“I’d think you’d be happy,” Jayden said as knights escorted him and Dana to their hotel. “A serious threat has been permanently removed, free of charge.”

“You’re making it worse,” Dana told him.

“Just keep moving.” Stillman sounded exhausted after the fight with Ghost Hunter. More likely he was worried about his career. Ghost Hunter had attacked him, his knights and Bascal secret agents. Their best efforts to kill him failed. Granted killing a ghost is no easy task, but having some of their top men helpless must be embarrassing.

“Surely the matter has been settled to everyone’s satisfaction,” Prince Onus said. “The danger is gone.”

“Prince, if you’ll kindly go to the castle,” Stillman said. “Royal authorities assumed you would be in no danger in Dragon Roost, which has been proven to be optimistic boarding on naiveté. A serious attempt was made on your life, and there may be more.”

“It’s not the first time,” Prince Onus told him.

Jayden took Stillman’s side. “Both your nations are in danger of being not merely defeated but totally absorbed into Meadowland. If you die, no one in Kaleoth can take your place. Your death would also end any chance for meaningful cooperation between your kingdoms when that is essential.”

“I’m considered a coward if I stay in the castle, a fool if I stay on the streets, and I insult my host if I bring my own security,” Prince Onus said bitterly. “Is there a route I can take that does work?”

“Refusing to let you bring guards was a mistake,” Stillman admitted. “I will ask King Rascan to allow you to bring personal retainers in future visits, but I need you alive and well for there to be future visits. Galling as this must be, please, go with our agents to the castle.”

“And how long are we to stay in our hotel room?” Jayden asked.

“Until you’re summoned,” Stillman told him. “With the ghost defeated there are no threats to your life, so you may stay there with all your needs met until King Rascan decides how best to employ you.”

They reached the hotel, but Jayden stopped at the door. “Our services do not come free.”

“We will negotiate compensation worthy of your efforts,” Stillman promised.

Prince Onus stepped toward Dana and Jayden. “I’d like to speak with Jayden and Miss Illwind in private.”

Stillman’s faced paled. “While we’re willing to work with the Sorcerer Lord, the man has a reputation for damage and disorder we can’t ignore. There’s going to be trouble from royal security about them even getting close enough to see you.”

The prince’s face darkened. “They have given honorable service to Kaleoth, and asked nothing in return except passage to their homeland.”

“I’m sure they—” Stillman began.

Prince Onus didn’t let him finish. “Do not presume to give me orders. I realize Rascan thinks I’m a country bumpkin, but I am a prince, sir. I speak to whomever I choose, whenever I choose, and any attempt to restrict that will be considered a grave insult. I will take security measures seriously without being a fool or a puppet.”

There was a long, awkward pause as Stillman stared at Prince Onus and Jayden smirked.

“I apologize for not showing proper deference,” Stillman said. “If you wish to see them, we will certainly arrange it. Please do not think King Rascan has anything but the highest opinion of you, your grandfather and your kingdom.”

“Thank you.” Prince Onus turned to Dana and Jayden. “I would appreciate the chance to speak with you in the morning, if it’s convenient.”

“We’d be delighted, wouldn’t we, Dana.”

“Oh, um, sure.” Dana shook Prince Onus’ hand, making Stillman roll his eyes in exasperation.

Jayden and Dana went to their room, and once safe inside Jayden said, “I’m growing to like him.”

Dana collapsed onto the bed. “He makes a strong impression. So, how badly did we screw up?”

“We didn’t. Ghost Hunter had to be removed for our safety and that of others. Meeting the prince again was a happy coincidence. In regards to Stillman, there was going to be difficulty working with him no matter what we did. In a way we may have improved our chances of securing the spell tablets. Stillman, his knights and the secret agents saw us kill Ghost Hunter. They are eye witnesses to what we can do for them, and that we are worth having even at a high cost.”

