“When’s the next bread day?” I asked, needing to get our minds on a new subject.

“Saturday,” Aunt Jovana said. “Today my biggest tasks are those letters, and I’ve almost finished tailoring a dress for you, Hollis, that I’ll need you to try on.”

“Certainly.”

“Son, would you be willing to come with me to visit the Biermans today?” Uncle Reid asked. “Their oldest is talking of moving.”

Up to this point, Etan’s days had consisted of following me around like an obnoxious shadow, but it seemed today would finally be a change of pace. “Sure. I haven’t seen him in ages. Where is Ash thinking of moving to? Is he planning not to farm anymore?”

The morning post had arrived, and a maid walked in with another letter and presented it to Uncle Reid as he answered Etan. “I don’t think so. I think young Ash wants to try his hand at a new trade. It’s making his parents nervous.”

“Young Ash,” Etan repeated with a smirk and a shake of his head. “We’re the same age.”

“Yes. Yes, you are.”

As if he had no cares for whatever the letter might say, Uncle Reid continued giving his son a knowing smile as he reached up to take it. But both his and Etan’s faces went dark at exactly the same moment, prompting me to speak.

“What is it?” I asked.

Etan sighed heavily, answering without breaking his eyes from the letter. “A royal seal.”

Ten

“A ROYAL SEAL?” SCARLET ASKED, her voice pitching higher. She was simultaneously swallowing and bracing herself.

Uncle Reid scanned the message quickly, sharing the news as he went.

“We are summoned to the palace. Prince Hadrian is getting married at the end of the week. There is to be a ball and a tournament with the wedding capping off the festivities.” He sighed. “Well, that’s that.”

Everyone at the table looked dejected—or worse, terrified—but I sat up taller.

“This is great news!”

Etan’s eyes were the first to look at me in disbelief. “How is our enemy finally managing to marry off his son and prolong their line a good thing?”

“You keep saying you’d have support if you had undeniable proof. The best place you could ever find it would be in the castle. And we just got invited there.”

Uncle Reid smirked while Etan sank in his chair, irritated again that I was right.

“Bravo, Hollis. That’s the kind of attitude we all need to have. This trip is a great opportunity. We will listen to learn what those at court have heard, see what we can find ourselves, and gather our support. I fear this may be our last chance.”

“What do you need from us?” Mother asked.

“Active hands and ears. Speak to everyone and try to learn if anyone’s seen anything with their own eyes. Garner favor. We must be present and in the thick of everything. It will both make Quinten see us as submissive supporters and allow us room to finalize our plans. We also need to present a united front, to show that we are not broken despite our trials. To that end,” he said, leaning forward and looking to me first, then Etan. “You will be escorting Hollis to every event.”