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  The descent into Axian was as difficult as Reid feared it would be. Harlan slipped more than once, banging his knees and ankles in the process. Reid landed on her back, scratching it a few times. They opted not to stop on the way down since they were both eager to be off the mountain. Neither mentioned they’d probably have to return the same way.

  At the bottom, they traveled about a mile into the forest before stopping near a stream. Even though it was a couple of hours before sunset, neither had the energy to go any farther. Reid liked the fact Harlan didn’t feel the need to fill the silence with talking. Of course, he was probably too exhausted to bother carrying on a conversation. Regardless of the reasoning, she enjoyed the companionable silence. It gave her time to think about the task ahead.

  Sitting against a tree with her feet dangling in the cool stream, Reid studied the map. A square marked Prince Henrick’s palace. They needed to go south and slightly west from their present location. She assumed the palace was either in or near a city. However, the map didn’t give any details beyond its location in relation to the Modig Mountains and Lake Folme.

  Reid’s eyes became heavy, and she drifted off to sleep. Images of a dark gothic castle surrounded by a moat filled with man-eating fish inundated her dreams. She dreamed of Henrick, his face ugly and contorted, catching her as she snuck into his tower to try to locate the box. Laughing maliciously, he bit off her hands and tossed her into his moat. As she drowned, the man-eating fish tore her body apart.

  Journeying through the forest, Reid kept replaying her nightmare over and over again. Every step took her closer to the monster. Needing to break the silence and tame her overactive imagination, she asked Harlan what he’d heard about Prince Henrick.

  “Other than the fact he’s the twin brother of the late King Hudson, I know nothing about him.”

  Henrick had to be an evil, vile man since he’d tricked Leigh into sleeping with him just to hurt his own brother. While Reid didn’t get along with her sisters all the time, she’d never do anything so vicious. Hopefully, she wouldn’t even have to see Henrick. Once she scouted out the palace and determined what security measures were in place, she’d find a way in. And if she could steal the box while Henrick wasn’t even on the premises, all the better. She’d like to avoid any run-ins with royalty.

  The two friends continued west, exiting the cover of the forest. Open land stretched out before them.

  “It’s so green,” Harlan commented.

  “It must rain here more than it does back home.” She hoped they weren’t traveling on someone’s private property.

  “How are we going to find the palace?”

  Since there weren’t any roads marked on the map, Reid wasn’t sure. Her goal was to head in the right direction, hoping they would stumble upon it. As far as plans went, it was a stupid one, but that was the only thing she could think of doing at the moment. She handed the map to Harlan so he could examine it. After a minute, he rolled it up and gave it to her.

  When it was too dark to travel, they ate a cold supper since it was too dangerous to light a fire in enemy territory. Then they slept on the ground, huddled close together for warmth.

  A week later, a sprawling city appeared in the distance. “Do you think that’s it?” Reid asked.

  “Don’t know.” Harlan held his hand above his eyes, blocking the bright sun as he squinted, taking in the sight before him. “There’s only one way to find out.”

  Over the past two days, the fields they’d been traveling through had turned to agricultural plots. Not wanting to trample the growing food, they’d skirted around the flourishing fields until they came to a dirt road. They’d taken the road, hoping it would lead to the palace or a village of some sort.

  Trudging beside Harlan, Reid said, “That’s far beyond anything I imagined.” She’d been picturing a rundown palace in the middle of nowhere or a dilapidated town at most.

  “If that’s where Prince Henrick lives, then it makes sense that a big city surrounds his home,” Harlan said, always the voice of reason.

  “It looks ten times bigger than the City of Buckley.” Which was odd considering Henrick was only a prince and not a king.

  “Maybe everyone in Axian lives there?” Harlan suggested. “Perhaps that’s why it’s so big.”

  That didn’t seem feasible. “There’s not even a wall surrounding the city.” Maybe the prince didn’t live here after all.

  “Without a wall, we shouldn’t have any trouble getting in.”

