There followed a series of toasts, led by Raisa, who promised to dance at their wedding, which would likely be in the fall.

All of those present agreed that the newly betrothed pair was a charming couple and congratulated Raisa on a successful party.

That night, Raisa lay awake for a long time, staring up at the high ceiling, imagining that she heard Han Alister breathing in the next room.

C H A P T E R  T H I R T Y - T H R E E

MORE STRANGE
BEDFELLOWS

Having Cat next door as Raisa’s chambermaid gave Han more freedom of movement—and less. He didn’t feel like he had to stick to his room all the time, keeping his ear to the door, waiting for someone else to take a turn at trying to hush the queen-to-be. When Raisa was out and about—within the palace or outside—there were two of them now to split the responsibility of keeping her safe. Three, counting Captain Byrne.

But he felt less able to come and go from Raisa’s rooms at will—which was a good thing when it came to resisting temptation.

The princess heir wasn’t there much anyway. Raisa entered into an endless whirlwind of parties and receptions as the coronation loomed closer. Amon, Han, Cat, and Dancer began meeting each morning to discuss security and strategies for protecting her during the festive turmoil, what with comings and goings and strangers in the palace. The Gray Wolves stood twelve-hour shifts, seven days a week, without complaint. They took a personal interest in keeping their friend safe.

Magret Gray was the official gift wrangler, recording and storing the coronation gifts that poured in. Han inspected all of them for hidden hazards, such as magical snares, sorcery, poisons, or the like. It also gave him the chance to see who was cozying up to the queen. Lots of movables flooded in from the down-realms, including a gaudy tiara from Gerard Montaigne. Han couldn’t help wondering who was walking around bareheaded in Tamron now. Or maybe the previous owner had had her head chopped off and so had no need of tiaras anymore.

The Bayars sent more lavish presents of jewelry and silver candlesticks. Han gave them an especially close going-over, calling on Dancer’s expertise as well. They seemed to be unmagicked. It didn’t matter much, because Magret Gray locked them away without even showing them to the queen-to-be. She wasn’t taking any chances with wizards bearing gifts.

The maiden still gave Han the evil eye, refusing to speak to him directly, even though he went out of his way to be polite to her.

Han began thinking that he should give Raisa something for her coronation, too. He wanted it to be unique and yet meaningful. But it also needed to be something he could afford. He’d just bought a building, after all.