Page 78 of To Scale the Emerald Mountain

My answer is to hoist myself up into the saddle and take off at a trot. Kraeston catches up quickly, taking the lead. After we exit the gate at the end of the drive, I breathe deep. I’m invigorated by the airless feel of freedom—even though I do have an escort. My appetite hasn’t returned, but I couldn’t resist the urge to leave those pressing walls.

I soak in the sights of the city more today. Jewel toned tiles decorating ornate houses glitter in the daylight. We break through the line of shading palms leaving the residential streets, and I breathe in relief. Letting my eyes flutter closed, I bask in the hot sun.

This was a good idea.

The city is bustling. Merchants sell their wares in street carts, shopkeepers are sweeping their stoops and shining their windows. Restaurants have their walls of accordion doors open.

Kraeston explains to me that The Capital is a circular city with the palace sitting on the northern edge. I appreciate the reminder. I’ve spent a lot of time in Quinndohs, but almost all of it is murky.

Kraeston stops in front of a small cafe and dismounts his horse. He ties the reins off on a post before doing the same with mine and reaching out a hand to help me down.

“Why this one?” The quaint cafe is similar to many we passed along the way.

“Because it’s your favorite,” he says before opening the door and leading me in.

We sit at a small table in the back—Kraeston is comically large in the small space on the fragile wooden chair. My eyes glance around nervously.

Will anyone here recognize me? Will anyone come to inquire about how I’m doing after my kidnapping? Tell me how relieved they are that their future queen has been returned to safety?

Future queen.

My throat is suddenly thick, and I push the thought down. I won’t be dealing with that right now.

As if he can hear my thoughts, Kraeston fills me in, “What transpired isn’t common knowledge with the people. But try to mask your surprise when the owner knows you,” he warns as a woman approaches us. She’s bearing two delicate teacups, printed with golden floral designs.

She smiles warmly at me, “Princess! I have not seen you in some time. So happy to see you back in The Capital.” I smile back at her, but it doesn’t reach my eyes. She doesn’t pry and sets the mugs in front of us. “What will it be today?”

Kraeston chimes in. “Just a plate of your fried dough. And all the dipping options.” Kraeston beams. “Our Elly needs a bit of a pick me up after some grueling travel,” he explains, reaching across the table to clap me jovially on the shoulder—producing a scowl from me.

“Ah, I understand. I’ll add a little extra coffee powder to the chocolate sauce.” She winks at me and saunters away.

Staring at my cup, the wisps of steam drift upwards. The scent of chamomile and peppermint hits my nose. It’s a warm morning for hot tea, but no matter the temperature I always take it steaming and sweet, extra honey.

These traits are a million miles away, like they belong to someone else.

My eyes sting.

I’m still staring blankly when large fingers appear in my line of vision and push the cup towards me, the porcelain scraping against the worn wood of the table. Wrapping my fingers around the handle,I don’t pick it up.

“Anything you want to do today, just say the word. But,” Kraeston says the last word with emphasis. “Only if you eat something. And if you want a different companion for today, that can be arranged.”

“And if I don’t want a companion at all?” My question is sharp as a needle.

“I don’t recommend an abundance of solitude right now, Princess.”

“That’s not what I asked.”

“No, but I’m saying it anyway.” He sighs. “I’m afraid if you want solitude, for now it will have to be at the palace.”

My grip tightens on my cup. “But I thought I wasn’t a prisoner?”

“Simmer down. You’re not, but you also don’t know this city right now. If you go wandering alone while everything is still so addled, you’d be lost in minutes.”

Kraeston does have a fair point. I think of all the things I might like to do—such as find new clothes—but exhaustion hits me. The thought of forced interactions with anyone else makes my tiredness increase.

Maybe this wasn’t a good idea.

“I just want to go back to sleep,” I say quietly and take a small sip of tea.