  True. And they wouldn’t have to contend with soldiers or sentries blocking their exit either.

  “Maybe you should change into a dress,” Harlan said.

  “Why?”

  He removed his cap, ran a hand through his sweaty hair, and then put the hat back on his head. “Well, I think people in the city might receive us better if we’re a married couple. We’ll be less noticeable that way.”

  “You don’t think we can say we’re two farm workers if we’re asked?”

  “We could. But I think it would be better if we’re a married couple. There will be less questions. We’ll be less threatening.”

  Since they were entering an unknown situation, Reid agreed. With nothing but fields on either side of the road, she decided to pull her dress on over her clothes. Once it was on, she removed her pants and tunic, wincing at the scrape of fabric over her sunburned skin. Harlan was kind enough to turn his back even though Reid remained fully covered.

  “You can look now.”

  Harlan faced her. “Your cap.”

  She took it off, then shoved it in her bag. “Let’s get moving. We’ve wasted enough time.”

  When they got closer to the city, the road joined with a wider, more heavily traveled road. Dozens of people headed in both directions. Some rode horses while others walked. Reid and Harlan ended up following a cart carrying barrels of oats.

  Most of the men wore clothing similar to those back home. However, Reid didn’t see a single woman in a dress. They all had on slim pants and form-fitting tunics. She whacked Harlan on his shoulder. “Nice call,” she mumbled.

  He shrugged. “Sorry. I’ve never seen anything like this before.”

  Instead of blending in, she stood out. On the crowded road, she didn’t have the opportunity to change back into her pants.

  Closer to the city, the road turned to gravel. At the first set of buildings, the road became a paved street, making everything feel clean and orderly. Now that they’d entered the city, it seemed as if Reid had stepped into another kingdom. The buildings were all different heights, anywhere from two-to-five stories tall. The structures were made from smooth stones in an assortment of colors and textures. People were going every which way, all nicely dressed in clothes without holes or tears. Most of the women were unescorted, even the few who had dresses on.

  “Don’t stop in the middle of the street,” Harlan said, taking hold of Reid’s arm and pulling her over to the side, out of the way.

  “Excuse me,” a man said, stopping near them. “Is everything all right?”

  “We’re a bit lost,” Harlan said, releasing Reid’s arm. “Can you tell us where the closest inn is located?”

  “Not until I know everything is all right with the two of you.”

  “We’re fine,” Reid answered. “Why do you ask?” She wanted to correct whatever behavior they’d exhibited that made him ask that question.

  “I saw him grab your arm,” the man said to Reid.

  She blinked. Were men not allowed to touch women? She watched the people around her, trying to see if they acted differently from what she was used to. A couple walked by holding hands while another man patted a woman’s back. “We didn’t want to get separated,” Reid explained.

  The man stared at Harlan, forehead scrunched. “Next time, show a little courtesy. You shouldn’t grab another person like that. It isn’t right.”

  This had nothing to do with the fact Reid was a woman and Harlan a man. This was about treatin
g another person with respect. The mere idea shocked her. “Thank you for your concern.”

  “I’m sorry,” Harlan said. “I didn’t even think. I’ll be more careful.”

  Satisfied, the man nodded and turned to leave.

  “I didn’t hurt you, did I?” Harlan asked in a regretful tone.

  Reid shook her head.

  The man stopped. “Sorry,” he said. “I almost forgot. There’s an inn a few blocks that way.” He pointed to the right.

  After thanking him, Reid and Harlan set off in that direction. They passed several storefronts along the way. In addition to the places she was used to seeing like an apothecary and a blacksmith, there were added luxuries such as stores that sold nothing but fabric, flowers, or jewelry. No one slept in the alleys, begged for food, or wore tattered clothing. Everything seemed prosperous.

  “There’s the inn,” Harlan said, gesturing to the left.

