After dinner, we either do an assigned chore, like cleaning the mess or unloading supplies, or we run the walls.

We’re allotted free time before lights-outs for laundry and ablutions, and that’s when we head back out to the arena and practice our forms by torchlight. We’re getting better. Master Santiago becomes less scathing in his criticism. By the end of the week, he announces that some of us are no longer an assault to his eyes, and if everyone made such marked improvement, he might consider beginning our sword training soon. That night, every single first-year recruit joins our class.

I can’t be sure whether or not the Godstone is helping, but my rib heals fast.

I’m not the strongest or fittest of the recruits, but I do myself proud, especially with running and forms. I love the burn in my muscles that attests to hard work. I love pushing my body to find out exactly what it can do. I love feeling exhausted and accomplished each night when I finally fall into my bunk.

But as each day passes, and we don’t hear from Rosario, Iván grows quieter and darker until his face displays a constant glower. He hardly speaks to me, won’t even meet my gaze as we ready for bed in Traitors’ Corner. I fear he’s right to be angry, that I made a terrible decision and this agonized waiting might get our prince killed.

Finally, one evening as we’re eating shredded chicken in a sauce of tomatoes and chilies all scooped up with corn tortillas, Sergeant DeLuca storms into the mess. He wears bright ceremonial armor and a sweeping red cloak.

The room goes silent.

“Two of you have a special assignment tonight,” he says.

Several of us exchange puzzled glances.

“The Invierno ambassador is holding a soiree for His Imperial Highness Prince Rosario and several friends. Because it’s an intimate affair attended by trusted confidants, our threat assessment is low. Still, the Royal Guard will be in attendance, as always. Since these types of events pose little risk to the imperial family, they are considered training opportunities for Guard recruits.”

Itzal leans forward on the bench. Pedrón sits up straighter than a flowering agave. Suddenly, everyone seems to beg the sergeant with their eyes, saying, “Please pick me.”

“When assigned to one of these events, you are to observe as silently and unobtrusively as possible. Be alert for any threat. Report anything suspicious to the nearest attending Guard, but do not act. You are to comport yourself with quiet decorum at all times. Do not speak unless spoken to. Do not eat or drink anything set before you. When you return to the barracks, you will say nothing of what you have heard or seen to your fellow recruits, as a test of your ability to be loyal and discreet. Am I clear?”

We respond with a pattering of “Yes, sirs.”

Sergeant DeLuca says, “Recruit Iván, Recruit Red, please stand so I can inspect your uniforms.”