That evening, Ariella and I strolled along the covered walkway of the garden loggia. Golden light filtered through the colonnade, and the air hung heavy with the scent of the magnolia blooms.

  "The ambassador's delegation is leaving at the end of the cycle." Ariella said. "Father says they've been here longer than expected already."

  "Has it been that long? I suppose time flies when court life is less tedious than usual." I'd grown accustomed to Raphael's presence and his stories of faraway places.

  Ariella laughed. "You mean when there's a charming foreigner spinning tales of adventure for your amusement?"

  "Not just my amusement! His stories make me think about what's beyond these walls. Don't you ever wonder what it's like out there, Ari? Beyond the gardens and the gates?"

  Her smile faltered slightly. "The countryside is lovely, but honestly, you're not missing much in the cities. They're noisy and crowded."

  I stopped walking, turning to face the city beyond the palace walls. Out beyond the gardens, over the walls, I could see rooftops stretching toward the horizon, smoke rising from chimneys, and the spire of the Grand Temple catching the last rays of sunlight. So close, yet completely out of reach.

  "But that's what I want to see! The people, the noise, the crowds! I want to see it for myself! Not through someone else's eyes or descriptions."

  "Perhaps when things settle down. The council could arrange a proper tour-"

  "No." I interrupted. "Not a tour. Not with guards and schedules. I want something real!" I turned to her. "Let's go tonight! Just you and me!"

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  "What?!" Her voice shot up an octave.

  "Let's sneak out! Just for an hour or two. No one would even notice we're gone."

  Ariella stiffened. "Lavinia, that's- that's dangerous."

  "Oh, come now, just for a little while. I want to see a tavern! I've read stories of the Free Guild's Strikers and their adventures, and they often visit taverns! And this ale, what does that taste like?! These barbarians always slosh it all over their faces while drinking it, so it must be good!"

  The color drained from Ariella's face. "You can't be serious, Liv."

  "I am entirely serious!" I reached out and squeezed her hand. "Don't you want to have an adventure with me? Something that's just ours?"

  She pulled her hand away, taking a step back. "We cannot leave the palace, you know that. What if something happens to us? Or what if we're needed for an emergency?"

  I waved dismissively. "Nothing that urgent has ever happened here. And we'll be back before morning!"

  "Before morning?!" She looked horrified now. "Lavinia, the palace gates are guarded for a reason!"

  "I'm not proposing we run away or do any actual Striker work. I just want to have a drink in a public house, see what ordinary people do for entertainment! I hear they sing songs!"

  "That is too much unnecessary risk for a moment's adventure." she said firmly. "As Queen, your safety is paramount. Your life isn't your own to risk on frivolous whims."

  My shoulders slumped. "I see."

  Ariella's expression softened, and she reached for my hand again. "I know it seems unfair, but we all sacrifice our own desires for the good of the kingdom. That is the duty of rulers. Everyone has things they must pay."

  But that wasn't why I was disappointed - or rather, not the only reason. If she loved me - truly loved me - wouldn't she understand how much this meant to me? Wouldn't she at least consider it? But no, her father's wishes clearly took precedence over my happiness.

  She didn't care.

  "You're right, of course." I said, my voice flat. I couldn't bear to look at her anymore. "I should never have suggested it."

  "Lavinia-" She reached for me, but I stepped back.

  "I just remembered some correspondence that needs attention before tomorrow's council meeting. I should go take care of it."

  "As you wish." she said. "Shall we meet later for supper?"

  "Perhaps." I began walking back toward the palace. "I'll send word if I finish in time."

  I strode away, blinking back tears.