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It still embarrassed, because honestly, all Avera had done was tell Josslyn to spend whatever she needed to in order to make things right. “You’re welcome.”

“Where are you riding to?” the groomsman asked as Avera checked Luna’s straps. Her steed could sometimes be naughty and puff out her belly to keep them loose.

“Just outside the city for some fresh air,” Avera replied.

“Watch you don’t go into the woods. Rumor is there’s brigands preying upon people.”

“And the knights haven’t cleared them out?” Avera frowned.

“Only started a few days ago,” he advised. Right around the time of her mother’s death and coincidentally on the same path she usually chose to ride.

“We won’t go far, and fear not, I’ll make sure the Grand Rook is made aware and sends out some troops to handle it.”

The women used wooden steps to mount their steeds, with Avera grumbling, “I can’t wait until I can sit astride all the time instead of using a side saddle.” She’d done it before. On numerous occasions, she’d taken Luna out and, when out of sight, removed the saddle to ride bareback. She quite enjoyed those spurts of rebellious pleasure.

“With any luck, after she gets over her shock, the seamstress should have some sample trousers for us within a few days.”

Avera couldn’t wait. “Shall we, Duchess?”

They moved at a sedate pace as they exited the palace bailey and clopped onto the stone bridge. Despite not announcing her excursion, people popped out of their homes and stuck their heads from windows, pointing and exclaiming, “It’s the new queen.” Some also added, “Is that the duchess?”

It led to people calling out to her, offering blessings, condolences. A few threw flowers. A discomfited Avera waved and smiled, feeling foolish. She’d done nothing to deserve this accolade. A much more relaxed Josslyn blew kisses and appeared to enjoy the attention.

“You’re better at this than me,” Avera admitted as they passed out of the crowded street and entered the open fields just beyond the city’s edge.

“It’s an act. Trust me, I’d rather no one paid me any mind, however, when playing a role, one must give them what they expect.”

“It wasn’t an act for my mother.” Avera had often watched her mother from a hidden spot in an alcove. She’d seen how the queen always held herself regally, had a smile and word for everyone—but her daughter.

“She had decades to feel comfortable in her position. You’ve had less than a week. Give yourself time.”

“And if it never feels right?”

“Then fake it. I’ve done it with a few lovers.”

Avera’s jaw dropped.

Josslyn laughed. “Don’t look so shocked. Sometimes it’s easier to pretend than to have them keep fumbling and missing the mark.” She winked.

“Weren’t you married?”

“Yes, to Goffrey, a kind man gone too soon. A good thing I don’t have issue finding lovers.”

“I never intended to have a husband, but it seems I don’t have a choice,” Avera admitted.

“With the right man, you’ll see marriage can be a pleasure.”

Avera had her doubts. “Will you marry again?”

“Perhaps. Although, I do enjoy my freedom.”

As they exited the city, the road tucked between the shorn fields appeared unobstructed which led to Avera saying, “Shall we race?”

Josslyn glanced behind her at the rooks keeping pace without crowding them. “We might lose your escort. Their horses aren’t as fast.”

“Just to the edge of the woods, then we can stop and wait for them before entering.” The temptation to feel free, if just for a moment, had her smiling when Josslyn nodded.

“Fly, Luna,” Avera whispered, giving her horse a nudge with her knees. Her steed bounded forward, her long legs stretching and thumping as they rode hard for the forest a half league away. Within it, Gustav would already be hidden with knights and rooks. He might even already have the supposed brigands in custody. After all, it seemed rather more than a coincidence they appeared shortly after her mother’s death. Especially since they’d never had issues with thieves this close to the capital before. Add in the fact she used to regularly ride this route and it seemed likely the brigands had been put in place to cause her accident.