Dana drew Chain Cutter and set it on the bed. Her weapon had glowed ever since she’d gotten it, but now it was different. The light was stronger and warmer. She could hear whispered prayers from the blade. “Next question, exactly what is a sanctified weapon, because it looks like I’ve got one.”

Jayden studied the sword without touching it. “I’ve heard about such weapons without ever seeing one. They are rare, strong and much prized. The priest spoke honestly when he said a small piece of heaven now resides within Chain Cutter. In most situations that won’t have much effect, as the sword was already strong, but you saw what it did to Ghost Hunter. Chain Cutter was already effective against the undead due to the shadow magic used to make it. As a sanctified weapon that will be greatly magnified. Living beings that have turned to dark ways will be equally vulnerable. Hags would be a good example.”

Sounding concerned, he added, “Chain Cutter might also be selective about who touches it.”

“I can touch Chain Cutter.”

He smiled at her. “Yes, the girl who befriended a church grim. Others of us might be less acceptable.”

“Us?” Dana got up off the bed. “Oh no you don’t. You’re not a bad guy.”

“I’ve committed questionable deeds.”

“No.” Dana grabbed his hands before he realized what she was doing. “You’ve done too much good to talk about yourself that way. People are alive today because of you.”

“What are you doing?”

“Come on.” Dana pulled his hands down and pressed them against Chain Cutter’s handle. “See, nothing happened. If he’s picky, he likes you.”

He pulled free of her hands. “That’s not how you test whether it’s safe to touch a magic item! And since when do you call Chain Cutter him? I recall you wanting to call it Buttercup at one time.”

“I felt calling Chain Cutter him was, I don’t know, appropriate. And I wasn’t testing whether he liked you, I was showing you he does.” Dana sheathed Chain Cutter and set the sword on the bed. “We both got help from on high when we fought Cimmox the necromancer. That means He likes both of us. You’ve got to stop seeing the worst in yourself.”

Jayden sat in a chair across from the bed. “Old habits die hard. We have Prince Onus’ invitation to the ball, and from there will hopefully meet King Rascan. Please be careful during the event. Nobles have little regard for commoners and may cause trouble for you. My presence should lessen this, but never underestimate the pride, callousness and stupidity of the rich and powerful.”

“I can take care of myself, thank you very much. If I can fight golems and monsters, I can deal with catty women. I’m sixteen, after all.”

That got his attention. “When we met you said you were fifteen.”

“That was more than a year ago.”

Excited, he said, “You never told me you had a birthday! We should have celebrated.”

“We’re on the run from almost everyone!”

“That doesn’t matter. I know places where gold can buy secrecy and a good time. We could have had an expensive meal, desserts, hired a musician—”

“Don’t make such a big deal out of it,” she told him.

“It is a big deal,” he replied. “A birthday means you survived another year, and in these times that’s an accomplishment worthy of respect. I don’t celebrate my own birthdays because it could be a clue to my earlier life as Prince Mastram, but you’re under no such restrictions. Next time tell me, because we’re going to celebrate.”

* * * * *

“Ma’am, I’m very sure the ghost isn’t coming back,” Dana assured a female guest. It was breakfast time and Dana was enjoying a meal in the hotel’s common room when the older woman had approached her table and asked if Ghost Hunter would return. “Jayden and I took care of him for good.”

“You can understand my concern,” the woman replied. “He pushed me to the floor.”

“I’m sorry that happened. I promise he won’t do it again.”

Still looking worried, the woman asked, “But what if another villain attacks? We are at war, you know. The hotel guards couldn’t stop someone like that. Could you possibly deal with them?”

“We’ll do what we can to keep everyone safe while we’re here.”

“Thank you so much. I feel like a great weight has been lifted off my shoulders. If only my dear Herbert could be here to comfort me in these troubling times, but no, he’s gone trout fishing.”

Dana watched the woman leave and couldn’t help but notice many guests watching. They looked relived at her promise, but some kept their distance. Dana didn’t blame them. Ghost Hunter’s attack had been frightening, and Bascal’s capital city should have been far from danger.

