“This is bad,” Raulin said.

He stood in the doorway of a bright, airy room overlooking Kellin Park, a real gem of the city of Cataya. Anla turned to look at him, lying on her stomach and reading an on-loan alley novel. “What’s wrong?”

“My target is hosting a ball. From what I’ve gathered, he only does this once per season. It is a prime opportunity that I can’t miss, but that means I have three days to introduce myself to Catayan society, secure an invitation, and attend that ball. That is lightning fast when it comes to things like this. I don’t know if I can do it.”

Anla sat up. “An exhausting few days, sure, but I think our escape from Carvek was worse. Or Al’s recent campaign.”

“It’s a different kind of activity. Attending events, talking to hundreds of people, finding that one gatekeeper who will invite you to the event you truly wish to go to. I think I’d rather have the Cumber chase me through Shingden for a full day.”

“I can help you out, whenever it calls for. I mean, as always, killing with my magic is off the table, but I can help you with everything else.”

He took off his mask and scratched his chin. He’d need a shave before he started this. “I wanted to leave this as a surprise, but you have a particular trait that is likely going to be very beneficial.

“My target is Mathen Crishold. He is a prominent member of the Liyand Brotherhood. Have you heard of them?” When she shook her head, he continued. “The Liyand Brotherhood are a group of socialites who are concerned with the alliance between Gheny and their elvish neighbors. They draw support for legislature, step in over disputes, and try to set up beneficial trade relations.”

“Really?” she said. “So my being half human would pique their interest, especially if I offer to act as a liaison between them and my tribe?”

“Absolutely. Also, there would be no fear of you showing anyone who you are at the ball.” He stood in front of her and combed her tresses off her neck with his fingers, kissing her jaw. “You look so beautiful with your hair up.”

“Wasting precious time on compliments, aren’t we?” she asked coyly, though she turned her head so their lips met.

“Never a waste,” he said, “but you have a point.” He took her hand. “Care for a day of fittings and talking and sips of wine and tiny foods and pretending to be interested in things you have no interest in?”

“Well, when you say it like that…” She laughed, then sobered after a moment. “A request? Could I not be your friend’s cousin, or however you phrase that?”

“What would you like to be?”

“I don’t want to be a courtesan. If I have to be, I understand, but I think several days of people thinking I’m selling myself would be…exhausting.”

“Of course it would be. Let’s think of something else then. I don’t think you can get away with pretending to be a noble,” he said, lightly fingering the helix of her ear.

“But, I could be an elven noble, or the closest to that, which would be a liaison.”

“And how did we meet?”

“In New Wextif at some event. A luncheon at Earl Bricoup’s estate. I was recently imbued as Speaker for the Deerborn and I’ve been to as as many events as possible, trying to bend someone’s ear. As an Arvonnese noble, you have some friends in Bricoup’s circle and the topic of Liyand history interested you.”

“Can any of that be corroborated? Is Bricoup a real person?”

“He is. He took quite an interest in me at the libertine ball. He was willing to pay me three times my weekly fee for one night. I don’t think it’s much of a stretch to say he’s interested in elves.”

“Hmm,” Raulin said, clearing the quick flash of heat from his chest with a deep breath. “Would any elves that might be there challenge your new position?”

“You’ve seen only a portion of the Dreelands; it’s huge. Most people, especially those in the outer villages, have no idea who all the spirits are. Even those in the cities might not know. I could always say it was very recent.”

“All right. I guess that’ll do. Last question to answer: why would an Arvonnese nobleman help an acquaintance he’s only met a few times break into society?”

She tapped her finger against her lips. “Mutually beneficial?”

“It’s much harder for a woman to break into society than a man. I’d need a strong reason for doing this?”

“It looks better if you attend these events with a woman on your arm?”

“I could find a courtesan for that.”

“You owe me a favor?”

“You mean one giant favor or a dozen smaller ones? Why don’t we make it easy by saying I’m smitten with you. I’m courting you and helping you at the same time. Wouldn’t be that far of a stretch, since I am actually courting you, and it would explain our familiarity with each other.”

“Okay,” she said with a nod and a smile. “And how do I feel about you?”

Isn’t that the question of the year, he thought. “That’s up to you. Whether you’re knowledgeable about how I feel and are using me or feel something similar, I’m letting you decide.”

“Well, I wouldn’t use you, Raulin, you don’t deserve that. I’ll just be myself.”

He was disappointed in the lack of clarity for a moment before she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him deeply. She finally pulled away and Raulin said, “As much as it pains me to say this, we should probably refrain from this once we leave this room.”

“As much as I love cooked meals and warm beds, I’m thinking I might enjoy being on the road more because of the freedom from social restraints.”

“Me, too,” he said.

“So, what is the plan for today?”

He glanced at the wind-up clock on the bureau. “We’re going to get lunch and hunt for an ember man. After that, we need to discover a good place to brush elbows with the elite, to secure invitations for events for the next two or three days. Hopefully one of those will get us an invitation to the ball.”

