“Seraphel will do. What if Culin and Sasi asked you to stay? I will be leaving tomorrow as well. For the capital. But I shall return soon to be wed.”

She smiled and Cara almost reached out for her.

“No happy ending for you?”

Seraphel took her time replying. She looked around the land, at Cara, and at the dark skies.

“Before now, I would have hated it. Now? I might find reasons to live here. Afiele is close by. I have seen this land’s goodness and the people. I will not forget that. Or you. Do you know, they call you the Singer of Afiele? The Gravesinger?”

The [Princess] smiled, amused and watched Cara’s face change. The young woman began to shake her head, blinking.

“That’s not a great name. I told Dalius that. And besides…that’s not me. I’m no hero. I’m just—a [Singer].

An [Actor]. This is just—an act. I did something stupid. Who burns down a field with themselves inside?”

The [Princess] sighed.

“Of course You brought down a [Necromancer] and led the dead to battle with your voice alone. It was just acting.”

Cara hunched her shoulders, then relaxed and smiled. She turned and bowed to Seraphel, mockingly.

“Oh—fine. Say rather that I don’t want to be the one people rely on. I’m good at entertaining. I…never want to see what I saw at Afiele again. I’m but a poor player on the stage, milady. I strut and fret my every hour. But I’ll sing as to be heard forever. That’s what I’ve learned. I have Skills. Power. I’ll use it and never hide from my responsibilities again.”

She hoisted the rucksack higher. Seraphel watched her plan a route that would take her away from the gathering without being spotted. But it seemed a certain [Knight] was distracting everyone; he stood amidst the [Soldiers], engaged in a loud discussion. Cara smiled at his back. Seraphel saw her hesitate and look over her shoulder, but the young woman nodded. The [Princess] sighed.

“Well then. You’re going?”

Cara met her eyes.

“Just for a bit. I’ll be back. If Culin and Sasi want me…I’ll do everything I can. I owe them everything. But I have to figure out who I am in this strange place.”

She hesitated. She rolled her eyes up, squeezed them shut, and Seraphel saw her slowly look down.

Straight at the 4th Princess of Calanfer. The young woman amended her statement.

“Sorry. I mean…this world.”

Slowly, the [Princess] blinked. Sidheag smiled. Seraphel’s lips moved.

“…Really?”

“Truly and utterly. Cara’s not even my real name, you know.”

Seraphel let out a huge sigh.

“I do know that. People are trying to [Scry] you—you may as well keep it hidden.”

Cara blanched.