  They crossed the street, then entered a tall, skinny building. The windows let in enough light to illuminate a quaint room furnished with a sofa and chairs. A large wooden staircase was situated at the back of the room. Off to the side, a woman in pants and a tunic stood beside a wide desk. “May I help you?” she asked.

  “Do you work here?” Reid wondered where the woman’s husband was.

  “Yes.”

  “We need a room for the night,” Harlan said. “Is there an innkeeper we can speak to about that?”

  The woman raised her eyebrows. “You can speak to me.” She moved behind the desk, shuffling some papers. “One or two rooms?”

  Reid and Harlan exchanged confused looks. Not only was there an unsupervised woman working here, but she was also giving Reid the option of staying in her own room. Back home, women were afforded no such freedoms.

  After inquiring about the price, Reid decided on two adjoining rooms. Thankfully, Harlan didn’t argue with her about the necessity of them staying together.

  “You’re not from around here, are you?” the woman asked.

  Reid shook her head.

  “Are you from the farms out west?”

  “Yes,” Reid replied because it was the simplest explanation.

  “Thought so,” the woman said. “A lot of people are in town for the Sun Festival. My name is Kira. If you need anything, let me know. Most activities are taking place closer to the palace.”

  Reid thanked her before climbing the staircase to the fourth floor where her and Harlan’s rooms were located. Harlan waved as he entered his own room, closing the door behind him. Taking a deep breath, Reid crossed the threshold into her room. Alone. The space was simple, containing only a bed and an armoire. The single window overlooked the street below. After tossing her bag on the floor, she kicked off her boots and crawled into bed, grateful for the comfortable mattress and soft blankets.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Reid stretched and got out of bed, feeling rested from a peaceful night’s sleep. She changed into her pants and tunic, not bothering with her cap. She was going to take full advantage of the opportunity to dress like a man while still presenting herself as a woman, so she left her hair loose. It flowed around her shoulders, making her feel both feminine and free. For the first time in her life, Reid could just be herself. And it was liberating.

  She peered into Harlan’s room. Sprawled on his stomach with his face smooshed into his bed, he snored, the blankets tangled around his legs. Not wanting to wake him, she closed his door and headed downstairs to the first floor. Even though it was early in the morning, Kira was busy at her desk. After asking directions to the palace, Reid set out.

  The cool, crisp air was refreshing. She reveled in the fact she was in public in pants and a tunic—the clothes she was most comfortable in—while being herself. A woman. She didn’t have to walk or talk like a man or cover her hair. She could be Reid. Just Reid. The thought brought tears to her eyes.

  As she headed toward the city center, her fascination increased tenfold. The buildings became grander with each block she traversed. Various patterns had been carved into the sides, the spires had domed rooftops, and several boasted statues and columns. This city seemed to have a rich history since its buildings were so intricately detailed. Nothing north of the Gast River could compare to this.

  “Are you okay?” an elderly woman asked.

  Reid hadn’t realized she’d stopped walking. “Oh, yes. I just got turned around. Which way to the Sun Festival?” She hoped it wasn’t too early in the morning to be inquiring about the festivities.

  “Two blocks that way. Can’t miss it.” The woman smiled before continuing on her way.

  So far, everyone Reid encountered had been welcoming and kind. She went the direction the woman had pointed. Two blocks later, the buildings abruptly ended. A large grassy area stood before her. A crowd of people set up tents, arranged food carts, and prepared games. She’d never seen anything like it. Beyond the grassy area was a scene straight out of a dream. An ivory palace stretched from one end of the lawn to the other. It was at least five times as massive as the king’s castle and far more refined.

  “You look lost.”

  Reid jumped, whirling around. A tall man wearing leather armor over his clothing stood there gripping a cart filled with bows and arrows. “What are those for?” she asked, placing a hand over her racing heart.

  “The archery competition. I’m in charge of running it.”

  “Are you a soldier?”

  “I am.” He scanned her from head to toe. “Where are you from?”