Jayden came down from their room and joined her at the table. “Good morning, and a glorious one it is. I see you’ve been busy assuring our fellow guests that they have our protection. That’s sure to smooth ruffled feathers.”

“It’s only fair. Most of them aren’t armed and none cast spells. If the hotel is attacked, we’re the best line of defense these people have.”

“True,” he admitted, and waved for a waiter to come. “Menu, please. Pray tell, what’s this note that came with it?”

“It’s from the lady in room 111,” the waiter said before he left.

Puzzled, Dana asked, “Who is she, and why does she want to see us?”

Jayden read the message and slipped it into a pocket. “She wishes to see me, not us. It seems Prince Onus isn’t the only one attracting attention.”

“What do you—oh!” Dana clapped a hand over her mouth. Red faced, she slid her hands down and whispered, “She sent you a note for that at breakfast?”

“I’ll have the poached eggs with pepper steak,” he told the waiter. More softly, he told Dana, “It’s been my experience nobles have more free time than is good for them. Few use it wisely. Too many get involved in plotting, while others seek entertainment to ease their boredom. I don’t take kindly to being reduced to a diversion after mastering shadow magic. It’s demeaning.”

Dana was startled when everyone in the common room jumped to their feet. She glanced at the door and saw Prince Onus entering. He looked as surprised as she did, and he waved for the guests to sit down. “I’m not here on an official capacity. Please carry on.”

“We’ve over here,” Dana called out. Guests stared at her as if she’d done something wrong. “What?”

“Ignore them,” Jayden said. “Prince Onus, please, join us.”

Prince Onus approached their table. “If we could talk in private.”

Jayden smiled. “Certainly. Waiter, send my meal to my room, please.”

“Yes, sir,” the waiter said, and passed him another note. “Room 238.”

Dana finished her meal and got up to leave. “Let’s get you both out of here while everyone still has their dignity.”

“It’s years too late for that,” Jayden said. He led the prince to their room, and once they were inside closed and locked the door. “It’s good to see you well, prince. I hope matters in Kaleoth remain favorable.”

“Yes, but only just. Meadowland’s army still can’t cross Racehorse River, but they never stop trying. We’ve seen them harvesting timber for another bridge, and they’ve assembled a powerful force of catapults that fire across the river every day. River Twin has taken heavy damage. Thankful the loss of life has been limited. We fight back with wizards and our own siege weapons. The stalemate has caused much damage.”

“Last winter you told us your father was trying to get help,” Dana said. “Did anyone come?”

“The Guild of Heroes sent three of their top men, one of them an expert at designing and building fortifications. They’ve already been a great help. The Brotherhood of the Righteous sent five combat priests, twenty paladins and a hundred volunteer knights.” Prince Onus hesitated before saying, “This will sound odd, but goblins in Kaleoth have suddenly become helpful. Pranks and troublemaking have stopped. They’ve actually caught a dozen Meadowland spies and turned them over to us.”

Dana giggled. “They did?”

“They keep referring to this War Winner of theirs. Some claim to be following his orders, but how much faith can you place in a goblin’s word?”

“I take them more seriously than I once did,” Jayden said. He waved for the prince to take a seat. “We may have a chance to help your people in the future, but for now let us speak of tonight. How are you being treated?”

“Words can’t express how grateful I am to see you both again,” Prince Onus said as he settled down on a chair. “My time in Bascal has been trying. Half the people I meet treat me like I’m more than human because I’m a prince. Others act like I’m a dull child who must be endured. Talking to those who regard me as a person is sweet relief.”

“Why would they treat you like that?” Dana asked. “I mean, besides being rude, they need your help. Bascal can’t win on its own.”

“Kaleoth is a relatively new kingdom,” Jayden explained. “Onus’ grandfather King Brent is only the third ruler to sit upon that throne. Bascal boasts an unbroken string of kings thirty-two generations long. Few lineages are as ancient. It makes them proud.”

