This is all wrong, Dayvian thought. He was accustomed to the visitors who typically crossed the Demion court; soldiers, cooks, porters, priests, advisors, and occasionally a flock of courtesans passing through the courtyard like bright flowers in a wind. Now it was all armed or dark-robed men. Not a single bright color to be seen, even from the copious windows that dotted the elegant palace overlooking the courtyard. The soldiers all clattered around in full armor, which was not unusual, but their eyes flicked about the courtyard, far more alertly than Dayvian remembered.
"Could it be you're noticing them more because you know there's a reason for them to be on alert? You might just be more aware of it at this point," Yeolani suggested silently.
"No," Dayvian replied. "There are no women
