Atre grinned at his reflection in the mirror. “Why should it be? We’ve fallen into a nice bit of luck here, cousin. I plan to take full advantage. You’re not going to oppose me, are you?”

The big man shrugged. “You’re the master of the company. But your ambition and vanity have led us—”

“My ambition and vanity have kept us alive and prospering. Now, if you don’t mind, I’m tired and we have a full rehearsal tomorrow. You should get some sleep, too, cousin. You’re looking a bit haggard. Are you eating well? Shall I fix you a little something?”

Without a word Brader turned and left, shutting the door softly behind him.

Smiling to himself, Atre admired the princess’s amethyst ring again. He was indeed fortunate in his patrons.

Chapter 15 - Rubbing Shoulders with Royalty

ALEC was sitting on the kitchen floor, playing with Mârag, when Seregil came in with a letter.

“Aren’t we the popular fellows!” he said with a grin, passing the letter to Alec. “A royal page just delivered this. That’s Elani’s personal seal, by the way.”

It was written on expensive parchment, and had an impressive seal dangling from it on a ribbon, showing the image of a coursing hound running under Illior’s thin crescent moon, surmounted with Sakor’s stylized flame. It was an invitation written in a looping girlish script, inviting them to shoot with her early the following morning. Seregil studied it, committing it to memory.

“Apparently your little show of possession didn’t put her off the notion,” Alec noted.

“She seems a levelheaded girl. Maybe she takes after her aunt Klia.”

Alec was sweating in his light coat before they’d crossed the Harvest Market, though it wasn’t due to the weather. The air was blessedly cool at this hour, and the lowering clouds held the promise of a summer shower. He pulled nervously at the quiver strap across his chest. The shatta clicked and rattled together against his left hip in time to Windrunner’s pace.

Riding beside him on Cynril, Seregil glanced over at him and shook his head. “Stop looking like you’ve been sent to the Red Tower!”

“I hope I don’t land myself there before this is over,” Alec muttered.

“Just remember your manners, and keep up that country charm. She already likes you.”