“What does that have to do with anything?” Dana asked in bewilderment.

“They’ve had centuries to develop traditions and needless bureaucracy,” Jayden said casually. “Their rules are often senseless or outright counterproductive. It doesn’t help that the nobility finetuned those rules to benefit themselves at the expense of commoners and foreigners. The situation works, barely, and for most residents that’s enough, but it makes their leaders arrogant and inflexible.”

Prince Onus pointed at his clothes. “I’ve been told to get more appropriate clothes for the ball. It’s not like I’m wearing rags. And I’ve been asked twice why I don’t have a royal striker, one of those brightly colored birds everyone seems to own.”

“You’re better dressed than most of the people I’ve met,” Dana told him.

“We’re in a war!” Prince Onus protested. “Clothes, parties, these stupid birds, none of that matters.”

Prince Onus got up and paced across the room. “I’ve had seven women send me notes asking to see me in private. I almost accepted one of the invitations until I was told these meetings are intended to be intimate, if that’s the right word. Three of the women are married! I’ve heard that’s accepted behavior here.”

Dana could feel herself blushing. “I guessed what you were talking about earlier, but seven? And married?”

He turned to her and said, “I feel awful for asking you to come with me to this event, but it’s getting so I can’t even go to breakfast without being embarrassed. I even had two of these women fight over me. You might find it far less pleasant than a party should be. If you don’t want to go, I’ll understand.”

“Oh no, I’m in.” Dana showed off her new dress. “I’m ready for the occasion.”

Prince Onus stared. “That…that’s beautiful. I think you won’t face difficulties in my company, but if someone should treat you with disrespect, allow me to deal with it. Bold as nobles are in Bascal, they’ll listen to a prince, if only because I’m useful to them.”

“Your common sense is showing,” Jayden told him. “But as you seem to have a problem, let us help. Dana and I know a seamstress who can get you ready for tonight.”

“Cassandra?” Dana asked. “Oh, right, she’s great. I don’t think she can get you one of those birds, but she can get you dressed.”

Jayden put a hand on her shoulder. “Why don’t you introduce the prince to her?”

“You’re not coming?”

“I have to make preparations before we attend the ball, not least of which is summoning Stanley to look after our belongings. I doubt the king will let us bring our baggage with us.”

“Stanley?” Prince Onus asked.

“Long story, but he’s friendly and loves singing,” Dana told him. “I’ll take you there and she’ll get you a nice suit.”

“I like these clothes,” Prince Onus protested as he went with Dana. They left the hotel to find secret agents outside pretending to be tradesmen. Dana spotted a few new faces among them, so Prince Onus must have had his security detail enlarged after Ghost Hunter’s attack. They followed Dana and Prince Onus without straying farther than ten feet from him while seeming to be just men walking down the street. This pretense stopped when they reached Cassandra’s shop.

“Sir, this isn’t the best choice,” one said softly.

“Stillman recommended it,” Dana said.

“Some establishments are suitable for those of questionable reputations, but royalty must be more careful where they tread.”

“Your insult against the young lady is inexcusable,” Prince Onus said angrily. “Miss Illwind, you spoke highly of this woman, and her workmanship impressed me. That is enough for me.”

“We won’t be long,” Dana told the agents as she led Prince Onus inside.

Cassandra’s store had changed since Dana’s last visit. The mannequins had been moved to the corners to make space for a massive pile of luggage. Eight men and women of various ages competed for limited floor space, all of them well dressed in the style Cassandra used in her clothes. The newcomers chatted as they unpacked.

“Hello, we’re,” Dana began, but no one noticed her. “Hi there, we’re…excuse me, we need to see Cassandra.” Still no response. “Customers!”

That stopped their conversations and brought Cassandra running from the back of the store. She pushed aside three men and a woman to reach Dana. “You again? And you brought a new man with you.”

