Ellysetta's lesson with Master Fellows passed far more quickly than she would have liked. All too soon, the clocktower rang, and Master Fellows prepared to take his leave. "Thank you for everything, Master Fellows," Ellie said as she walked him to the door. "I hope I will do credit to your instruction tonight.”

"A sentiment we both share, believe me." Master Fellows's expression softened. `Just remember, don't let anyone call you Mistress Baristani tonight. It's Lady Ellysetta or My Lady Feyreisa. Anything less is a deliberate insult. And don't smile; they'll think you're currying favor. Just be grave and gracious. Don't fidget, don't laugh, and for the Haven's sake, don't speak unless you're directly engaged in conversation by another. The Fey have named you their queen. It is far better to remain silent and be thought aloof, than to speak and be proven a fool.”

He stepped across the threshold, then paused and turned back for one final word of advice. "And remember this, My Lady Feyreisa: being regal is a state of mind. Act like a queen, believe it in your heart, and a queen is what everyone will see.

As twilight settled over the city, Den entered the Inn of the Blue Pony and headed for the stairs leading to Captain Batay's room. He'd done all the Sorrelian had asked, and he was still no closer to getting Ellie Baristani. It was time to lay down the law to the good captain. Den Brodson was no man's lackey. He wanted results for his efforts.

"He's not there," the innkeeper said as Den passed him. Den paused and growled, "What did you say?”

"The Sorrelian. He said he was going out tonight and wouldn't be back until late. He left this for you, though." The innkeeper drew a sealed note from his pocket.

Den snatched the note and broke the seal, irritated that Batay had skipped out before he could catch him. Then grew more irritated by the command scrawled on the scrap of paper. A music box with paste jewels on the lid? What in the name of the Seven Hells did Batay need with something like that?

Den crumpled the note and stuffed it in his pocket. "When he gets in, tell him I was here. I'll be back tomorrow"

In the private carriage he'd hired after leaving the Inn of the Blue Pony, Kolis shed the hooded cloak he'd worn to cover the nondescript clothing of Goodman Black and whispered the unmaking spell to erase Batay's blue crossed swords tattoo from his cheek. He folded the cloak and tied his hair back in the neat queue Goodman Black wore, then sat back as the carriage rolled through the cobbled streets towards a boarding house not far from the brothel district by the wharf.

The common room there was empty, save for the house mistress, who bobbed a respectful curtsey as Goodman Black walked past her up the stairs, then bobbed again a few chimes later when a mysterious beauty in a concealing hooded cloak entered, went up the same stairs, and knocked on the door the merchant had entered.

Kolis Manza turned as the door opened and smiled at Jiarine Montevero. "You look ravishing, my pet. Come in, and close the door behind you.”

Half a bell later, Jiarine departed. On the bed in the room she'd just quit, Kolis's body lay vacant and chilling while his consciousness marveled at the feel of existing inside Jiarine's young, lithe female form.

Ellie stared at her reflection in her bedroom mirror. In less than a bell, she would be presented to the highest-ranking nobles of Celieria, and with only two brief afternoons of Master Fellows's instruction to teach her how to comport herself in their company, she was terrified she would make a mess of it.

"You look lovely, Ellysetta," her mother said from the doorway.

Ellie turned and gave her mother a searching look. Mama had been unusually quiet since returning this afternoon. "Do you really think so?”

"Yes, kit, I do.”

Ellie turned back to her reflection. She did look better than she ever had before. Her first new ball gown had arrived, and it was gorgeous. Fashioned of a rich purple brocade that made her skin seem to glow, the dress hugged her torso, enhancing curves Ellie never knew she had, and the low, square neckline flattered her corseted bosom. Tight sleeves fit snugly over her upper arms, ending at her elbows in a fall of red silk-lined drapery that brushed the floor when her arms were lowered. The skirts fell in straight, flowing lines to her feet. The gown's elegant simplicity and becoming cut made Ellie look regal rather than tall and gawky Her hair, which had been dressed by a seasoned apprentice to the queen's own coiffeuse, was piled high, woven in an elaborate display of plaits and curls. Against one hip, Belliard's dagger hung in Kieran's golden sheath.

She put a hand to her throat to touch the diamond necklace Rain had given her. "I'm so afraid they will laugh at me, the woodcarver's daughter pretending to be a queen.”

"In the Lord of Light's eyes, we're all equally worthy" Lauriana put her hands on Ellie's shoulders and met her daughter's eyes in the mirror. "Promise me you'll keep to the R right Path, Ellie. Promise me that even in the Fading Lands you'll observe your devotions and guard your soul against evil.”

"Mama?" Ellie turned in surprise and took her mother's hands. "What's wrong?".

"Just promise me.”

"You know I will, Mama." But Ellie bit her lip. Apart from today at the cathedral, she hadn't said her devotions since the day Rain Tairen Soul entered her life. Was that what her dreams were telling her? That without constant vigilance, her soul would fall into darkness? "I'll say my devotions right now, with you, if you like.”