They’d left the slopes of Marianna behind and were now crossing the relatively flat Vale, making better time as the rain had diminished to an annoying drizzle. The hardpan road presented its own hazards, however—huge puddles hid large craters in the surface.

It needs repair, Raisa thought, like everything else. Where will we get the funds?

“Where have you been all this time, anyway?” Mellony went on. “We thought you were dead.” She sounded almost as if Raisa had pulled a nasty trick by being alive.

“I was in Oden’s Ford most of the time,” Raisa said. “Attending classes at the academy.”

“You were going to school?” Mellony raised her fair brows. “You ran away to go to school?” As if this were inconceivable.

Raisa glanced about, wary of getting into the meat of the story with so many eyes and ears close by. “They have wonderful teachers there, and students come from all over the Seven Realms. I learned so much.” An idea struck her. “You could go there, you know,” she said. “You could study whatever you like. I think we should send more students to the academy than we do. Not just wizards.”

Mellony’s eyes went wide with alarm. “Now that you’ve come back, you mean to send me away?” Her voice cracked.

“No, no,” Raisa said quickly. “Not unless you want to go. I only thought it would be a great opportunity for you. When you returned, you could serve on my council. I’ll have need of counselors I can trust.”

“I love my teachers and tutors,” Mellony said, her voice rising. “I love being at court. Why would I want to go anywhere else?”

I would love to go back to Oden’s Ford, Raisa thought. That’s a mistake I make constantly—thinking Mellony wants the same things I do.

She’s changed while I’ve been gone, Raisa thought. In the past, she’d always relied on her sunny, uncomplicated personality. Now she seems angry and suspicious and resentful.

Thirteen is a hard age, Raisa thought. She’s had a hard year and a heartbreaking week.

“Never mind.” Raisa reached across and touched Mellony’s shoulder. “Come, let’s not fight on the day we buried our mother.”

“It’s your fault she’s dead,” Mellony said, jerking away from Raisa’s hand.

That fanned the flames of the guilt Raisa was already feeling. And frayed away what remained of her patience. “How can you say that?” she demanded, forgetting to keep her voice down.

Amon glanced back at them, eyebrows raised, lips tight together. Now Han nudged his horse forward so he came abreast of them. “Your Highness, you and the princess could use some privacy. I’m nearly used up, but I think I can manage.” Touching his amulet, he gestured, and a curtain of silence descended, blocking out sound all around them.