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“Was Sabien—”

“I said I’m fine.”

Martine nodded. She fell silent for a moment, and Dagmara eventually slowed her pace when she felt out of breath. Her heart continued to hammer against her ribcage even when she slowed her speed.

“What did you tell Sabien I would help you with?” Martine asked.

Dagmara glanced at her. “I’m glad you asked.”

CHAPTER 27

Magdalena

When Magda and Odie reached the circular-shaped intersection, she knew they were free from Ishani and her officers. She found a dark alleyway and tore open the letter with Queen Sanyal’s seal, praying it was an invitation to the ball. Magda’s eyes scanned frantically over the contents.

Ishani,

I expect you to be at Kiran’s birthday ball. It is the least you can do. I know you are receiving these letters, and I don’t know why you are giving me the silent treatment.

If you won’t come for me, at least come for the guilds. I have invited all of the guild leaders in an attempt to work out a new trade agreement that will benefit our kingdom.

The letter wasn’t signed, but it was clear it came from the queen, for it was stamped with her crest on the outside.

Unfortunately, for Magda, it wasn’t an invitation. She cursed under her breath, knowing she would have to either go back to Ishani’s ship, or steal an invitation from another guild leader. At least this letter confirmed that all the guild leaders had an invitation.

She swung her knapsack from her shoulder, placing the letter inside, before putting it back on her back.

However, she had already wasted the day going all the way to the docks and back. Maybe Ishani’s invitation was so valuable that it was kept on her person. Either way, Magda had to make a new plan.

It was already dark outside, and she didn’t want to be out on the streets with Odie at this hour, especially with the dog-snatchers possibly around. So, Magda asked a storekeeper if there were any dog-friendly inns in Eloquas. Luckily, they mentioned a place named ‘Mystic Sonata’, known for its popular musical shows as well as its luxurious rooms.

Magda followed the directions she was given to another intersection. The city was vibrant in the evening, and even though the stars were already out, it seemed as if the population was just rushing to dinner. The narrow streets were packed with tables, where city-dwellers laughed over heaping plates of food and drink. In between buzzing restaurants were more shops where owners attempted to sell Magda fabrics, tea, and jewelry.

When Magda reached the Mystic Sonata, she could hear bombastic music and the shouts of a dozen people spilling out. She was grateful to stay in an inn tonight and get a good night’s sleep—she was not sleeping in a random man’s shack any longer.

When she entered, she looked past the desk and realized she had stumbled upon a wedding celebration. The otherwise simple building was full of brightly colored flowers, and a bride wearing a jeweled red and yellow gown danced in the center with her groom.

At the front of the large space, was a raised stage with seats for the couple, and in each corner, were musicians playing a lively tune. Much to her surprise, at the front of the string players—was the violinist Ravi next to a few other string players, although he didn’t notice her. Why was he everywhere that she went? Magda didn’t believe in fate, but it was as if the ancestral guardians were giving her a message.

“Can I help you?” asked a woman at the front desk.

“Yes, one room for me and my dog,” Magda answered before giving her the coins.

The woman accepted the money before handing Magda the keys. Despite the inn being labeled as ‘dog friendly’, the innkeeper didn’t seem too happy to see Odie. “Your room is upstairs. Number ten.”

Magda thanked her, before stepping forward into the large music hall. She focused on Ravi at the front of the room.

He was cheerful as he took the lead for the next song, running his fingers wildly along the violin’s neck as his bow danced along the strings in broad, slurred strokes. He added additional flourishes, his fingers gliding effortlessly towards the bridge as the notes ascended.

While he played, a joyful smile creased his face, and he spoke lively messages to lead the musicians behind him, allowing them to accompany him effortlessly. He also moved with the dancers, stepping forward and backward on the stage, even twirling around once as he stomped his feet, not missing a single bow-stroke.

At the end of the song, the room ended in exhilarated cries, cheering Ravi on in loud applause that enraptured the entire music hall. The bride and groom ended in a happy embrace.

While she watched the couple, Magda couldn’t help but think of Dagmara, who was all alone in Ilusauri, putting on a marriage show to find out more information about Claude. She couldn’t imagine that a wedding celebration to Claude would be this joyful. Magda wondered what would happen after this entire adventure was over, and if she would be forced to go through with the sham marriage and take Dagmara’s place.

What’s worse—Claude was investigating strange locations all over the kingdoms, asking Guild Captains to report what they had found out back to the Mad King. What was he searching for?

Someone placed a hand on Magda’s shoulder, breaking her out of her trance. “If it isn’t the beautiful woman from Azurem that has caught the attention of the entire city.” Ravi greeted her with a smile.