They exited out of an old wooden door and slid it back into hiding before heading out onto the streets of Kinkadia. Fordham still had a bit of wonder to his expression when he gazed around the city. After having gone into the depths of the Dark Court, she understood his awe. He’d spent countless years trapped inside a mountain with hardly any space to wander. Just enough for a small village stuck in time and a war field soaked with blood. Nothing like the vibrant, industrious city that Kerrigan called home.

They headed to the Square, where the protest was to begin, and found Hadrian’s blue hair as a beacon near an erected stage. Already, hundreds of humans, half-Fae, and Fae congregated in front of it.

“Hey,” Kerrigan said, grabbing Hadrian’s arm to get his attention.

Kerrigan had her hood up, so he jolted when he found her standing there.

“Gods, Kerrigan, you scared me.”

“Sorry. You with Clover?”

His gaze swept to the stage. “She went around to speak with Thea. Can you believe the number of people here?”

“It’s much bigger than the last one,” she agreed.

Hadrian nodded at Fordham. Fordham nodded back. Boys.

“Are you going to speak?” Hadrian asked.

She shook her head. “I can’t be seen. I’m on thin ice as it is in the program.”

“But they need you.”

“Look at this place. The Square is full. They don’t need me.”

“If you say so.”

She’d done her part. She’d helped to energize the RFA when they were getting the protests off the ground. She didn’t need to be up there on that stage now. It was enough.

“How’s Darby’s Season? I haven’t heard from her much.”

“Good, I think,” Hadrian said. “She was at the Venatrix Night of the Dead event. So, she’s been out of the city all week.” He shrugged. “It was a whole thing that Lady Sonali insisted on.”

“Is she… courting someone?”

“Not that I know of. Not yet. Lots of interested parties,” he grumbled. “Not that Darby seems excited about any of them.”

“Yeah. How could she be?”

“Why is she putting up with this?” Fordham asked. “Forgive me, I don’t understand this courting ritual.”

“She feels obligated,” Hadrian said. “As a lady of the Bryonican court, it’s part of her duty. She loves the parties and dancing.”

“She wants to do it,” Kerrigan said. “Even if we all think it’s ridiculous, we will respect her wishes until she says otherwise.”

Fordham made a noncommittal noise.

That was about what Kerrigan thought of it too. But Darby had made herself clear. So, that was what they’d do.

Clover appeared then, and they all dropped the topic immediately. No reason to bring it up with Clover around. She’d been depressed enough.

“Oh, Kerrigan, you’re here!” Clover grinned widely. “I’m so excited. Look at the crowd!”