“I’m not funning you,” Rosario says, more solemn now. “Well, not entirely. A jewel rattle really is a traditional gift among the nobility, and if you look there”—he points—“you can see a clasp. Flick that, and the rattle will open. Inside are a few tiny gemstones. Nothing much, but enough to help if you’re ever in trouble. The baby-rattle tradition honors a child’s first birthday, but it’s meant to be an inheritance too. So . . . welcome to the family, I guess?”

I give the rattle another shake. “I don’t care what everyone says. You’re actually very sweet.” I lean over and give his cheek a peck with my lips. “Thanks, little brother.”

We chat for a while about nothing in particular, in the way of easy friends with nothing to prove, waiting for the monastery bells to ring the hour. Even though I’m expecting the sound, when the bells finally peal, I startle hard, my heart jumping into my throat as my whole body jolts.

Rosario gives me an understanding look. “That was a bad one,” he says calmly.

I nod, even as I close my eyes a moment to focus on my breathing. Everything in me wants to flee or lash out at someone, even though it makes no sense. I’m home. Surrounded by people I love. It was just bells ringing.

Rosario stands, reaching for my hand. “Ready? Or do you need more time?”

I allow him to yank me up.

“Good. Our Royal Guard contingent is just outside the door.”

Once I’m a princess, I’m not to venture anywhere without them.

He squeezes my hand. “You get used to having them around, I promise.” He lets go and reaches for the door, saying, “They’re good company. Completely loyal to Elisa and the family, not to mention the greatest warriors in the empire. I sleep easier, thanks to them.”

Sleep. The prince knows how bad I am at it, just like he knows how easily I startle.

Rosario opens the door to my suite, and sure enough, four Royal Guardsmen stand outside, wearing the flowing red capes and shining steel of ceremonial armor. One steps forward, striking his chest with a fist. “Your Highnesses,” he acknowledges.

“Fernando, it’s a little premature to address me that way,” I tell him with a smile. One of the things I’ve learned while training for court these last few years is how to appear serene even when my heart is racing and my legs are twitching to run.

Fernando grins back. He has a weathered face, an easy smile, and forearms like tree trunks. He’s Elisa’s best archer—maybe the best in the empire—and he has always been kind to me. “Just practicing,” he says. “Ready? The empress, her family, and the Quorum of Five are already in place.”

“Lady Mara?”

“Rushing Princess Ximena to the audience hall. I understand there was a minor pomegranate jam incident, but the crisis seems to have been averted.”

I take Rosario’s proffered elbow. “Let’s go,” I say, in a voice I don’t quite recognize as my own.