Day 14. Council says formal dinner.
Mara says I have to attend because suitors are still here and Council says if I hide in castle they will say I am unstable and pick husband for me.
"You have to be seen being polite," she says, holding up dress she made. Not black. Deep green, like forest, soft, long sleeves.
"I don't want to be polite to ten men who think I am war to avoid," I say.
"Be polite like wolf polite," she says. "Show teeth but don't bite until needed."
Green dress fits perfect. She braided silver thread into my hair, small moons.
Downstairs, Great Hall turned into dinner hall. Long table, candles, ten suitors in fancy suits, Council Elder Miriam at head, Caelan at other head, me in middle.
My seat is between Prince Cassian and Alpha Varric. Of course.
Cassian smiles wh
