Then the nobles saw Mina and a noise like busy sparrows twittering and parrots riotously squawking swept across the balconies.
‘Oh Creator! What is she wearing? That’s not …’
‘What is she? A story teller? A player?’
‘Perhaps she’s confused?’
False, high laughter rang out. A murmuring began amongst the artisans now too.
‘Quickly, to our seats,’ Mama Tina urged, turning back from a whispered conversation with a steward, her face set in a half smile and her voice grim. ‘The king and queen are on their way.’
‘Players over here.’ The steward gestured to the left. Dario stood out, tall as ever, waving his arms to attract their attention.
The women had just slipped into place amongst the men of their troupe when there was a loud thump. Dario took Mina’s elbow as she looked around, searchin
