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Rylan tenses. If he was looking for further evidence that he should have all our magic, here it is. This time he keeps such thoughts silent, though I’m sure all four of us are thinking it.

A sigh escapes me. “It shouldn’t be difficult to show people we mean well, but how are we to convince people that nonexistent magic doesn’t exist?”

“Don’t fret over it,” Horace says. “Being so far removed from civilization makes people superstitious.”

“You were worried about it enough to ask for reinforcements,” Ry says.

Horace’s brows furrow. “I did no such thing.”

Everyone’s attention snaps to Horace. “You asked my father for a militia.” Tomas’ brow furrows. “It’s why we’re here.”

“If I had asked for a militia, I should be confounded by an assembly of royals instead.”

“That was Princess Arabella’s doing.” My full name sounds foreign from Tomas’ mouth. Has he ever used it? He’s never even called me Ara like everyone else does. Formal greetings are reserved for sarcasm and foreplay.

Horace laughs. “Another generation of surprising royals in the palace. Gods bless this kingdom.”

“Only another generation of involved royals,” I say.

“We always wish to have close relationships with our people,” Rylan adds. “We wanted to ease the tension in the area. But if you didn’t request forces, who did?”

“I haven’t the slightest idea. When word came of your impending arrival, we were curious as to what we had done to earn the honor.”

Tomas rolls his eyes. “You needn’t flatter them, Uncle. They know it’s an ordeal to have to host them.”

Kathlyn gasps. “Tomas!”

“It’s all right,” Marcus says. “We’re quite used to his impropriety.”

If it wouldn’t make the lady of the castle faint, there’s no doubt Tomas would have a colorful rebuke.

“Difficult as we may be,” Nina says with a pointed glare at Tomas, “we are here, so we may as well make the most of it.”

“Of course,” Rylan says. “I’m glad things aren’t as pressing as we’d been led to believe, but how could a false message have been received at Highbluff?”

I swirl the wine around my glass. Another mishap to confuse matters when there’s already so much disruption in the kingdom. “Perhaps it’s that dark magic.”

Chapter sixteen

Sleep was not my friend last night. Between the missing people, the forged message, tension between my siblings, my jealousy over Ceanna, and guilt about Jamys, rest was simply not possible. It’s fine, though. I take advantage of being awake before anyone else and slip out from my balcony. Once we’re all together, everyone will notice us from any distance. Alone, I might be able to explore the town without countless eyes on me. People act differently around a princess. I’ll get a more honest impression of the town, and perhaps their opinion of us, if my title doesn’t precede me.

Outside in the fresh air, I can relax. My boots land softly on the ground. A stranger strolling in from the hills at this hour might be suspicious, but I can’t be on the road near the gatehouse and risk being seen. The town seems to wake earlier than the castle—shops are opening; the smell of baking bread wafts from windows. A man walks out of an inn, and the aroma of bacon draws me to the door. I enter, and a barmaid briefly glances up as she welcomes me. Yes, this is perfect. I don’t need her getting flustered and curtsying before me.

“Good morning,” I say. “It smells absolutely delicious in here.” And feels cozy, the large hearth adjacent the dark wood bar giving it a homey atmosphere. Only a couple of tables are occupied—one by a lone man, and the other by an older couple.

“It should. It’s the best breakfast you’ll find in town,” the round woman says without looking at me.

“How lucky for me.”

“Is it just you then?”

“Yes.”

She shakes her head. “Not wise to be traveling through here on your own, miss. People have been going missing. A woman ought not to be about alone.”

Her fear wrenches my heart as the concern for me warms it. “I had heard about that. Weren’t two of the three people men, though? It seems like my chances are as good as anyone’s.” Better, actually. Much, much better.

“One was only a boy, but you’re right. No one should be about alone. I’ll get your breakfast. Would you like some tea?”