I frowned. "What's different about this year?"
My mother's expression shifted, becoming even more guarded than usual.
"There are developments within the Federation that you are blissfully not aware of, and they require careful navigation. Alliances are being reassessed, and coalitions are formed. What happens at the ball this year could determine the political landscape for the next decade and beyond."
"I'm not the heir, Mother. Have Cardilia fitted for the most glamorous dress and Lotian fitted for a new suit."
My eldest sister was the heir apparent, and my brother was the second in line. I was the spare.
"All my children need to represent Tarina in the best possible way, and that includes you." Her voice carried the steel that had made her one of the most effective council members in the Federation, and one of the most feared despite the small size of our province and its dearth of natural resources. "You are always a princess first, and one day, Elurion willing, you will be a mother second. Being a botanist is entirely superfluous."
It was a speech I'd heard in various forms since childhood, and repetition had dulled its impact. I loved my mother, respected her intelligence and her dedication to Tarina, and disagreed with nearly everything she believed about my role in court.
I let out a breath. "I'll be at the fitting room at seven o'clock sharp."
"Make sure you are," she said, and swept out of the garden with the same commanding energy she'd brought into it.
My courtyard suddenly felt larger and quieter in her wake.
I knelt back down beside the Silver Princess and checked the temperature. It had dropped another half degree, which was progress, however small.
"So," Gavon said after a moment. "The ball."
"Don't start."
"I was just going to ask if there is any way I can accompany you. We weren't together last year, so I watched it on television, and I have to say it looked spectacular. All those gowns and uniforms and?—"
"No."
He blinked. "No?"
"Paramours don't attend the Catonian ball. It's one of the few occasions where they are expected to stay away."
"Why?"
I looked at him over my shoulder and gave him a moment to work it out for himself. When he still gaped at me with no comprehension, or the pretense of it, I shook my head. "Do I really need to spell it out for you?"
It didn't take long. His expression shifted from confusion to wounded. "Ah. Because the princes and princesses are expected to devote their attention to one another."
"Precisely."
16
ALAR
"A prince may run from his duties, but duty always knows where to find him."
—King Aldric III of Catonia, Letters to My Queen
"It was a good flight,"Veynathei said as I dismounted."You were more relaxed today."
"Maybe there is something magical about Tuesdays."I patted her flank."See you tomorrow, Veynathei."
"Same to you, Prince Alar."
I watched her take off before turning around.
Things had gotten progressively better since I had told Veynathei about Kailin's dream, and my confidence was cautiously returning.
