“Are we staying for the reception?” Mellony asked, interrupting Raisa’s glum thoughts. “Micah invited us to play cards later on.”

“We’ll be back in plenty of time, don’t worry,” Raisa said, thinking, I’m as distracted as Mellony. She nodded toward the stage. “Watch. This next number is amazing.”

Raisa had brought Mellony to the recital, hoping she might take an interest in the Briar Rose Ministry, might even teach some classes there herself. Her sister was a talented musician and dancer—much more gifted than Raisa would ever be.

It probably doesn’t help that the ministry is named after me, Raisa thought. Mellony is trying so hard to claim her own place in the world.

When the recital was over, Raisa introduced Mellony to Speaker Jemson.

Mellony curtsied to the speaker. “What a fabulous performance,” she said, smiling. “You’ve done wonders with these children.”

Jemson nudged forward one of the principal dancers, a boy of naming age, who ducked his head shyly. “Hastings here is one of our stars. He was just admitted to the Temple School at Oden’s Ford. He leaves in the fall.”

“That’s wonderful, Hastings,” Raisa said, putting her hand on his shoulder. “You will love it there.”

Hastings didn’t look so sure.

“Perhaps, before summer’s end, we could host a performance up at Fellsmarch Castle,” Mellony said. “I would love for people who’ve never visited Southbridge to see all this talent.”

“What a good idea, Your Highness,” Jemson said, beaming. “It would be inspiring for the students to visit the palace as well.”

“I could organize a reception, after,” Mellony offered. “To benefit the ministry.”

Thank you, Mellony, Raisa thought, touched. That is a wonderful idea.

As they exited the temple into the street, Mellony wrinkled her nose. “The air is always so thick down here, but tonight it’s worse than usual.” She sniffed. “It’s not the river. It’s more like smoke. Who would have a fire going on a night like this?”

It was true: the air was thick and irritated Raisa’s eyes. “They burn wood for cooking,” she said. “When it’s hot like this, I guess the smoke has nowhere to go.” That seemed wrong, though. There was a stiff breeze blowing across the river from Ragmarket.

A line of carriages awaited them. Raisa, Mellony, and both Klemath brothers squeezed into one, bracketed by mounted guards. Cat and Night Bird rode up top.

They passed Southbridge Guardhouse, the scene of Raisa’s first confrontation with Mac Gillen, and crossed the bridge into Ragmarket.

Cat Tyburn leaned down over the side of the carriage, clinging like a burr to the side as they rattled over the cobblestones of the Way. “There’s a fire up ahead somewhere,” she said. “Maybe close to the market. Looks like a big one. We’ll need to take a detour around.”