CaleAidan Vanta offered me a smile that settled crookedly across his mouth, part apology and part private amusement.It was the sort of expression that usually preceded structural damage.I let the silence stretch and studied him, fighting the sudden inclination to kick him out. He sat back in his chair, hands folded in his lap like he was attending afternoon tea — which, now that I noticed it, he absolutely was. Afternoon light caught the silver threads in his cuffs. He looked composed.Patient.Dangerously patient.The kind of patient that told me something was coming."Aidan," I said at last, my voice slow and even, "why are you actually here? You could have sent a message if this was about politics. Or the Priest. Or whatever quiet catastrophe is brewing this week. You don't cross half the city to stand in my grandmother's sitting room unless there's a reason."He inclined his head, conceding the point."Because I need to ask you for a favor," he said. "And it will not be a small one."I straightened in my chair. At least we were getting to it."Why do I have the distinct feeling," I asked, narrowing my eyes at him, "that I'm about to regret hearing this?"His shoulders rose in a mild shrug. "That's what happens when you become a living legend at eighteen. You accumulate experience faster than most men twice your age."He was buttering me up."What are you on about, Captain Vanta?"Aidan drew in a breath, pausing just long enough to exchange a look with Marina. That look told me she already knew."The Imperial family, they..." He corrected himself smoothly. "I need you to accompany Princess Talena to the Five Seat Martial Tournament Grand Gala."For a heartbeat, the words hovered between us without meaning.Then they hit like a siege spell."You want me to escort Princess Talena to the Ascendant Ball," I said, my (...)