“Thank you for lending me some of your time, Kash-baba.”

In the quiet of the Misty Garden, Lorelei and the old shaman were sitting side by side on a bench. A few of the panels on the glass roof were open, letting in the fresh breeze and a couple of unexpected guests. The sudden arrival of a flock of birds with a rather peculiar appearance attracted the two women's attention. At a glance, they looked like starlings, but instead of the black-and-white spotted feathers of their mainland brethren, these unexpected guests possessed a plumage of metallic blue and purple with flaming orange down on their breasts. Chasing each other around with lively chirps and whistles, they were akin to iridescent gems gliding through the air.

Mesmerized by their appearance, Lorelei forgot the darkness clouding her heart and the reason that had made her call for the old shaman. He looked bright-eyed at the dancing birds and her soul soared on the wings of their lively songs. Next to her, Kash-baba chuckled and pressed a finger to her lips before letting out a string of loud whistles. With clamoring cries, the flock veered from its course and circled the two women before obediently landing on the bench next to Lorelei and on the grass at her feet.

“We call these little ones plamtsi or, in your tongue, little flames. Quite pleasing to the eye, they are.” She dug in her waist pouch and threw at them a handful of white seeds. “And also to the mouth, especially with some parsley. They are quite tame, so you can keep them as pets.”

Lorelei’s eyes gleamed for a moment before turning sad.

“And stuff them in a cage?” She tickled the neck of one especially brave bird that had begun to lightly peck her finger. “It would be a pity not to be able to see them dance and sparkle in the sky. No, seeing them from time to time should be enough.”

“Then just leave some pine nuts in a bowl here in the garden. The plamtsi are quite the gluttons and will visit you again.”

“Thank you, Baba.”

“Don’t mention it, child.” The old shaman sucked on her pipe and puffed a few clouds of fragrant smoke. “But don’t you think it’s time to tell me the reason for summoning me? What troubles you?”

Gripping her hands, Lorelei looked the Binshi straight in the eyes. The time for procrastination was over.

“It’s about Castor Firmon.”

“Little Castor?” The old woman’s brows flew up. “What of him?”

“You have been working together to repair the castle’s defenses, right?”

“Indeed. The boy has been fulfilling his duties diligently.”

“Have you noticed him acting strange recently?”

Lorelei’s heart quacked as she awaited the old Binshi’s response. It had been five days after their fateful meeting in the library and ever since then, Castor had been avoiding her like the pest. No matter where or when they met, he avoided looking her in the eye and either ran away without saying a word or after mumbling an awkward excuse. Lorelei was unsure whether his behavior warranted reporting him to Noah or William, but before she decided on how to act, she needed more information.

“Hmm, strange you say?” Kash-baba chewed on her pipe’s mouthpiece. “He does seem a bit absentminded and sad, but I took it for normal.”

“Normal?” Lorelei slightly frowned. “Why?”

“Look at them.” The old Binshi pointed at the colorful birds hopping around them in search of a treat. “Your heart ached at the thought of putting them into a cage. That boy, despite everything, is no different than a caged bird between these walls and far away from his family. And he needs to understand and control powers he knows nothing of, all on his own. In his place, would you not be sad sometimes?”

Looking at the playing plamtsi she felt the burden of guilt pile on her shoulders. She understood why Noah had to keep Castor in Ildemar, but it was still a cruel fate for the youth. Being under surveillance. Being unable to leave the castle grounds without the duke’s explicit permission and a guard. Even a gilded cage was still a cage, but this was one bird she couldn’t let fly.

“You are right, Baba.” She sighed and her expression softened. “Could you do me a favor?”

“I have a feeling I know what you would request. Go on.”

“Could you perhaps keep an eye on Castor and console him, if need be? Your wise words helped me in a hard time, maybe they could do the same for him.”

“Consider it done, child.”

With a nod, Lorelei stood up and startled the flock of colorful birds into a flight.

“Please, excuse me, but I must go now.”

“Judging by your face, you must be going to fight a dral.” Kash-baba also stood up and patted Lorelei’s back.

