“Prince’s got us doing double patrols again,” one had grumbled into his ale. “Ever since the wedding announcement, he’s been paranoid as hell.”
“Can you blame him?” another had replied. “With the king gone, he’s got to handle everything himself. That’s a lot of pressure for someone so young.”
“King’s been gone for eighteen years,” the first soldier had said. “The Prince was practically raised by the council. He’s doing fine, he’s used to it.”
“Is he though?” a third voice had added quietly. “My cousin works in the castle kitchens. Says the prince has been acting strange lately. Talking to himself, giving contradictory orders.”
The second bar had been more upscale, frequented by merchants and minor nobles. Irene had charmed her way into a conversation with a group of wealthy traders who
