The scent of breads, pastries, and other baked goods filled the cool morning air. A line of people trailed my escort and grew with every turn as we wound through the capital. Many people smiled, but several eyed me accusingly.
“We’re stopping here.” I pulled back the reins and looked at Maris. “Join me in mingling among the square?”
“I can’t think of a single place I’d rather be.” She offered a gentle smile and waited.
I hadn’t expected to get close to the woman, but with Audryn gone and my feelings for her receding significantly, it was a pleasant surprise. The bond still lay buried, but it was only a trickle rather than the raging river I felt before she’d left. I’d need to reconnect with her, but I would at least enjoy the company of another in the meantime. My needs shouldn’t be forced to go unfulfilled while she was busy with her own obligations.
I swung a leg over the saddle, letting my weight settle into the right stirrup as I dismounted. But as I moved, so did my seat. The leather twisted, and before I could step out of the loop, my saddle slid to the side, causing me to fall with it. With a swiftthump, I landed on the ground as my boot remained hung up in the metal bar of the stirrup.
My guards hurried to my aid, which only amplified my embarrassment. Maris, thankfully, pretended to busy herself with her own dismount and not add to my humiliation. The murmurs among the crowd made my skin heat as I cleared my boot from its captor.
I scrambled to my feet and tilted the saddle upright to inspect the tack properly. Rarely was I in charge of keeping my horse adequately equipped; the stable hand was always thorough with the task. My confidence stuttered upon discovering the girth was notched looser than where it normally rested. A faded line of leather near the smaller notch showed the mistake.
“Are you injured?” Hunt grew close. “Shall we return to the castle and seek a healer?”
I pushed the guard away. “Maris”—I extended my arm out to her—“let’s walk.”
The crowd of people parted and bowed low as we leisurely strolled around the market square. I expected people to approach, but all remained at a distance.
Across the square, I found the familiar face of Audryn’s friend. He reacted with more surprise than before, locking his gaze on where my arm linked with Maris's. I untangled myself and crossed the area briskly while Maris followed close at my side. I needed to speak with Benton. A simple conversation with a commoner would show the people just how approachable I was.
“Prince Sutton.” Benton dipped into a weak bow, keeping his stare on the woman at my side.
“How’s business?” I ignored the disrespect. “Anything on your cart you’d recommend? My chef is always looking to refresh our menu.”
“Likely nothing to your taste,” he said, eyeing Maris. “Where’s Audryn? I have yet to see her return home.”
“She’s away,” Maris offered. “She?—”
“Is attending to other matters,” I interrupted. “Audryn’s very busy now that she has accepted my proposal.”
“And yetyou’restill here.” He glared at Maris. “How unfortunate for the prince.”
She gasped with a hand over her chest and drew her attention to me, hoping I’d step in. But knowing Audryn, her friends likely shared her imprudence. It wouldn’t be worth arguing in front of so many, especially when collective views might be swayed so easily.
“Those look decent. I’ll take one.” I pointed to a long roll of bread on the barely filled cart. “Actually, give me two.”
Benton selected two rolls and placed them into a sack. I pulled out enough coins to buy his entire inventory and left them on the little shelf. My generosity would quell any ill feelings the others might have toward me.
“With so much to spare, perhaps you can also share the crude we’ve been prohibited from purchasing,” a chubby man snapped from a cart filled with candles.
“Unless he can grow fins and swim to the bottom of the sea, that won't be happening,” a woman in the crowd teased.
The attack on our ship was supposed to be kept secret, yet somehow word had spread. If commoners doubted my ability to secure imports, they’d most definitely question my ability to rule. I swallowed hard, wondering just how many details had gotten out.
“Sounds like a no,” a voice answered for me, followed by an echo of murmurs.
I looked around at the whispering crowd.
“Our prince has called the fae from Pontara to assist with the retrieval of the barrels,” Maris offered. “Let’s not condemn him for such an unforeseen attack, and instead offer gratitude for his swift response.”
Some of the crowd nodded, providing me with a fewmoments to gather my thoughts. If Maris also knew about the debacle, that meant my staff was gossiping too. Disgruntled employees would do little good in defending my position if I were challenged. The guards could turn on me as well.
“When will the crude be available for purchase?” a man asked.
I’d expected the fifty barrels from Kuroden to arrive any day now, but we needed them for the castle. I could do as Maris stated and speak with Queen Hayes. The fae born from Pontara had water-shifting magic, allowing them to dive to the ocean floor without needing a single breath.
“Soon,” I offered, adding the task to the growing list of things to deal with later.
