There was a hill, it was true, but it was a hill that the lamest of ponies could have easily surmounted. Ahead, the rooftops of the palace loomed.

And then the rain started.

I avoided wearing all my formal clothes as often as possible, and a little rain had never bothered me in the past. My guards and maidservants murmured among themselves, trying to figure out if someone – anyone – had brought an umbrella. My court was new and untried. This was our first diplomatic trip, and after seven years of a dry season, people were still adjusting to the rain. No one had brought an umbrella.

Jovis gave me a rueful smile as if to say, “Well, it can’t get much worse, can it?” One of the guards tried to offer me his jacket, but I waved it aside. I’d look even more foolish if I tried desperately and futilely to mitigate the damage. “If we track the dirt and rain into the palace, surely the governor will forgive us,” I said, my voice sharp.

I heard a snort of laughter from behind me – Jovis again? – and strode up the hill with purpose. Our guide had to jog to keep up with me. I shouldn’t have let my anger get the best of me, and it wasn’t her fault we were being so ill-treated, but all I could think about was that man sitting dry in his palace, smugly awaiting my arrival.

The gates were open when we arrived, and four of the governor’s guard flanked our party as we entered. The courtyard was small but well-appointed. I caught a glimpse of a koi pond, fish gaping at the surface. Rain dripped from my headdress and my elaborately tied hair. It trickled down the back of my neck, making me shiver and sticking my clothes to my back. I could thank the Endless Sea I’d not worn any makeup.

Still, I must have looked a sight as I climbed the stairs to the palace proper, my expression dark as the clouds above.

The guards flanking us hurried in front of me, opening the doors with haste. I didn’t slow my pace in the least, marching across the threshold, not bothering to stop and wipe my feet. My robe, heavy with moisture, dragged behind me like a corpse. A flash of lightning lit the entrance hall, followed by the crack of thunder. The weather was matching my mood.

The entrance hall was empty, no one there to greet us either. Our guide bowed to me twice. “I’ll fetch the governor. Apologies, Eminence. Things have been hectic lately.”

I felt Jovis’s presence as he sidled up to me. He leaned to whisper in my ear. “Your anger is justified, Eminence. Just don’t… kill anyone.”