15
The day after Tarkyn’s meeting with the King, the gate to Batian House opened again and the family coach, driven by Leon, rolled out, headed for the Royal Palace in Highkington. It was accompanied by a small company of the King’s Guard which had been provided to ensure Sasha’s safety in the absence of her parents and the arms master.
Inside, Sasha, wearing a teal blue gown trimmed in pale orange, sat opposite Jayhan, who was wearing his best breeches and jacket. Neither of them looked at ease.
Sasha pushed back an unruly stand of hair and sighed. “I know I need to go to the palace and learn all this etiquette stuff, but I really don’t want to.”
“Huh! You reckon you’ve got problems. Everyone’s going to stare at my eyes.”
Sasha laughed, not unkindly. “No, they’re not. You and your ey
