Nightshade gallops toward the stable exit. I look over my shoulder and wave. “I’ll figure something out!”

I’m pretty sure Cissy screams something at me, but I can’t hear her. Okay, maybe I could hear her if I tried, but I’m riding a freaking horse! Nightshade’s muscles shift beneath me in drum-roll rhythm. The wind whirls across my face, roars in my ears and dances through my long auburn hair. It’s nothing less than glorious.

Nightshade and I pound over the rolling hills behind the Ryder mansion. Exhilaration bubbles through my bloodstream. We thrum across vast fields of high grass. After a short ride, her pace starts to slow.

A trio of purple tents appears on the horizon. They’re all large and held in place by sturdy poles, more like circus tents than camping stuff. A line of tall pine trees looms to their right. Nightshade slows to a halt.

“Are we here, Night?”

The horse nickers.

I release my fingers from her mane, slide down the horse’s barrel and pick my way toward the nearest tent. Everything looks deserted. A girl in a yellow gown steps out from the line of trees. She’s tall and willowy with long blonde hair.

I wave my arms. “Hello, there!”

The girl stops, eyeing me from head to toe. “Are you lost too? I’ve lived here for months and I still can’t find my way around. This place is huge.”

I step closer. “Yes, I’m lost. Kind of.”

She grins. “Forgive my bad manners.” She curtsies. “I’m Lady Avery. Who are you?” She blinks her large eyes, one green and one brown.

“I’m Myla.” I stare at her for a moment. “You look familiar.”

“I’m the younger sister of the Great Scala Heir.”

“Yeah, that’s it.” I flash my most winning smile. “I’m looking for Prince Lincoln. I have an important message for him.”

She shifts her weight onto her right leg. “He’s at a thrax-only event. You’re not supposed to go unless you’re invited.” She scans my black fighting suit. “And unless you’re wearing proper dress.”

“Of course, I was invited to today’s…” I look at her encouragingly.

“Battle practice with the young Lords?”

Not a bright one, that Avery.

“Exactly. That’s totally what I was invited to. And I got an official exception for the dress thing.”

Avery frowns. “I’ve never heard of an official exception.”

“I have a skin condition. This suit was, uh, prescribed by my doctor.” I hold out my hand. “You should stand back. It’s kind of contagious.”

“Oh, my!”

“Where’s the practice again?”

“That way.” She points to a rocky hill across from the tall pines. “I’m heading there myself. Now that my sister’s the Scala Heir, I’m the Great Lady for the House of Acca.” She beams and tosses her hair. “Isn’t that wonderful?”