They appear far healthier than when I found them, no longer scrawny and sullen. Aurelia’s face has regained a healthy warmth, the earlier pallor gone. Violet’s hair is no longer scraggly and tangled, now neatly pulled into a bun at the nape of her neck. Both radiate with newfound purpose, and although the scars of their past may never heal, they're on their way to fading.
“Hello, nice lady,” Violet greets me.
“Her name is Raelys, Violet.” Aurelia corrects her.
“Raewees?” she repeats.
“Close enough.” I laugh, holding out my hand for Violet to take.
We walk past the stalls, taking in the assortment of crystals, baskets, and clothing on display. The market is busy today as people move in every direction around us. I appreciate it more than usual, having been in my room resting a lot since I hit burnout.
“Yesterday I saw a squirrel,” Violet says excitedly. “It took a loaf of bread out the window.”
I laugh. “The whole loaf?”
“It was too heavy, so it dropped it.” Violet smiles. “Then it started eating on the ground.”
“I bet it was happy,” I reply, glancing between the merchant tents.
Zinnia smiles at me as we pass, her curly brunette hair braided atop her head in a crown. She looks busy this afternoon; several patrons surround her booth. We exchange a brief wave before she returns her attention to her work. I need to visit her soon, as the last time we chatted was when I dropped off some extra bottles of wine Alastor gave me.
“We’ve been busy at the castle,” Aurelia starts. “Many guests are visiting from other courts over the next few weeks for some type of ball. I’ve heard some things, but I’m not sure if it will help you or not.”
“Like who?” I ask curiously, wondering what the event could be.
“Duke Nikolas Sterling of Thalvar. Some Elvarrans from Salasyr… I don’t know their names. And Miss Penelope Thorne of Corovya.”
“Who is that?” I am unfamiliar with the name.
“She is the Duke of Corovya’s daughter.”
I only recognize Nikolas’ name from the time Wrath mentioned him. For the rest, I will have to figure out who they are. “I’m unfamiliar with her. Anything else?”
“I see Master of Coin Harlan Cary walking the halls late at night recently,” Aurelia whispers, leaning in close to me. “They’ve been whispering that he miscounted over ten thousand Platasia from the treasury.”
That is some good hearsay. I’ll have to keep an eye on it in case the story develops. He may be stealing money to keep for himself, which could lead to more rumors spreading.
“Thank you. Update me if you hear anything else,” I say graciously.
“Raelys.” I hear someone call my name.
Glancing, I see Stanik and Marek as they walk past us. “Hello.” I smile and give them a friendly wave. “Out on afternoon patrols?”
“Yes,” Stanik replies, but he isn’t focused on me, his gaze glued to Aurelia. “Lovely day out, isn’t it?”
“Indeed…” I glance between the two of them. Aurelia’s hands fold neatly in front of her as she nervously smiles at him, but she doesn’t speak.
“The King lets you outside?” Marek’s gruff voice cuts in.
“Yes, Marek.” I lighten my tone. “I’m not a prisoner.”
“I jest.” He chuckles. “You’re not so bad for a human.”
I laugh. “Only the finest of compliments.” I glance back at Stanik, who won't stop gazing longingly at Aurelia. “Well, enjoy the rest of your afternoon!”
“You too.” Stannik nods, walking in the opposite direction from us.
Continuing our stroll, I watch Aurelia’s cheeks flush as she stares at the ground. I know she’s incredibly shy, but her crush is unmistakable. I’m about to ask Aurelia if she and Stanik know one another when Violet cuts in.
