Why am I making such a big deal about what they are wearing? I’m being paranoid. Of course they’re wearing new clothes. They’re spending the day with the princess. Helino’s sweat is a direct result of being my host and the fear of incurring the displeasure of a notoriously volatile imperial. The only truly strange thing is . . .

Farilane took a step out into the hallway and looked up and down the corridor. “Any of you three see a Teshlor Knight out here? A handsome fellow with three swords?”

They looked at one another, puzzled.

“I’m afraid not, Your Highness,” Helino replied.

So much for Kolby never taking his eyes off me, Farilane thought.

With her field book in hand, the princess followed the trio through the halls to the front entrance where, in the aftermath of multiple tragedies, life went on. Ambassadors, clerks, military officers, petitioners, servants, and the massive host of bureaucrats once more filled the open-air gallery. Stepping into the sun, Farilane realized the day was going to be hot, and she regretted not bringing a hat. The slow plod of a wagon followed by hours wandering empty lots and open fields would likely bake the four of them. Poor Helino would be reduced to a puddle before the day was done.

“Your Highness,” Teshlor Manuel Triora said in greeting at the gate. “Going for a stroll?”

“Picking out a site to build my . . . library.”

“I’m certain I would be thrilled—if I knew what that was.”

“A home for my books!”

Worry crossed Manuel’s face as he looked about the gallery.

“Not to worry, Manuel,” she assured him. “Reading is going to be legal. My father has said so. Can you imagine that? Everyone will be able to read! You will be able to read.”

Manuel’s brows rose. “I doubt I have your gifts, Highness.”

She smiled. “Reading doesn’t require gifts, just a little effort.”

“Speaking of effort . . .” Helino began.

Manuel glanced at him with that polite irritation the knights covered with a smile. “Shall I call for Mirthlyn to be saddled?”

“Actually, we are taking a wagon,” she replied.

“A wagon?”

Farilane shrugged.

“Manuel Triora!” Nordstrom appeared on the steps beneath the columned porch, waving his arms.

“Yes?”

“The emperor—ah—His Highness Nyrian wants to see you.”

Manuel looked at Farilane and smiled apologetically.

Helino sighed. “We don’t have time to wait. We are already getting a late start, and we have so much ground to cover.”

“I’ll catch up,” Manuel said. “Where are you headed?”

“We will be taking the ferry across the river,” Helino told him.

“Really?” Farilane frowned. “I expected the library to be in the city.”

“We were told you wanted a large building,” Orvis said. “There are only a few vacant spaces in Percepliquis, and most aren’t able to accommodate a grand structure. The pastureland is huge and only a short ferry ride away.”