“He needs your help for tonight,” Dana told her.

Cassandra’s two granddaughters caught up with her, took one look at Prince Onus and burst out giggling. Cassandra shushed them before turning a critical eye on the prince. “My, my, you bear a burden that would break most men like a twig. Green suits you, add some silver, nothing too ostentatious and we’re there. Give me a minute to get my relatives out of the way. Sissy, Meryl, get the girl’s hair prettied up.”

“Wait, what?” Dana asked.

“Don’t question grandma when she’s being nice,” one of the girls told Dana. “It doesn’t happen often.”

Cassandra didn’t need long to get a fantastic outfit for Prince Onus, with a green silk shirt and pants, and a darker green coat with silvery highlights. She added a dark green cape, blue boots and blue gloves with just a hint of silver.

“It’s impressive,” Prince Onus said as he tried on the coat. “The gloves are made of much thicker material.”

“You’re a man who works with your hands,” Cassandra said as she pressed a silver ribbon against his sleeve. Tossing it aside for another, she added, “I sewed steel plates into the knuckles. The way things are going around here you’ll need them.”

“Who are these people?” Dana asked as Cassandra’s granddaughters trimmed and styled her hair.

“Kinfolk pushed out of their homes,” Cassandra said. She sewed the ribbon into the sleeve so it formed a line running from his wrist to elbow. “They were evacuated ahead of the Meadowland army. Now I have to take them in. A pity they didn’t bring money to cover their expenses.”

An older man pulled at his hair. “It’s not my fault my sheep were confiscated to feed the army! All I got was this stupid claim ticket!”

“I’m so sorry,” Dana told him. It hurt to see her homeland making everyone miserable.

“Don’t be sorry, just pay,” Cassandra told her.

Prince Onus paid Cassandra and tipped generously, earning a smile from the old woman and giggles from her granddaughters. They left to find the secret agents waiting on the street. One took a look at the prince’s new clothes and nodded in approval. He did, however, say, “For your own sake, please don’t tell people you got it here. You’d never live it down, sir.”

* * * * *

“So, how do I look,” Dana asked. She put on the silver and ruby necklace she’d gotten from Braston’s chest. It worked perfectly with her dress.

“You’re ready to turn heads and break hearts,” Jayden told her. It was early in the evening, and both of them were in their room wearing Cassandra’s clothing. Dana felt giddy at having such a pretty dress, the best she’d ever seen, much less owned.

Dana laughed. “Me? What about you? You already have to beat girls off with a stick.”

“There may be some of that tonight.” Jayden checked himself in a mirror and nodded. “It’s impractical for traveling through the wilderness, but it will do. I’ve told the hotel manager we’ll be gone for the evening, and Stanley is on duty to make sure no one is tempted to steal our belongings while we’re out.”

Stanley floated across the room, only visible as dust in the air being pushed gently aside. He brushed against Dana and felt like a summer breeze. “It’s too bad we can’t take him with us. I think he’d like it.”

“I think he’d savagely assault anyone who insulted you,” Jayden replied. “A perfectly natural reaction I approve of, but society would not. While we’re on the topic of violence, let me make sure your sword isn’t visible on your back. Yes, quite nice.”

“I’m conflicted about bringing Chain Cutter,” she admitted. “It’s a party! I shouldn’t bring a sword, but Cassandra sounded like I’d need it.”

Jayden kissed her hand. “Dear Dana, you should always be armed.”

There was a knock at the door. Dana opened it to find the hotel manager looking almost as giddy as she felt. “Sir, madam, it honors my establishment to have royalty visit us again. Prince Onus of Kaleoth asks for your presence at the door.”

“Let’s not keep him waiting,” Jayden said.

They found the hotel abuzz with excitement as guests stared and whispered. Prince Onus had arrived in Cassandra’s suit, and he looked amazing. Dana was at a loss for words until Jayden took her arm and led her to the prince.

