There was the problem of Elena’s ring again. Raisa was determined to wear it, yet her mother had given her a smoky quartz, citrine, and topaz necklace for her name day, a perfect match for her dress. Raisa slid the ring off its chain and tried it on every finger. It had seemed large before, but now she was surprised to find that it fit her middle finger perfectly. Her long trailing sleeves hid it from view.

At six thirty her mother swept in for a final inspection prior to the name day party. Queen Marianna’s dress was a deep hunter green that perfectly set off her golden hair and luminous skin. Her necklace and tiara were set with emeralds.

Even in her name day finery, Raisa felt unimpressive in comparison. What would it be like to reign after such a queen? Would she be known as the short, dark, snappish queen that followed the golden one?

Queen Marianna gripped Raisa’s elbows and held her out at arm’s length.

“Oh, sweetheart,” she said, eyes brimming with tears. “You are beautiful.” It would have meant more if she hadn’t sounded so surprised. “I cannot believe that this day has finally come. Please know that I only want what’s best for you, always. Do you believe that, Raisa?”

Raisa nodded, that prickle of unease returning. “Have you seen Father since his return?” she asked. “He’s to escort me into the hall, but I’ve not heard from him.”

Queen Marianna frowned. “Really? You’ve not heard from him? I was sure he would be here.”

“Of course he’ll be here,” Raisa said. “It’s my name day.”

Marianna hesitated. “That’s true, yes, but remember, you’ve already celebrated the occasion at Demonai Camp. Perhaps he thought he’d already met his obligation.”

Raisa blinked at her, confused a moment before she remembered. Supposedly her father had taken her to Demonai when she went missing in Southbridge.

“It’s not an obligation,” Raisa said. “He said he’d be here. He’d want to be.” She paused, then rushed on. “Why did you have to send him to Chalk Cliffs now?”

Her mother sighed, sounding exasperated. “It’s not that far, sweetheart. It should be no trouble to ride there and back over four days. Your crowning is important, but affairs of the realm cannot come to a halt for a week because of it.” The queen smiled, her tawny eyes searching Raisa’s face. “Don’t worry. I’ll send for him at Kendall House and tell him to come to you immediately, just to ease your mind.” She kissed Raisa on the forehead. “All will be well, Raisa, you’ll see.”

She turned and left the room in a rustle of silk.

But time passed, and soon they would have to leave for the temple, and still her father did not come. Raisa peeked out into the corridor, and a stocky young guardsman snapped to attention outside the door.

“Your Highness?” the soldier said. “How may I assist?”

“Oh. I was just looking.”