And a part of that is knowing to follow orders, Til shot back. Our job on patrol is to deal with minor threats and report the rest back. We need to do it now, too. Do you think they arent watching us? That they wouldnt bring us down if we were in bow range?

Erin knew that everything the knight was suggesting was sensible. It was probably even the right thing to do, but right then, staring at the scarecrows theyd made of men and women, she knew she couldnt just turn around and walk away. She couldnt do it, any more than shed been able to walk away when she heard about the bandits who had attacked the villagers before. She was supposed to be royal, and if that didnt mean she was there to protect people, what did it mean?

Fenir, Til said. You head back to the Spur with the princess. Bring back at least a dozen. Ill sit and keep watch.

Fenir nodded in response, as if it were the most obvious thing to do.

Youre going to sit here? Erin said. Youre going to wait? For all we know, they might be about to leave.

What else would you have me do? Til demanded, his voice booming from inside his helm.

Erin could still feel the fear pulsing up inside her, urging her to turn back, urging her to do what the knights suggested. She ignored it, gripping her spear tighter. This wasnt the time to give in to fear, or doubt, or caution. She would be the warrior that she knew she was, not a scared little girl, and not a princess.

Id have you do this, she said, and heeled her horse forward, heading for the village, whatever the danger it held.

CHAPTER TWENTY SIX

Greave had never met anyone like Aurelle before. She led him down through the castle, into the spaces where the long period of feasting and celebration for the wedding was ongoing. These were spaces open to anyone who wished to come, letting in ordinary folk as easily as nobles to celebrate Lenores upcoming wedding. Greave tensed as they entered the main feasting hall, then felt Aurelles touch there, gentle on his arm.

Is everything all right, my prince? she asked.

I normally avoid so many people, he said. They stare at me as if they know everything that is wrong with me.

Aurelle laughed as though he had made a joke, even though he hadnt. They look at you because you are the most beautiful man here.

Greave flinched again at that, because his brothers, and even his father, had used his looks like a weapon against him. Vars and Rodry had always said he looked too girlish, while his father … he looked too much like his mother for his fathers liking.

It is not how I feel, Greave said.