“Very well indeed.” Agnes frowned. “But more importantly, I recall asking you to simply call me Agnes.”
“It would be improper…for me to address you…without your title….”
“I see that you are quite guarded, Maximilian.” The princess regarded Maxi with probing eyes before nodding. “Fair enough. At least call me ‘Princess Agnes’ then? That is myname after all. I prefer to be seen as myself rather than my station.”
The princess’s self-assuredness was evident as always. Unable to meet her penetrating gaze, Maxi looked down. An unpleasant emotion began swelling in her chest.
“As you wish, Princess Agnes.”
“Good. I would like to see the village now. May we leave right away?”
“I have asked the servants…to prepare a carriage.”
“I would prefer to go on horseback.”
“I-I…have asked a servant…to accompany us.”
The princess furrowed her brows but soon shrugged. “All right, then,” she said jovially. “I shall go summon my attendant as well.”
Ursuline, who had been quietly standing by witnessing their exchange, regarded Maxi for a moment before giving her a nod and following the princess.
When the company reached the castle entrance, a luxurious carriage drawn by two horses was already waiting for them. Maxi climbed in with Ludis, followed by Agnes and her attendant who settled across from them. Two royal knights, Hebaron and Ursuline, accompanied them on horseback, flanking the carriage on either side. Before Maxi had time for any further doubts, the coachman flicked the reins and led the party away from the castle grounds.
—
Maxi pulled back thecurtains of the carriage window and took in the passing scenery. White birch trees flanked the well-paved road in wide rows, and warm sunlight streamed through the branches like rain.
The princess smiled at the birds chirping outside. “I’m glad it’s sunny today. I was worried when I saw the rain clouds yesterday. Fortunately for us, they moved westward.” She stuck her head out of the window to enjoy the cool breeze before turning her gaze back to Maxi. “Might I ask where our first destination is?”
“I was…thinking of…the village square, Y—Princess Agnes.”
The square was the busiest part of the village, and being so close to the market, Maxi was certain there would be a lot to see. Hopefully enough to sate Agnes’s curiosity.
The princess nodded, seemingly content with Maxi’s answer. “We passed the square on our way to the castle. Seemed like quite a few street vendors there…and taverns.”
“Your Highness, surely you are not intending to drink the day away at so early an hour?” the royal attendant said sternly. It was the first time he’d spoken. When Maxi looked at him quizzically, he cleared his throat and stroked his neatly trimmed beard before offering an explanation. “Her Highness has a penchant for drink. There is not a town she passes through without sampling their taverns.”
“Her Highness…visits…village taverns?” Maxi had heard that knights occasionally visited such places to rest, but she had never heard of a noblewoman voluntarily drinking among commoners.
When Maxi glanced at the princess in surprise, Princess Agnes gave her a coy look. “Oh, for goodness’ sake. I visit taverns and inns to gather information, not for the drink. Travelers with loose tongues are the best sources of gossip and rumors.”
“Your Highness, if that were the truth, you could simplyentrust the task to your knights. As you are so fond of brashness, let us be honest in front of her ladyship. You never miss a chance to…celebrate, particularly with the knights—shameful behavior that I have to explain to His Majesty, I might add.”
“I’ve never done anything shameful,” Agnes retorted with a hint of annoyance. “I simply don’t like being left out. I can’t bear the idea of people who I risk my life for having a ball without me. Comrades are meant to share in joys and sorrows alike.” She raised her chin with elegant authority. “I believe it is such trust that spurs men to overcome adversity as one.”
The attendant did not back down. “I do not think libations are the only way to foster such trust, Your Highness.”
The princess’s lip quivered as if she wanted to snap back, but she flicked her hand dismissively instead. “Heavens, Sybil. Enough with the nagging. I promise, I have no intention of dragging Lady Calypse to a tavern. Happy?”
Not knowing how to react, Maxi let out an awkward laugh. The princess apparently lived no differently than a knight. The title of sorceress evidently allowed her freedoms Maxi never knew were possible for a noblewoman to experience. It sparked Maxi to wonder if she would ever be able to travel freely—perhaps even visit taverns like the princess—if she became better at magic. It did not seem possible that Riftan would allow it, not when he was already hesitant about allowing her to roam their own lands.
Just then, the panel behind the front seat opened, and the coachman called to them. “The road ahead is bumpy, my lady. Please brace yourself.”
The four passengers grabbed on to the handles mountedon the walls as the carriage began rattling violently. Maxi had to push her legs against the floor to keep from slipping off her seat. It was like riding out an earthquake, the scenery shaking wildly outside the window.
Before long, though, they cleared the forest path, and a brisk stream, watermill, and stone bridge came into view. The carriage descended the hill and after crossing the bridge, they were greeted by wooden buildings, colorful tents, and stalls lining the wide, paved road. Maxi was pleasantly surprised to see the village even livelier than she had anticipated. Large caravans of cargo wagons and other carriages clogged the road alongside people leading donkeys and horses.
“Anatol continues to surprise. Look at this place!” the princess marveled, staring out of the window. “How much of this is new construction?”
