Page 62 of Liar Witch

Ugh, Seers.

I can just imagine how hard it’s going to be to surprise Nos with anything in the future.

“How much?” I ask the male beside the stall.

“Don’t haggle, that’s bad luck,” Cassandra interjects.

To his credit, the merchant doesn’t get that greedy gleam in his eye that I’m accustomed to seeing whenever a guaranteed sale is on the line.

“Ten silver.”

“Done.” I fish around in my purse and hand over the tiny triangular coins.

It doesn’t take long for my purchase to be boxed and wrapped with black and silver tissue.

It’s not a huge gift, but it’s something. My gut clenches as I think of Klaus disliking it.

Suddenly, despite all I went through to get here, despite all our shared dreams, my confidence starts to wane.

I’m not rich. I’m not an honourable warrior.

I’m pretty sure I’m the opposite of everything that these people value.

“This doubt doesn’t serve you.”Opal’s voice in my head is unexpectedly welcome, even if her claws do dig into my shoulders as she pounces up from the floor to her favourite spot.“You are different to these people, but not lesser. As ifIwould choose a witch without greatness.”

Her harsh words don’t do much to help, but she’s right. I’m here for Klaus. I never expected this would be easy, and if I let shame and embarrassment beat me down before I’ve even stepped foot in the arena, then I’ve already lost.

“Come on, there are a few more places I want to show you before we get to the feast.” Cassandra is completely oblivious of the nerves tying my gut into knots. “Plus, you have to try the battered seaweed they sell over here. It’s to die for.”

“We’re going to be late,” Alexandra complains.

“Fashionably so,” Cassandra agrees.

Great. Just what I need.

The Seer ends up dragging us on a tour through more markets, small ports and down tiny, rickety streets which seem to end in the open ocean before she finally leads the way towards a huge longhouse set higher than the other buildings atop an artificial, wooden hill.

The platform has steps leading up to it from the street and from the ocean, with guards surrounding it like a gleaming brass wall.

The ridge of the arched roof is crested by a line of formidable brass tridents which glimmer in the moonlight in place of flags. The building has been fortified with several towers; guards glare down from each one, crossbows at the ready.

Several sets of huge doors have been opened along the wall facing us, giving the crowd waiting below a glimpse of the golden pageantry going on within, and the guests a clear view of those coming and going.

The warriors stationed around the perimeter have been keeping the crowds at bay with a wall of shields. They nod at the Princess as she reaches them, but the shield wall doesn’t open.

“You’re late, challenger.”

The one who addressed me has her head covered in a full helmet; the grate obscures her features and makes her indistinguishable from the rest.

I suppress my grimace and square my shoulders before I reply. “I’m here for my mate. Step aside.”

Not one of them moves. The crowd behind us snickers.

Fine. Challenge accepted.

I blink through the spirit plane, reappearing on the other side of them. It takes them a few seconds to process, but when they do, several alarmed voices all cry out at once.

“Halt!”