In Mytica, the carriages were enclosed, with small windows, sturdy doors, and large wooden wheels designed for long journeys over icy, rocky roads. In Kraeshia, the carriages had more of a canopy design, shaded yet open to the sun. The wheels were impossibly delicate and slender, and the body was carved from pale white wood trimmed in precious metals.
Felix leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes, relishing in the warm rays on his face. Several horses with pure-white coats and fragrant flowers braided into their manes and tails pulled the carriage away from the docks, and the driver began to navigate the smooth, winding roads of the Jewel. Kraeshia was so colorful, its buildings and shops and taverns so different from what Felix was used to.
Soon Felix realized that the Jewel boasted so much more than riches. It was perfection itself. Every detail, every nook, every thoughtful inch of the city was flawless, like a pained-over detail in a painting or a sculpture. The windows sparkled. The streets shone. The sky held not a single cloud.
“Beautiful,” Felix murmured.
“Yes, it is, isn’t it?” responded Amara, and Felix was surprised he’d accidentally caught her attention. “My father has made physical beauty a priority in Kraeshia—especially here in the Jewel itself. He believes that beauty is power.”
“What happens when something ugly pops up?” Felix asked.
Her expression grew thoughtful. “I can’t think of anything here that could be described that way.”
“Well, now that Milo’s here, I suppose your streak is ruined.”
Felix had successfully managed to summon the edge of a true smile from the princess, but with the king and Milo so close to overhearing, he knew when it was time to shut up.
The carriage passed its reflection in a gigantic, domed silver building, which Amara described as the Jewel’s main temple. Felix didn’t know much about Kraeshian religion, but he was certain they didn’t pray to either Valoria or Cleiona.
Silence fell in the carriage for several long moments, until Amara finally spoke.
“Forgive me, King Gaius, but I must ask, as I’ve been so deeply curious ever since I learned of your visit. What is it that you wish to speak to my father about? What urgent matter has brought you all this way?”
“I admire your candor as much as your curiosity, princess. But I’m afraid my business here is between me and the emperor. I’m sure you understand.”
“Come now. I’m sure you can give me just a little hint.”
The cordial smile remained fixed on the king’s lips. “Did you enjoy your visit to my kingdom, princess?”
Amara hesitated before conceding a reply to the abrupt shift in subject. “Very much so.”
“I was sorry to hear that you’d set sail before I had a chance to bid you farewell.”
“Yes, and I was likewise so unfortunate to miss the fleet of guards you’d sent to the villa to escort my brother and me back to your palace. My apologies for the rude departure, but it was time to go. I wouldn’t have wanted to outstay my welcome in your kingdom.”
On the surface, this was just a polite conversation between two royals, but Felix could have sworn he heard something darker, something entirely other than friendly, in their tone.
“What a pity,” the king said. “I sent the guards because I’d managed to arrange excellent new accommodations for you, right there at the palace.”
“How incredibly thoughtful.”
The king watched her, his smile growing wider and his dark eyes glittering with interest. “You disappoint me, princess. The famous Kraeshian bluntness is usually not so difficult to elicit. Are we really going to play this game?”
“I only indulge in games when I know I’m going to win.”
“And your brother, Prince Ashur? Does he play games as well as you do?”
“Not nearly as well, I’m afraid.”
“Has he also left Mytica and returned home?”
Felix studied Amara’s face, but found her expression impossible to read.
“Not yet,” she replied simply.
The king went silent for a long moment as the carriage proceeded on toward the palace. “Perhaps one day you’ll wish to speak your true thoughts to me rather than hold them back.”
“I’m not sure you’d enjoy that day very much, King Gaius.”