“Hey squirt. What’s up?”


    The guard looked dumbfounded. “He’s a commoner, ma’am, and not in the service of anyone here.”


    She should probably tell him off for his language, but it brought a smile to her face, so she let it go.


    Although it made a loud clang on the metal, the guard didn’t seem to notice, or wisely pretended not to notice.


    She stepped up close to him, almost touching him. He was taller than her and probably stronger, but he wisely took a step back. She’d knock him on his ass in a moment if he tried anything. “You’re right. However, in future, check! It’s not hard to send a message to her Highness or her Ladyship, or anyone else. Then they can confirm the person’s story. Got it, asshole?”


    “Good. Come on, Corvin. Let’s take a walk.” She turned and walked out the gate.


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    “Hypocritical?”


    She supposed it was. When she was Corvin’s age, she wasn’t holding back on any of the language she was using. Neither were the adults around her. They’d been speaking Ninifin, not Arnorgue, of course, but they were using the equivalent words. She sighed. “You’re right, it’s pretty fucking hypocritical.”


    Corvin gasped mockingly. “You’re a fucking hypocrite.”


    Akna groaned. “Would you quit it with the language?”


    “I’m fine too.” It wasn’t exactly the truth, but he didn’t need the full details. He was too young to burden with the trauma of having your mind invaded and manipulated. Though, to be fair, she was feeling a lot better. Just being able to sleep again had made a huge difference, and talking to Meleng yesterday had helped a little more.


    It had been Anita’s idea that she take charge of palace security. Akna hadn’t really wanted it, but Anita said it would give her something to do, since she was so obviously lost in the palace. She had to agree Anita was right about that. Akna loved Anita, but she didn’t love the palace life of Foliths.


    “Do you think I’ll be that tall when I grow up?”


    “Corvinian, you don’t have…” She trailed off and stopped walking, as this time, there actually was someone where Corvin was pointing.


    At the far side of the alley, another Isyar—this one an adult—came around the corner behind the young one, grabbing them by the shoulder. The new one pointed a finger towards Corvin and shook his head. Then he lead the young Isyar out of the alley and around the corner. For a brief moment, yet another Isyar, this one even younger than the first peeked around the corner, then also ducked away.


    Akna looked both ways. There were lots of people on the street, but no Isyar. “That was fast.”


    Akna sighed. She was being paranoid. The two events were almost certainly unrelated. “Come on, Corvin. Let’s get back to the palace. I’m tired of walking.”