“And how do you see our chances at doing this?”

“Without a lucky break, unlikely. But, we need to try.”

Al was reading a book in the common room of the hotel, as per usual. He caught Raulin’s eye and smiled, wiggling the alley novel in his hands.

“Yes, yes,” Raulin said. “Um, Wizard, would you mind being our tether today? We have a lot of work ahead of us and we need free reign of Cataya.”

“Sure, no problem,” he said, standing up. He followed them outside after he grabbed his pack and a few other books.

“Be on the lookout for clothing stores advertising tailors.”

“There’s one down there,” Al said, pointing down and across the street, “and another one farther down on our side.”

“We may need to visit several, so keep your sharp eyes honed.”

Neither of those two stores, nor the next three, picked up on the hints Raulin used to ask if they wouldn’t mind loaning clothes instead of selling them. He was considering breaking down and buying a few sets, when they finally found a man willing to help them.

“It might be a while, Wizard. Feel free to wander nearby,” Raulin suggested as they met again on a bench across the street.

“Do you mind if I drop in on an old schoolmate? I saw the signs for Brigent’s Square and I remember Chastick saying he lived there.”

“Enjoy yourself.” He was about to go inside when he had a thought. “Brigent’s Square has a lot of wealthy folks living there. I don’t suppose he’s rich?”

“I don’t know about rich, but his grandfather is the Marquess of Balandy. His family has a huge fishing and seafood company. I’m sure they have some money.”

“I should’ve asked if you had connections! You’re my golden ticket, Al. I need you to call on this classmate of yours. Hopefully he or his family are at home and you can secure some invites for me. Uh, you met Count Marin Liasorn and Anladet Auchindol in Acripla and we’ve been traveling together since then. Make up whatever story you’d like.” He eyed Al up and down. “I want you to make it back here as soon as it’s socially acceptable. Why didn’t I think to take advantage of your popularity, too?”

“Okay?”

“You just rescued a quarter of Tektorn from the clutches of murderer. I’m sure some people are bound to want to speak with you.”

“Did I just lose my position as your escort?” Anla asked.

“No, no. I’m just thinking this is highly more likely now that other avenues are open. Al, go. We’ll see you in a few hours.”

Raulin’s mind was still racing with possibilities when a young woman came into the room he was relaxing in. “Sir? You asked me to let you know when your friend returned.”

“Yes, thank you. Could you usher him back here?” She hesitated. “He’ll be getting the same treatment, don’t worry.” She nodded and returned with Al a few minutes later after Raulin had draped towels around his face. “Any luck?”

Al assumed that Raulin was having some post-shave steam and said nothing about obscurity. “I had to wait, but Chastick was home today with his wife and kids. We had tea and talked about things. I let it slip that I took care of Cove and he was surprisingly enthusiastic about introducing me to people he knew.”

“’Surprisingly’? He’s going to show off that he’s connected to a hero and he’ll look good in return. Don’t be astonished if he decides you two were the best of friends in Amandorlam. Were you? And out of curiosity, why doesn’t he have some name like ‘Oak’ or ‘Breeze’?”

Al screwed his mouth to one side. “He’s what we wizards call ‘izards’, meaning he intended on being a wizard, went to school for it, but dropped out right before the graduation ceremonies. He can’t legally practice wizardry, but I’m sure his family doesn’t mind using his abilities covertly. And we were as close as I had to a friend, he and Patrel. We would study together and occasionally went to plays and readings in our spare time.” Al recalled the time he had dragged Chastick to an exhibition at the museum titled “From the Ashes” with paintings of the Alscaines. Chastick had dragged him to a poetry luncheon because he was sweet on a girl and Al needed to be the date for her friend. He considered themselves even.

“Did you mention me or Anla?”

“Yes, of course.” He pulled out a piece of paper. “He said here are some salons and restaurants to check out, some events you could attend without an invitation, and a few people who might be interested in introducing you and her.”

“Thank you, Wizard. I appreciate this very much. Now, your turn. Gliana is going to get you taken care of so that you can attend some events. Get our names out as much as possible and try not to make us seem desperate to attend that ball.” Al seemed unhappy about this. “It’ll be good for you, Wizard. If you’re going to be a vizier then you’ll have to get used to being around high society, speaking with people, knowing which ones are trustworthy, which ones want to kill your employer, and the grand majority in between.”

“I suppose you’re right. I just thought…”

“Yes?”

“Well, the idea of traveling with the group after the spell is finished is growing more appealing. I’ve heard good things about Aviz and I’m sure I could get a position out there from Amandorlam.”

“Keep working on the plan. I trust you. Until then, let’s focus on the now.”

* * *

That evening, the next day, and during the morning of the third, Anla and Raulin attended five soirees, seven gatherings, two readings, and had several sit-downs or teas with prominent members of society. It wasn’t until they were walking through Kellin Park and Anla stumbled into him hard that he realized how tired she was, and how tired he was as well. “All right, let’s sit on this bench for a few minutes.”

