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“We can still be our genuine selves without revealing all our secrets,” she said.

He cleared his throat. “We will keep the visit short, just in case.”

In case they both were accosted by the blackbird. It wasn’t only plaguing Claude’s mind, making him a Mad King, but now it was in Dagmara’s head too. They couldn’t let the people see that.

There was a knock on the carriage door before it opened, revealing Sabien. “We’re ready for you both. Lionel came to greet us.”

Claude nodded and glanced at Dagmara. “For the betterment of our kingdoms.”

A warmth spread through Dagmara once more. “And the safety of our people,” she added, before they stepped out of the carriage to face the citizens of Sailonne.

Lionel Floquet stood at the entrance to Sailonne, his short, white beard seemed brighter in the sunlight, contrasting against his tan skin. His hands were interlaced against his stomach, waiting patiently.

Claude held out his hand for Dagmara, helping her step down out of the carriage. By the way Lionel’s bushy eyebrows raised high on his forehead, it was evident he was surprised to see them both, despite the coordinated delivery.

The crowd that had gathered around the carriage suddenly fell silent, their eyes filled with anticipation and disbelief. Some of the children bounced excitedly in front of their parents and were scolded in a hushed tone. However, not all of them seemed happy to see the king and his new fianceé. A few teenagers and young adults bore grimaces on their face, their hands either folded against their chest or planted on their hips. The older generation was more happy to see the king than the younger. Was it because they remembered when Claude’s father was around?

Past the archway, a stamped, stone road led into the city. The structures were similar to Nouchenne, but it appeared wealthier, and of a more grandiose size. The two-story houses were crafted of the similar gray stone materials with wooden, tudor-styles roofs. These houses were larger and more well-kempt than the ones in the other villages, giving the indication that they were for higher-class citizens. In addition, many administrative buildings, shops, and other structures were interspersed throughout the streets beyond. The entire city was built on a hill, and in the distance, a steeple with a large bell marked the top.

Stepping fully out of the carriage, Dagmara felt exposed to the onlookers. She expected Claude to release her hand after she was safely on two feet, so she was surprised when he only shifted his grasp, taking her hand so that his was in front as they approached the governor.

“Welcome to Sailonne,” Lionel said, “It has been a long time, Your Majesty.” Though the statement could have been a jab, there was no hostility in his voice. He approached the king while two people followed close behind.

Martine, Sabien, Claude’s two guards, and the dozen others from the palace that made the trip seemed to spread out, their eyes on the crowd, blocking anyone from getting too close.

“I’m happy we were able to visit,” Claude called. His voice had transformed, now boisterous and authoritative.

“We are honored to be the first province you are visiting,” Lionel stated. “To be honest, I wasn’t certain you would personally deliver the shipment,” he added a laugh to lighten the air, “but we are blessed to see you here.”

“It is my privilege,” Claude replied, his voice loud enough to carry across the entire crowd, “but we have to thank Princess Magdalena. It is because of the alliance with her kingdom that we are able to be so generous.”

Hushed whispers rang through the surrounding citizens.

“Yes, I understand,” said Lionel. His attention shifted to Dagmara, glancing at their interlaced hands so briefly, that she nearly missed it. “Might I say, you are a wonderful influence on our king, and so generous, especially after your tremendous loss.”

“I’m only so generous because of Claude.” Dagmara added a smile. “Trust me, Ilusauri is benefiting Azurem plenty with the reopening of the trade routes, it is the least our kingdom could do.”

She knew her Azuremi accent was thick as she tried to speak in Ilusaurian. She prayed that everything she said was grammatically accurate.

She felt Claude squeeze her hand slightly. Was he thanking her or telling her to stop speaking?

“But the personal delivery…we are beside ourselves that you brought His Majesty to visit when dropping off the shipment,” Lionel continued. “Might I invite you back to my manor for a glass?”

This was perfect. It was exactly what Dagmara needed to snoop through his manor for information on the assassins.

“I would love to, but I’m uncertain what else Claude has planned for today,” she said before glancing up at him, hoping he would agree.

Claude met her gaze. “I think we have an hour or two.” His eyebrow raised at her as if he was wondering for himself how long he had in such a new environment with so many people around. Maybe that was what he needed. Maybe whatever was after his mind couldn’t reach him here.

“Wonderful!” Lionel exclaimed. “My head of resources will be handling the rationing and distribution,” Lionel gestured toward a woman on his right before gesturing to a man past her, “and my deputy will schedule the shipments to the surrounding towns.”

“Our hope is to bring another shipment by the end of the month,” Claude replied. “Captain Sabien Renaud can help coordinate with your leaders. He is familiar with everything we were able to provide.”

Sabien bowed. “Of course, Your Majesty.”

“Martine, Pierre, and Sacha, accompany us, will you?” he said. All three nodded—and Dagmara finally knew the name of his other head guard.

The citizens seemed to keep their eye on the king as he walked with Lionel through the city and to the manor. Many who hadn’t come to the gates now lined the street, and others were leaning out of their windows to get a better look. Dagmara tried to acknowledge them, not paying any attention to what Lionel and Claude were discussing. She even waved at a little girl who bashfully hid her face against her mother’s leg. However, the mother seemed pleasantly surprised that Dagmara had paid her daughter any attention.