  “This is my first time here,” she answered, avoiding his question.

  “I gathered that.” He set the handles of the cart down. “What are you doing here?”

  “I’m here for the festival,” she lied.

  “I thought maybe you were interested in joining the army.”

  The army? What in the kingdom? Confused, she asked, “Why do you say that?”

  He shrugged. “You just have a look about you.”

  Reid wondered what sort of an army Prince Henrick maintained. Technically, each county was responsible for supplying soldiers to the king. Reid’s father trained men but only required so many to be ready at any given time. “Is the prince actively recruiting?” she asked, curious how things worked in Axian.

  The man laughed. “Prince Dexter is always recruiting. He loves to train men and women even though there’s not much action these days.”

  Reid almost fell over. There were actually women in the Axian army? Trained for combat? Did the king know about this? And Dexter, Henrick’s eldest son, oversaw this army? Reid hadn’t anticipated any of this. “Why did you become a soldier?” she asked, trying to make conversation to hide her shock.

  “It pays well, and I’m good at shooting.” He nodded toward the bows and arrows. “Why don’t you enter the competition?”

  “Thanks for asking, but no. I have to get going.” After flashing him a smile, she headed away from the soldier. She went toward the palace, wanting to get a closer look to determine where the entry points were, how many sentries were on duty, and what sort of people entered and exited the building.

  At first glance, Reid didn’t notice anyone patrolling the rooftop or standing guard around the perimeter. The lack of a wall was also surprising. Not only did the City of Buckley have a wall, but the king’s castle also had an additional wall. Her surroundings didn’t make any sense. She’d expected to come here and find an eerie-looking palace guarded by soldiers ready to tear people’s limbs off. Instead, she’d found the exact opposite.

  Reid meandered over to one of the trees, sitting in the shade at its base. As the sun rose, the park filled with people. Some were dressed ostentatiously in layers upon layers of fabric and gaudy jewelry, indicating they had obscene amounts of money. Others wore simple clothing. Children ran around, laughing and playing. Several elderly couples strolled by. Some women wore dresses. Others wore pants or even leather armor. People were kind to one another, smiling, buying goods, participating in t
he games, and having a jolly time.

  The palace didn’t have a lot of activity. The main entrance had two soldiers standing guard. About midday, two new guards—both women—replaced the men who’d been on duty. No one came or went through the front doors. Reid wondered if the royal family was even home.

  Her stomach rumbled with hunger, so she rose and walked over to where the food carts were set up. While browsing her options, she was thankful she had enough money to try a few different things. She approached one of the less-crowded carts manned by an elderly woman. After a quick deliberation, Reid purchased a couple of slices of fresh bread and a small slab of rosemary butter. “It’s a beautiful day,” she said, hoping the woman would converse for a bit.

  “It is.”

  Reid wanted to ask the woman if she resented working or if she enjoyed it. However, asking such a question would garner too much attention. It would be like waving a red flag while shouting she wasn’t from around here and wasn’t familiar with the customs of the Axian people. Instead, she said, “This is my first time here.”

  “I attend the festival every year,” the woman replied. “Are you going to the big celebration?” She smiled, the lines in her face deepening.

  “Where does it take place?” Reid asked, taking a bite of her bread.

  “Right here on the last day of the festival, which is tomorrow night. Invitations were extended to everyone. You should come. Most of it is out here on the lawn. But the best part is when the royal family lets us inside the palace. It’s worth seeing. The palace is mighty pretty. I went a few years back. Even got to shake hands with Prince Henrick. He was so gracious. It made me realize how lucky we are to live here.”

  “Maybe I will.” Reid took another bite of her bread. It was light and fluffy with a hint of honey to it. After paying, she thanked the woman for the food and wandered over to the side of the lawn, trying to get a different view of the palace. It was hard to fathom a prince opening his home to commoners. What if someone dangerous got in? It didn’t make any sense. The more she heard about the prince, the less she understood him.