Today was the first day we attempted to get closer to the Queen, after one of the advisors let slip in a morning meeting on food security that she had to end early to attend court. It was a testament to how locked away we’ve been that we hadn’t even heard of the public court date yet. We hastily hatched our plan and sent Fionn to listen, deciding it was too risky to send me.

“Let’s go to the city tonight and try to learn more about this rebel group that attacked. We should see how the general public feels about today’s events,” I suggest. Silene and Fionn share a glance, and I sense their hesitation. “Look, very few people actually know what we look like, thanks to the Council of Advisors keeping us locked away. We can wear traditional Thayarian clothing and keep the hoods of our cloaks up. We have no idea how long we’re going to be here. I for one do not intend to spend months—or aether-forbid, years—of my life holed up with the two of you in this apartment,” I tell them with all the princely command I can muster.

“No way, it’s too risky,” Silene lectures.

“Come on,” I whine, dragging out the last word. “I’m stir crazy in this palace, and if you don’t let me out, I’ll end up barging in on the Queen and demanding an audience. You know I have no patience and a tiny tendency to be impulsive.”

Fionn snorts while Silene chews her bottom lip and narrows her eyes. “Fine. But only because you have a massive tendency to be impulsive, and I love a costume opportunity.” She gives me a stern look. “But we have to be careful. We stick to crowded pubs. We wear disguises. No fighting, and absolutely no drinking.” Fionn and I smirk at one another over Silene’s head even as we nod our agreement.

As luck would have it, because of the public court day, many fae traveled to Arberly to petition the Queen and the streets are filled with citizens from out of town. An hour later, we’re seated in a pub that’s packed to the brim, every table crammed with fae drinking copious amounts of an amber liquid that looks unlike any alcohol I’ve ever seen. A bar maid walks around with a giant pitcher, refilling anyone who has the coin, and musicians are just setting up for the evening in the only space left. I nurse the ale Fionn purchased at the bar, surprised by how good it tastes, earthy and nutty all at once. Silene only rolled her eyes when he returned to the table with a glass for each of us, immediately breaking her no drinking rule.