“So good to see you again,” Jayden said. “Ah, I see you brought a carriage.”

“Hired for the night, and charging by the hour,” he told them.

“Then let’s not run up the bill.”

Dana followed Jayden outside to find a black carriage pulled by white mares. This night felt like a dream. She was a mayor’s daughter back home before the war started, but her family had never been rich. Now she was dressed like a queen and escorting a prince. It made up for a lot of the madness she’d been through.

The carriage rode through the city for a short time before stopping in front of the castle. The building was massive, with tall walls expertly carved with dragons and eagles, towers that flew gold and red banners, and surrounded by beautiful flowers. Gates were open to admit a long line of men and women dressed like they were wealthy beyond imagination. Dana, Jayden and Prince Onus exited and went to an attendant dressed in red by the gate. The man looked mildly annoyed before whispering to Prince Onus.

“This looks bad,” Dana whispered to Jayden.

“There seems to be some dispute over whether we’re going to be allowed entry,” Jayden said casually. “It’s annoying the prince.”

“No,” Prince Onus said firmly. “In the short time I’ve been here I saw a malevolent spirit attack innocent people, a being only killed with great difficulty. Your best men were unable to defeat it while they could.”

“Sir,” the attendant began.

Prince Onus was having none of it. “Your people have been relentlessly demanding I be protected, but when I bring individuals who risked their lives for my kingdom you object. Fine. If I’m not allowed to bring them as guards, I wish to bring them as my guests. Other men brought wives, children, mistresses!”

Dana had some pity for the attendant. He was a snob, but he had orders from people who could punish him. Dana and Jayden were dangerous enough to hurt or kill a lot of important people, so letting them in was risky. She didn’t like him, but she understood his position.

“If you’ll excuse me.” The attendant left and whispered into the ear of a man dressed in silks and furs. The man glanced at Dana and Jayden before whispering back. The attendant returned and said, “My superiors have agreed to allow them entrance, provided they remain well away from the king’s table.”

Prince Onus looked like he had a harsh response ready, but Jayden said, “We are humbled by your generosity in such trying times, and will speak well of you to others. If you would be so kind as to direct us to our seats?”

“This way, please.”

Dana tried desperately to keep from gasping in awe as she, Jayden and Prince Onus were led into the ballroom. Silk banners hung between marble pillars holding up the vaulted ceiling. The marble floor was polished until it reflected like a mirror. Magnificently scented flowers with blooms as big as apples grew in intricately carved marble urns. Tables were set along the edges of the room, most for guests while some held silver trays heavy with mouthwatering food.

The guests were nearly as inspiring as the room. Men and women wore the most beautiful clothes, and jewelry worth a fortune. Silks and furs, gold and rubies, it was a king’s ransom in treasures. Over half the guests had brightly colored birds perched on their shoulders, with padded shoulder guards for the birds to grip onto. Most guests were seated and spoke in stiff, formal tones, but a few danced to the tune of twenty musicians, some playing instruments Dana had never seen before. Light was provided by silver chandeliers hanging from the ceiling burning white candles.

“Oh wow,” she said. “It’s like being in heaven.”

“The hereafter is far more beautiful than this,” Jayden replied. “It’s also a good deal friendlier.”

Their seats were at the very corner of the room. Dana saw waiters whisper to one another and direct guests away from them.

“Must we be treated with disrespect at every turn?” Prince Onus said bitterly.

“I kind of prefer it this way,” Dana told him. “I don’t have anything in common with rich people. If we spoke, I’m worried I’d embarrass myself and you.”

“Kaleoth had poor relations with Bascal before the war,” Prince Onus said. “We didn’t fight, but they made it clear we were beneath them. There wasn’t much trade between us, and our people were treated like bumpkins when they visited. Necessity makes us allies, but we’re not friends.”

“How did they used to get along with Meadowland?” Dana asked Jayden.