She yawned. “But we have to get to…the thing…the brunch…”

“We did that yesterday. We are on our way to a symposium or rose horticulture. Were on our way. We need a break. The gardeners will have to find someone else to discuss the finer details of thorns and petals.”

“But we need to go to the ball.”

He kissed her hand quickly. “I think that if we were ever going to be invited, it would have been by now. I have time. I can try to find him at other events. Right now we’re exhausted. We’ve gotten eight hours of sleep over the last three days between us both.”

Anla laid her head on his shoulder. When a minute passed, he realized she had fallen asleep and woke her gently. “Come on, let’s go take a nap.”

“If I lay my head down in a bed, I am going to sleep for days.”

He clicked his tongue. “I think you need something to keep you awake.”

“I’ve already had two cups of tea and chocolate scones at breakfast.”

“No, I’m think about some exercise. Show me what dances you know.”

She stood, her dress of toffee-colored silk brocade shining in the sun. Her right hand went up to his left, her left to her skirts. He held her back and she began, tumbling over him. She laughed as she tried to right herself. “I was trying to do the waltz.”

“Well, maybe a little information would have helped. I thought you were going to try a polka. Different beats. How do you know the waltz?”

She fanned herself out and took her position again. “My father taught us girls.”

“Ah,” he said, then began humming a waltz. She kept time in a sprightly fashion. “You’re very good.”

“Thank you. You are as well. I’m going to show you a few changes and teach you the redowa, though it’s losing its popularity and you won’t likely have to dance it. And after that the polka and the galop. Anything else that comes up you can sit out on, catch your breath, get a refreshment.”

“Won’t you be with me?” she asked after he showed her the new dance.

“You often change partners at balls. It gives you a moment to speak with people you might not on the sidelines. Sometimes balls have cards where men will ask to dance at certain points with you.”

“I’d rather you stay with me. I honestly felt a bit lost at the libertine ball and kept trying to find you.”

“Well, I’ll stay with you as much as possible, though I’m sure your card will be filled. Everyone likes dancing with the most beautiful woman in the room.”

She gave a rather pleased smile. “You don’t even know who’ll be there.”

“I don’t have to. I know that anywhere you go you’ll be the crown jewel of the event.” He kissed the inside of her wrist. Her brow furrowed for an instant before her eyes widened and he realized that she knew that he meant every word he said. He wasn’t just flirting with her; he really did think she was the most beautiful woman he’d ever met. He was caught, and while the moment one was caught wasn’t the best time to admit something, it was probably going to be the best time for him. “Um, Anla,” he began.

“Ah, young love,” a man said. They both turned their heads to see a middle-aged man in high quality clothing watching them. “You two danced quite well. I was watching from afar.”

“Thank you,” Raulin said.

“You’re…oh, pardon me. I don’t mean to be rude, but you’re half-elven!”

Raulin tensed, waiting for a confrontation. “I am,” Anla said.

“I’m sorry. I know you and your kind have a difficult time here in Gheny.”

“We do.”

He reached for Anla’s hand and gave her a quick kiss on the back. “I’m part of the Liyand Brotherhood. Do you know of them?” Anla shook her head after giving Raulin a quick, excited look. “We’re trying to make this country a better place by ushering in respectful discourse with our neighbors. And we do mean that, neighbors. Liyand is a large place. There is no need to take things that aren’t up for sale. Cavter Rimar,” he said, tipping his top hat to them.

“Anladet Deerborn Auchindol. This is my fond acquaintance, Marin Liasorn, Count of Aubrige.”

Raulin bowed his neck. Since Cavter hadn’t given a title, Raulin outranked him even outside his own country. At least that was the story they were telling.

“Glad to make your acquaintence,” he said, turning back to Anla. “I don’t suppose you’re busy tomorrow night? I’m sure my friend Mathen would so love to meet you. He’s throwing a ball in honor of…well, you and your people, actually. I mean, I don’t mean to assume you are tribal,” he said, flustering. “I know that not all of those twice-blooded are automatically people who spend time with elves or in the Dreelands. Do your people call it the Dreelands?”

“I visited my people just a few months ago. They’re in Ashven. And, yes, we call it the Dreelands.”

“Oh, good. Where may I send the invitations?”

“We’re staying over there,” she said, pointing, “at the Brightwater Hotel.”

“Excellent. I’ll be looking forward to introducing you.”

After she left, Anla turned and gave a broad smile, clenching her fists near her chest. “We did it!”

“Yes, we did! Or, you did. Thank you so much.”

“What do we do now?”

“Now we got back to our hotel and sleep.”

Out of excitement over the success or for their normal reasons, they began kissing once the door was shut. And although Raulin had to help Anla out of some of her clothing, they both wound up falling asleep in each others arms instead of anything more interesting. It was the first time Raulin wasn’t frustrated; he was too unconscious to care.