Raisa had never thought of herself as a giddy person. In fact, giddy people never failed to annoy her. But in the days following her meeting in the garden with Han Alister, she came close.

Some days, she found herself writing Han’s name over and over in her journal, in different kinds of scripts. She ordered her musicians to play love songs. She fondled Hanalea’s ring, polishing it with her fingers. She allowed Dog to sleep on the foot of her bed. After he’d had a thorough bath.

In meeting after interminable meeting, her attention wandered. It was a struggle to focus on the tasks at hand, with memories of kisses distracting her. She relived Han’s pledge of troth, studying over the words until they should have been worn out.

I promise you that if you love me, and you agree to marry me, I will make it happen, he’d said. Han Alister had a way of getting what he wanted. Isn’t that what everyone said?

This is unlike me, Raisa thought. I am the one who makes things happen. I’m not one to wait for somebody else to do it.

On the night they were to meet again, Raisa and Dog waited in the garden until dawn broke over Eastgate, jittering alert at every small sound, but Han never showed. She returned to the garden the next two nights, but he never came.

Worry gnawed at her middle, oppressive as the heat. Where could he go, with the Demonai and the Wizard Council after him? He’d said he was going to look for the Armory of the Gifted Kings. Where would that be?

There are lots of reasons he wouldn’t come, she thought. So many things could have delayed him. So she was by turns hopeful and despondent.

Mellony noticed.

“What’s wrong with you lately?” she asked, laying down her playing cards and cocking her head. “You’re not yourself. Are you sure you’re not ill?”

“I’m fine,” Raisa said quickly, ashamed that her mind had wandered. She had made it a priority to spend more time with her sister since the Ragmarket fire. Fifty people had died that night, and it had reminded her how fragile human life can be.

“It’s just so hot.” Raisa scraped sweaty hair off her forehead. She wished she could leave this half-empty court behind and go up into the mountains. The wizards were off to their summer homes in the southern mountains. The clans were in their strongholds in the Spirits. Everyone had a place to go but her.

This afternoon, she faced the long-dreaded meeting with General Klemath, to tell him that he was relieved of his duties as general of the Highlander Army. This would be followed immediately by a meeting with the major officers, to introduce Char Dunedain as the new commander.

“From the way you’re acting, I think you must be in love.”