“You could put it that way, Baba,” she sighed and left the warm sunshine of the garden.

***

A stately carriage traveled slowly down the road accompanied by the neighing of horses and the clattering of hoofs as a group of knights formed an impenetrable wall around it. Inside, the monotonous rattle of the wheels was dampened by the velvet seats but instead, the sounds of travel were replaced by an even louder yet equally irritating blather.

Sunken in her seat, Lorelei did her best to let the words fly past her ears, but after days of listening to more and more of the same, her patience was beginning to grow thin. That, and the sight of Pricilla, shamelessly pressing her shoulder into Noah’s side were driving her close to the melting point. Closing her eyes, Lorelei tried to remind herself that erupting and clawing the face of the Crown Prince’s representative was a political and practical suicide, no matter how enticing the thought was.

“Oh, my, Your Highness, I’m so sorry for the inconvenience!” Pricilla’s disgustingly sweet voice stabbed her in the ears. “I know it’s inappropriate to sit next to you, but I get so very dizzy when traveling backward. What a coincidence for us to have the same ailment! I hope my dear sister will forgive me for taking her seat.”

“My Duchess’ benevolence is as boundless as her wisdom, so I’m sure she doesn’t mind, right, Duchess?”

“Yes, my lord,” mumbled Lorelei, trying not to look Noah in the eyes.

“Oh, that’s so gracious of you, sister! One could say that you are almost equal to the high-noble ladies from the Imperial Court.”

“Alas, here in the North, we are somewhat rougher in deeds and speech compared to the gentry from the Capital.” Noah laughed dryly. “That’s why your help in the preparations for my brother’s visit is so indispensable, Lady Orten. But besides talking about beddings, silks, stuffed peacocks, and further tedious organization topics, I have a small request that I hope you’d indulge.”

“Of course, Your Highness! Whatever you wish.”

“Would you mind telling me more about the life in Limris? I haven’t been at the Palace in ages and the last official banquet I attended was some twelve years ago for my esteemed brother’s wedding.”

“Dear Fathers! That long!” Pricilla gasped and Lorelei could almost hear her lashes fluttering. “Where should I even start?!”

“I’m curious about my family, to be honest. We barely correspond and I’m concerned for their health. How is the Emperor faring?”

“Doing well, my lord. He is as strong as a lion and the pillar of the empire. And with Primate Ambrosinus at his side, there is nothing to worry about. What better protection than the blessing of the next Grand Pontifiex!”

“Really? Ambrosinus has been chosen as the next Grand Pontifex?”

“Well, it isn’t official yet, but there is nobody who could compare to him.”

“True, true. And what about my older brother and his family? Last time I saw Leonte he didn’t even reach my waist and Leoris was still in diapers.”

“The Crown Prince is doing good, considering his ailment. But Princess Zoraidar and the royal physicians are taking good care of him. The little princes are also two little lion cubs. Especially Prince Leoris. He’ll become a great warrior, especially with His Highness Lionel as his tutor.”

By the mentioning of his name, Lorelei had to stifle a cry. She threw a quick glance between Noah and Pricilla, but her husband’s face was the epitome of tranquility. Even more, his gaze was fixated on Pricilla with such devotion that one could think him hypnotized.

Nodding with a wry smile, Noah sighed and his expression became one of pride and contentment.

“Lionel as Leoris’ tutor? I’d expect nothing of my little brother. I hope Lady Pricilla didn’t give ear to the slanderous rumors about the two of us. Despite all our differences, I respect Lionel from the bottom of my heart.”

‘You shameless liar!’ Lorelei bit her lip lest the words decided to leave her mind and jump on her tongue. It was both horrifying and remarkable to see Noah twisting the truth with such ease.

“Oh, I never would dare give ear to such rumors! Besides, the Second Prince has been talking highly of you too.”

“Really? This warms my heart! Please, Lady Orten, tell me more!”

As this hypocritical chatter continued, Lorelei could hardly keep her face straight. She closed her eyes and pretended to doze off, assaulted by a stream of blabber and giggles.