“Nearly as badly. Meadowland’s kings ruled uninterrupted for fifteen generations, far less than Rascan’s line. While Meadowland was much larger, militarily more powerful and had a stronger economy, Bascal’s leadership never thought much of their neighbor. At best they treated Meadowland like a large, angry dog that had to be treated gently.” Jayden beckoned to a waiter. “Wine.”

More guests entered the ballroom. Not all wore equally beautiful clothes and jewelry, and those with simpler appearances were seated in the ballroom’s corners. Dana saw a young man and woman with black hair and less expensive garments seated at the next table over. They were at most two years older than she was, and Dana was surprised they came without parents or relatives. Jayden smiled at them, but the pair looked away.

“Charming,” Jayden said. “I don’t expect much for myself, but surely a prince deserves a warmer reception.”

“I’d rather she didn’t,” Prince Onus replied.

“Sister or girlfriend?” Jayden asked.

“They don’t look related,” Dana said. Her gaze wandered across the ballroom, and met many eyes along the way. “People are staring at us.”

“I imagine they don’t get many foreigners at these events,” Jayden told her.

Prince Onus looked away. “There’s another reason for them staring. It’s mostly women watching us.”

“I’m sure they wouldn’t do anything silly at a ball,” she assured him. He gave her a look that said otherwise. “Really? In front of all these noblemen?”

“They will try to be discreet,” he said.

An attendant rang a bell and called out, “Announcing Princess Estell.”

Just then a young woman wearing the most beautiful dress entered the ballroom. Her blond hair trailed down her back and included silver jewelry, her yellow and red dress had jewels sewn into it, and she carried a scepter made of gold and rubies. Men and women across the ballroom rose to their feet when she appeared, and many hurried over to her.

“That’s the crown princess,” Prince Onus explained. “She’s next in line for the throne until Rascan fathers a male heir.”

The couple at the next table separated, much to the girl’s distress. The young man whispered to her before kissing her hand and joining the growing mob around Princess Estell. The girl sat down with such a long face it made Dana hurt along with her. She told Jayden, “Girlfriend, and he should know better than to treat her like that.”

Jayden glared at the young man trying to speak with the princess, an impossible act when so many others were trying to do the same. Jayden’s voice was barely above a whisper, but held a level of scorn he normally reserved for the worst villains. “I’m familiar with his kind. Young, ambitious, untested and desperate for a chance at glory. He’s asking for an army commission or other unearned position. The poor girl will be lucky to see him again before the night is over while he fawns over his betters.”

“I’ve seen that during my stay here,” Prince Onus said. “It surprises me you recognize this behavior. I thought you had little to do with royalty.”

Oops. Dana worried that might give away secrets Jayden didn’t want revealed. Jayden showed no such concern.

“Begging for political or military office happens at all levels of Meadowland society. It’s repulsive how far men will debase themselves in the name of career advancement. Those promoted based off their ability to ingratiate themselves to those in authority inevitably use that power for self-enrichment at the expense of those beneath them, or prove themselves so incompetent that they destroy what they asked for. The only exception is for positions few want.”

Worried, Prince Onus asked, “This is common?”

“Be grateful Kaleoth does a better job promoting men to positions of authority,” Jayden said. “It may give you an edge in the war.”

“Hold on, my dad inherited his job as mayor,” Dana protested. “He didn’t beg for it or buy it.”

Their conversation ended briefly when waiters brought plates, eating utensils and trays of food to their table. A waiter also slipped a note to Jayden before leaving.

“I meant no disrespect,” Jayden began. “Your father is an upstanding man. He is, however, responsible for a town far beneath his capabilities. North Lights is a small town on the edge of the kingdom, sparsely populated and producing little income. There is no opportunity for graft or bribe taking, only the burden of guiding and protecting it. In such cases leadership passes from father to son. Were your home town more prosperous there would be many men seeking to claim his job.”

Prince Onus gestured to the trays and said, “Ladies first.”