May 11
The city was alive with colour. Flags snapped and popped, streamers danced and waved, and the finest of the drab clothing most of the city’s subjects possessed got the opportunity to see daylight as their owners strutted and pranced in the streets. Queen Olivia’s birthday—a weeklong event marked by decorations, street dances, and games that culminated in a ball at the castle—was in full swing and Emmett had been granted leave to take Aleyn to the festivities. It was a leave suggested by the queen herself. And though Andrewe had been incensed, Emmett had been quick to accept the offer. After all, Aleyn deserved a day away to play. Emmett could deal with Andrewe’s wrath later.
“Emmett, look!” Aleyn laughed. “Puppets!”
Emmett allowed himself to be dragged towards the display, droppe
