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“Well, they know how to put on a show,” Galen said appreciatively, eyebrows rising as he took in the scene. He wore a lightweight brown jacket and pants over a white button-down. A thin golden band rested on top of his head as a crown. It had hints of the same wisteria as mine wrapped around it.

“It’s absolutely amazing,” Katrine replied with wondrous eyes.

“It’s…a lot of people,” Devora muttered under her breath. I chuckled and linked my arm through hers, earning me a sharp glance of surprise. She had forgone her black glasses tonight and let me braid her thick red hair into a crown around her head.

Katrine had found the pair of them a couple of floral knee-length dresses from some of the maids at Silenus Manor.

The younger maid was coming alive under the orange haze of the flames, her umber features blossoming like the flowers she’d stuck in her hair.

But Devora was still a bit hesitant. A shadow crossed her face as she gnawed on her bottom lip, so very different from the fierce girl who whipped knives out of her thigh sheath like it was second nature.

“Just ignore them,” I said, leaning in and nudging her shoulder with mine. “Have fun. Enjoy your night out with no expectations.”

She gave me a small smile. “Is that what you plan to do?”

“If only,” I said. “I, unfortunately, always have expectations to meet. But you ”—I whirled in front of her and grabbed both of her hands, dragging her after Katrine and Galen—“can let loose. When will you ever see these people again? Do whatever you want. Be whoever you want.” I gave her a little twirl with one hand and smiled when her eyes sparkled back at me.

“Wouldn’t that be something,” she said, so quietly I hardly heard her over the music.

“Ready to make the rounds, Clarissa?” Galen asked a few steps ahead of me, holding out his arm.

I nodded. “I’ll see you two later,” I said to Katrine and Devora, grinning at the reluctant expression on Devora’s face as Katrine hauled her to the nearest vendor.

Galen and I spent nearly an hour visiting each booth, making polite conversation with the citizens and eating our weight in the food they shoved in our hands.

Little cucumber and spicy pepper sandwiches dipped in a honey sauce, chocolate-covered coffee beans, and dried pieces of bacon topped with some gray, gelatinous mush that I didn’t care to question.

It was difficult not to notice that double the usual number of guards followed closely on our heels, earning the occasional wary glance from passersby.

But for the most part, it felt like a normal night.

Fun , even. I could almost forget that the man beside me was nearly assassinated nine hours ago for accidentally murdering an innocent man’s daughter.

Almost.

People greeted us with excitement, bowing low and shaking our hands as we moved from group to group. They were delighted to have their king in their presence, but to my surprise, more of them focused on me .

“It’s so good to see you again, Empress Aris.”

“Our fields have never been better ever since you cleared the blight away!”

“How can we thank you for what you’ve done?”

The comments, kind words, and gratitude were endless. It filled my heart to see them no longer have to worry about the blight, and by the end of our first trip around the large circle, my cheeks hurt from smiling so much.

“They love you,” Galen said when we took a break to watch the dancing. “You must be adored by your people back home.”

I let out a short laugh. “I’m getting there.”

If only he knew.

Dion Silenus approached, his pale cheeks pink from exertion, a thin smile on his normally scowling face. The faint scent of alcohol lingered around him. “Your Majesty, Your Majesty,” he said, bowing to each of us in turn. I raised an eyebrow, still not used to his change in demeanor.

“I’m sorry to take you away so soon, but would it be alright if I borrowed Galen for just a few moments? I’ll bring him back to you before the sacrifices begin,” Dion assured me.

“Of course,” I said. “I wanted to try a drink, anyway.” I waved them off as they walked toward the entrance, then searched for a vendor selling some of the delicious wine I’d smelled earlier.

A few minutes later, I had a cup in hand and found a less busy side of one of the bonfires to plant myself, taking some time away from the crowds to watch them dance and sing and mingle.

I didn’t have many moments like this anymore, where I could blend into the background and hear myself think, without the pressure of a meeting or someone needing me.

I swayed to the lively band, my eyes tracing the path of flames and smoke curling against the starry sky. Sweet flavors of cherry and spice burst on my tongue when I took a sip of the wine, and I hummed as it coated my throat.

“Careful,” a deep voice said behind me, making me jump. “That wine is strong.”

I turned, and a slow thrill dripped through my body. “Good evening, Lord Reaux.”

He smirked back at me. “Evening, Empress.”