you can’t?”

Avera shrugged. “Nothing. I can’t control other people’s thoughts, only my own actions.”

“You sound like my brother.”

Avera snorted. “Where do you think I learned that motto from?”

At that, Josslyn smiled. “It was nice to meet you… Avera.”

“Likewise. I hope to hear from you soon.”

As the lady opened the door, she tossed over her shoulder, “Most likely you shall. But first, I need to smack my brother.”

And she meant that quite literally.