But it’s not the vivid circle in the glittering sky that captures my attention; it’s the guards at the front gate running to place themselves into formation. I poke my head further around the inner dividing wall to see what’s going on.

“The King!” a footman yells.

What? He’s here? Well, of course he’s here. But why is he here?

And then he comes into view. He first glances left, then right. A playful grin fastens itself to his lips when he notices me.

“You are a sight for sore eyes,” he exclaims.

I glimpse at my clothes—holes, dirt and all. “I don’t know whether to take you seriously or not, Majesty.”

“Where is your leader?”

I point to the closed door behind me. “In there.”

“I shall speak with him, and when I’m finished, I think I’ll enjoy a walk through the city.”

Curtsying, I reply, “Of course, Majesty.”

He brushes past me, disappearing past the door. Soon, Mama emerges. Her face is filled with the utmost confusion.

“Andy, what’s going on?” she asks, staring back toward the building.

“Um, that was King Zarek. Don’t ask me why he’s here.”

Mama scoffs. “He kicked me out like a dog.”

“Don’t feel bad. We’re all dogs to him.” Then I say, “I just hope he’s here to help.”

“Me too.”

Mama and I decide to walk to the housing area since we have no idea how long the conversation between Lazar and King Zarek will take. Mattie sits alone on the couch, in the dark.

“Oh, forgive me. I forgot to light some candles before the meeting,” Mama says. She finds her way to the kitchen, where the moonlight streams through the grimy window.

“Is Andy leaving?” Mattie asks.

I take a seat, pulling him into my arms. “I don’t know yet. The King is here. We won’t know his decision for a little while longer.”

He whimpers. “I don’t want you to go.”

“Andrina will do as the King asks. Isn’t that right?” Mama nods at me for my response.

“Of course,” I murmur. If I don’t, I’ll be the disappointment of Legora.

For dinner, we third a chicken breast and tomato. I’ve completely lost my appetite. Maybe it’s due to stress or maybe it’s because the food here isn’t as grand as the meals in Valyad. With as much luxuries as I had there, I should be full until the end of the year. I’m being selfish, I know, so I slide my plate across the table to Mattie.

“But—”

“No, Mattie. You eat it. I’m not hungry.”

His downcast expression is enough to break my heart, but he finally takes the plate and dumps its contents onto his.

“I guess our food isn’t good enough for you anymore. That’s one reason you should enjoy going back, if not for the entertainment,” Mama says.

“Entertainment? I don’t understand what you’re getting at.”

“Don’t play me for a fool, Andrina. I know the King holds over-the-top gatherings and feasts fit for someone of his status. Don’t tell me you didn’t attend anything of the sort.”

“I did. But it wasn’t because I wanted to. It’s because I had no choice.”

Mama chews another bite of chicken before standing from the table.

“And I might not have to go back if they can work things out tonight. That means we can stay here. You should be excited,” I add.

“I would’ve been more excited had my daughter returned with the supplies this town needs.”

“Is that it? You’re upset because I didn’t win the King’s favor? What would you have had me do? Flaunt myself? Act like a fool?”

“Now you’re just being silly.”

“No, tell me, Mama. Tell me what I can do to make this better. Yes, I failed. Should I immediately call a town meeting and announce it to Legora? Would that help?”

Mama’s lips squeeze into a tight line. “I just think you could’ve done better.”

“Well, I’m sorry that I’m such a letdown. I’ll go wait outside the town hall and kiss the King’s feet, praying that the stars will grant me one wish—to return to Valyad. Excuse me.” I slip out of my chair, not bothering to look at Mama or Mattie. If I have to do what it takes for this town, then I will. As long as they don’t hate me for the rest of my life.

Before I reach the bottom of the hill, Malik catches up with me.

“I heard the King is speaking with Lazar,” he says.

“He is.”

“Is that where you’re going?”

“Yes.”

I don’t owe him an explanation, do I? He was the one who dragged me around town earlier, wanting me to leave again. Whatever happened to a nice hello, or maybe a hug?

He tugs at my arm, stopping me. “Look, I’m sorry. My family is scared. They don’t want to trek through the desert again. And I know your family doesn’t either. You know how hard it was before.”

“Yeah. I know.”

“I keep asking myself what would happen if we moved on to Halgan. Would it be any better there? Probably not. My family and I want to find a place to permanently settle.”

“I don’t know what to tell you or anybody else. If you think you can convince King Zarek, then be my guest.” I motion toward the inner city. “If not, stop blaming me for something I tried to fix.”

There’s nothing else I want to say to him. Everyone’s against me. Only I can make this better. He’s just slowing me down.

And it seems I’ve made it in time. King Zarek exits the town hall just as I show up.

“Ah, Andrina. How about that walk you owe me?” he asks.

I shrug. “Sure, I guess.”

We stroll around the perimeter of Legora’s central city. For a long time neither of us speak. King Zarek makes one comment about how his dome seems to be working well at keeping out nighttime creatures. But that’s the extent of it.

“I don’t mean to be audacious, but did you and Lazar work out a deal? This town is kind of depending on me to change your mind.”

King Zarek smiles. “You are courageous, but that’s what I like about you. My power has no influence in your eyes. Most people would rather lose their nerve than lose their head.”

“By now you’ve learned I’m not like most people.”

“No, you aren’t. Which is why I have a proposal for you.” He halts, taking my hand in his.

“And what is that?” My throat tightens, in fear. I have no clue what he’s about to offer.

“I would like for you to come back to Valyad with me. Spend a few weeks there.”

“What good will it do?” I try to pull my hand away, but he’s persistent on holding it.

Mildly amused at my question, he replies, “We’ll discuss it more once you’re there and rested. But I’m leaving that decision up to you.”

Nothing can describe the thoughts racing through my mind. I glance at the outer wall, how the mortar is crumbling. I notice how clammy the palms of my hands have become. And the number of holes in my shirt? Seven.

“Andrina…”

I refocus on him.

“…you don’t have to think about this right now. Think about it tonight. It’s been arranged that I stay here until morning. You can confer your choice then.”

I make a noise that sounds like a mix between a nervous laugh and an over-the-top exhale. He hovers closer to my face than I like, and then plants a soft kiss on my cheek. When his back is turned, I try to remove the mark of his lips with my forearm. But it seems my skin has already soaked it up.