My parents were busy preparing for my first Gathering. My mom insisted it’d help to take my mind off of Bryan’s death if I immersed myself in the rituals. While everyone with royal blood in their veins received an invitation, Regulars had to travel all the way to Court a year early to sign up and get their photographs taken in order to participate. My dad had made me go to Court with him so I could sign up. Getting my photo taken as I stood against the wall next to a water dispenser had been embarrassing enough—the photo looked like a mug shot—but the worst part of the whole ordeal was that I had to wait for hours outside the gate at the security office while my dad was inside finishing the necessary paperwork. Those who were not of royal blood and had not been to their first Gathering couldn’t enter the Court, which was why we had to have our parents come with us.

I’d spent the first hour alone. Then he was there with his hazel eyes and raven hair, exchanging some heated words with the guard at the security gate. He was undoubtedly the most handsome person I’d ever seen. His whole demeanor changed from frustrated to intrigued when he noticed me gawking, and he strolled confidently over.

“What was that about?” I asked.

“Some bullshit about me not being able to get back into the Court grounds after leaving. I was only outside for a minute! I needed a little walk to get some air. But apparently I need to wait for verification to get back in.” He glared at the guard before softening his expression again. “But it looks like I’m in good company now. I’m Carlo.”

“Avery,” I said, my face flushing.

We had only used only our first names. I didn’t know his family name, and he didn’t know mine. We didn’t know each other’s Hellenicus status, and for the first time, it felt normal and refreshing to be Avery—not Avery Montgomery, the mere Regular.

I lost track of time as we sat outside the gate of the security office, chatting for hours. Carlo reminded me of Bryan in so many ways. He had a way of speaking to me, just as Bryan had, that made me feel safe, and the conversation flowed naturally between us. In the short time we spent together that day, we learned so much about each other.

“When you finally become a pilot, where will you fly your plane first?” Carlo asked.

“I don’t think I can choose where to go. I’ll have to go wherever they tell me to,” I said.

“Maybe. But it’s your dream, right?” Carlo grinned. “Maybe you could work for the Court? I heard they recently bought another jet. They will let you go for your first trip.”