"That is certainly kind of him.” I tried to keep pace with her, but her uneven steps made it difficult to walk beside her.
Fyn leaned in behind me. “How romantic.”
"What was that, Lord Fyn?" Novena turned back toward him.
"Just mentioning how extravagant I hear your markets are,” he said.
The heat overtook me until it faded.
He had lied.
The starlight responded to it.
“I hear your queen enjoys our fabrics," Novena said as Fyn and I climbed into the carriage behind her.
My sister had received many shipments of them and quickly had them fashioned into gowns. "My sister wears bold colors well."
"And you think you don't?" She asked.
"I am eager to find out." Muted green made up most of my wardrobe in Nythrel.
Novena seemed entranced by Fyn's ears for most of the journey until she turned toward me. "I've had my eyes on a gown made of crushed plum silk. The detailing on the neckline is extraordinary."
"Do you go to the market for all of your new gowns?" In Bailoc gowns were brought in for me. I had never shopped for anything before.
"We don't have to, but when you arrive, you’ll see why I enjoy it. There’s something about standing amidst all the choices."
“I look forward to it. Plum would go well with your hair."
"Indeed. I am most excited to see what Soren has picked for you. He's already sent word to the pigmentist,” Novena said.
"Picked for me?” I tugged at the end of my braid.
Fyn fought against a scoff that snuck past his throat.
“The royal family has a certain image they prefer to maintain,” Novena said it like it was normal.
Soren wouldn’t pick for me.
I gripped Fyn's arm as the carriage jolted forward, before I quickly pulled it back.
When the doors opened, the scent of spices flooded the air. Thick and heavy, their fragrances wafted to me. Finely dressed ladies walked the paths, parting for the royal carriage. Those near us curtsied for Novena.
Fyn steadied me as I climbed out of the carriage. The sunlight further illuminated the glow in his eyes. I found myself staring into them, before I turned from him.
A burgundy canopy of shimmering fabric hung between the stone walls, casting a deep rose glow over us as we stepped under the pointed arch.
The rush of voices filled every corner of the marketplace. People carried about—nobles, merchants, and household staff.
“Stay within reach of your chaperone or us,” the guard warned me.
“There are so many humans everywhere,” Fyn said.
“Look wherever you like.” Novena cast a quick glance at Fyn before she turned back to me. “I’ll be looking at the gowns. Josef can help you find me if needed.”
I had assumed we’d look at everything together, but Novena quickly ventured down a path that led her away from me. Nearly every guard followed her.
One held back as Fyn and I passed the tables of fruits and vegetables.
