I wasn't sure what I'd done to deserve this ambush, but as we stepped into the bright sunlight outside the palace, I found myself, for the first time in days, taking a full breath.
My captors—guides?—had clearly planned this operation with military precision. Rose had somehow acquired a detailed map of the cultural district surrounding the palace, complete with annotations about the best local attractions. Seraphina, ever practical, had arranged for transportation. Rachel had secured permission for us to leave the palace grounds, which was no small feat given the current tensions. And Cecilia had—well, Cecilia had that dangerous gleam in her eye that suggested she'd happily incinerate anyone who tried to interrupt our outing.
"You need to relax," Rachel said, linking her arm through mine as we boarded the sleek hover-tram that would take us to the island's main marketplace. "You've been wound so tight I'm surprised you haven't snapped."
"I've been busy," I protested weakly.
