“You look lovely, darling,” Queen Marianna said, kissing her on the forehead and slipping her arm through hers. “Now, let’s be off; your father and Mellony are already waiting in the carriage.”

There were times that Raisa thought all would be well between her parents if only her father’s work as a trader didn’t so often keep him away from the Vale. They complemented each other—he with his wiry, powerful build, wind-burned skin, brown eyes set under thick dark brows and silver hair, and she with her cool reserve and tall spare figure. He could always make her laugh, and the queen’s cares seemed to fall away when he was home. When he was home, she seemed grounded. When he was gone, she was like one of the aspens on the slope of Hanalea—swaying and trembling in the political winds.

Tonight Averill wore clan robes, long black and white panels of rough-spun silk replacing his usual brilliant colors, and heavy rings of silver and onyx on his hands.

The royal carriage was bracketed on all sides by the Queen’s Guard. Neither Amon nor Edon would be riding with them, since they were also guests.

A long line of carriages snaked up Old Road, which led up Gray Lady. Where the way broadened, other carriages pulled aside to let the Gray Wolf pass.

The Bayar estate nestled in the skirts of Gray Lady, named for a queen so ancient her name had been lost to the mists of time. Further up the mountain stood the Wizard Council house, frowning down on the city. From here wizards had once ruled the Vale.

The clatter of hooves on cobblestones said they’d arrived. The footmen swung open the double doors of the carriage and placed the steps. Averill emerged first, then turned to offer his arm to the queen.

The entire front of the Bayar mansion was ablaze with torches. Wizard lights pricked the darkness along the paths in the gardens and tangled in the trees, creating a fairyland. Servants in the Bayars’ Stooping Falcon livery clustered in the entries, collecting wraps and directing guests.

Lord and Lady Bayar waited in the entry hall, resplendent in black and white. Raisa and her mother entered together, as was protocol, with the consort and Princess Mellony trailing a few yards behind.

Lord Bayar swept down into a deep bow as his lady curtsied. “Your Majesty,” he said. “And Your Highness. This is indeed an honor. Micah and Fiona will be so pleased you’ve come. You’ll find them in the ballroom.” Lord Bayar nodded courteously to Averill. “Lord Demonai, welcome back,” he said. “From everything I hear, your business is prospering.”