This was what conquering kingdoms gave you: wealth and technology.

Without a reliance on magic, Illucia had found other ways to stay competitive. Maybe that was why everything here was so clean, so crisp, as if the city had been newly built. It was beautiful but cold, and I longed for the soul and authenticity of Aris. We may not have sona lamps at every corner or walkways of stone and manicured streets, but at least it felt real.

Ericen led the way to an empty hole-in-the-wall restaurant in the middle of the bridge. The man who greeted us bowed deeply before seating us at a table by the window. He returned a few moments later with cups of water and a bottle of Trendellan wine, pouring us each a glass.

I eyed the wine. “I thought Trendell didn’t trade with Illucia.”

Ericen hesitated a moment before responding. “They don’t.”

Which meant this wine had been stolen. Maybe even from shipments to Rhodaire.

I pushed the glass aside. “This city’s so clean and organized. Does your army patrol the streets righting overturned flowerpots and straightening askew signs?”

“Only the particularly crooked ones,” he replied, and a traitorous smile tugged at my lips. Ericen’s eyes grew warm as he said, “People take a lot of pride in Sordell. My mother doesn’t tolerate laziness. Everyone in the city has a job or supports the kingdom in some way.”

“She sounds like a military commander.”

“She is.” He smirked at the surprise that flitted across my face. “Darkward is also Sordell’s school. All children attend from five until sixteen, when they can either finish the final two years or pick another trade. Over half the city stays committed, but only the best are chosen as Vykryn.”

My gaze dropped to the golden horse head symbol on his chest. Like him.

“No one’s afforded more respect in Illucia than soldiers, except maybe the masters at Darkward. But my mother was trained like every queen and king before her, both to rule and to lead an army in battle. She’s the Valix, leader of the Vykryn, and I will be after her.” He straightened, as if bolstered by his own words.

It made sense. It wasn’t difficult to imagine Razel astride one of those massive Illucian warhorses, prepared to destroy an entire kingdom.

“You’re glowering again.”

I straightened, blinking rapidly. “What?”

“Whenever we discuss my mother, you get that look on your face.”

Heat flushed my cheeks, and I hurriedly took a sip of water to cover it. Clearly, I hadn’t yet gained Caliza’s level of controlling my emotions in front of people.

“Yeah, well. I have a lot to think about.”

Ericen’s smile faded. “I know this must be hard for you. Being here with us. Constantly.”