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He nods, his last question leaving half a grin in its wake. “Why is this so important to you?”
“This is how living in peace begins,” I whisper, like it’s a secret for just the two of us to share until the morning.
ADELAIDE
DAY FIFTY-SEVEN
I’m not sure what I was expecting when I decided to take Madigan into the village, but it wasn’t this.
Rinya and I observe her with varying levels of curiosity as she flounces around in her ruby-red dress. She gathers the fabric in her hands, swooshing it back and forth as she walks, and I just can’t comprehend what’s going on in her head.
“Are you hot?” Rin asks, a confused grin stretching across her pink lips as she points at Madi’s skirt.
“No,” she replies, sighing wistfully. “I admire the craftsmanship. On Earth, something like this would have easily cost hundreds of dollars, and I would have fawned over it until one of my parents paid me to keep quiet about their affairs.”
Rin wrinkles her nose as she shakes her head. “I don’t understand.”
“Which part?” I inquire, raising a brow at the Mongrel guard. “Madi’s parents or the money?”
“Why she’s so excited by the craftsmanship.” Rin shrugs, her hands held out to ward off the contagious feelings from our Shade guest. “I’ve never seen you happy about wearing a dress.”
“This is a Madigan thing, not a me thing,” I clarify. “I didn’t wear dresses before I got here unless someone forced me. But Madi wore them every day. No one makes dresses quite like Isolde does. And where we’re from, the few who do charge an outrageous price for their works of art. She’s more excited about it because Isolde gave it to her without expecting something in return.”
Madi tips her head in agreement. “True, but I’m most excited about having clean, fitted clothing in general. I went from having all the material items I could have ever wanted to having literally nothing.”
Rinya studies her as we pass between the guards’ barracks on the footpath to the village. “I’m sorry your time on Spiran hasn’t been welcoming. That’s not a representation of the island as a whole.”
“Thank you,” Madi whispers, a little shocked by her sincerity. “Not everything has been unpleasant. I’ve learned a lot, but every time I get the hang of things, I’ve had to flee—”
“We won’t be fleeing anymore, Madi,” I reassure her. “You don’t have to fight on your own.”
“I’m not above asking for help,” she sasses, an inquisitive expression turned in my direction. “Has that changed for you?”
“Not until I got here,” I answer truthfully. “I ask for help when I need it, but I still prefer finding the answers on my own.”
The sounds of bustling Mongrels fill the space surrounding us before the scents of the village follow. Madigan is quick to notice the change, immediately on edge. Her gaze darts around as she searches for familiarity and enemies.
People chatter as they traverse the square, collecting supplies and running their errands. Children laugh and play near the fountain. Smoke plumes from the bakery’s chimney as the aroma of fresh bread and pastries meets my eager stomach.
I’m hungry, and muffins are exactly what I need to start this day.
I lead Madi to the bakery, only stopping for the little girl at the flower stand who offers us tiny blooms in bright colors. We each thank her for our gifts and tuck them in our hair. Then, we occupy our usual table on the bakery’s patio. Rin walks in but comes back out too soon, empty-handed and stunned.
I give her a pouty look. “Muffins aren’t done? Or have they run out?”
“No. They’re done and ready to eat.” She glances at the doorway, still wearing her twisted expression. “I was sent out.”
“Why?” Madi asks quickly. “Is it me?”
“No,” Imryll states, placing his hand on my shoulder and a basket of pastries on the table. “It was me. I ordered you all some tea, but it’s still brewing.”
Rin narrows her eyes, suspicious of his presence. “How did you know we were coming?”
“Ecaeris?” I inquire.
Imy grins at me, grassy-green eyes twinkling with hidden knowledge. “Something you said is driving the prince out of his mind. He’s decided he would like to make a better impression on our guest.”
“So, he sent you?” Madi snarks, then covers her mouth.
