Page 91 of The Sundered Realms

“Of course that’s why.”

Vhannor rolled his eyes and explained wryly to Liris, “Tellianghu spends lavishly on every aspect of the ball’s presentation, and the entrance is no exception. We’re also going through the front because I think you’ll enjoy it.”

Liris smiled. “That sounds efficient to me.”

Shry snorted.

In fact Liris wished it were more efficient, because it was hard to have a conversation while flying, so Liris just had time to fret about what was come.

Whether her training from Serenthuar would serve her at one of the most notorious diplomatic events in the Sundered Realms.

Whether she’d be overwhelmed.

Whether she’d be able to add anything after all.

This was an especially fruitless exercise because she couldn’t prepare for how people would react to her.

Finally they reached the Gate to cross into Tellianghu from Akit, circled by an intricately carved wooden trellis grown all around with blooming summer flowers.

It wasn’t summer in Akit or Tellianghu, nor were these flowers native to either. The massive expense involved in magically growing them set Liris’ teeth on edge with the demonstrably wasteful luxury.

Directly in front of the Gate was an inn without any sleeping quarters, specifically constructed to give guests a chance to wash, dress, and otherwise prepare for the ball.

“Stupid, to have a business so close to a Gate,” Shry muttered as they shared a changing room, dressing as swiftly as possible. She was now on edge because the staff had separated them. They only allowed two to a room to manage the complicated plumbing capacity of their inn’s spells, so Vhannor had gone off on his own and left Shry to guard Liris.

Shry’s observation at least helped Liris feel a little less like a dependent.

“Tellianghu owns the inn,” Liris explained. “Actually, they own a big chunk of land right around here. Akit allows it because the revenue from travelers making the journey to the ball every year brings them so much income.”

Shry made a disgusted sound. “That’s more stupid.”

Rattling off details like this settled Liris’ nerves. She knew what she was doing. Absolutely.

“Well, consider that the inn also generously stores ball-goers’ belongings while they’re away. Vhannor put elaborate spell defenses on ours, but—“

“Anyone who doesn’t has their private belongings rifled through by foreign spies for political gain. Tellianghu shares that with Akit?”

“The arrangement is that Akit has to approve any spells Tellianghu uses within this realm, so Akit then sets up their own to spy on the spies,” Liris answered, repacking their clothes to resist all such efforts. “In theory, they’ll know if Tellianghu lies to them—it’s the main source of political negotiation between the two.”

Shry scowled as she fastened boots that fit her like a second skin. “I’m not convinced that makes it less stupid, but it definitely doesn’t make me think any better of either of them. Is that agreement common knowledge?”

“In diplomatic circles, yes. Realms that don’t know the specifics can make some reasonable inferences. There’s a locking spell tournament at the University of Embhullor every year a few months before the ball, did you know?”

Shry looked at her sharply. “So there is. Sad you missed it?”

Liris smiled. “A little, but Vhannor showed me the entries. I could get through most of them without any trouble.”

“And the rest with only a little trouble?” Shry grinned. “It probably wouldn’t be fair for you to enter every year, but do it at least once so I can enjoy the confusion of everyone who’s never met you.”

It was... nice, to know someone recognized her skill, though the feeling of being appreciated was still so novel to Liris that she wasn’t sure what to do with it.

She sniffed. “If they can’t beat me every year, they don’t deserve to win. Maybe if I’m the champion enough times the tournament will become known for me.”

Maybe someday Serenthuar would recognize her and regret her loss.

Liris shook her head at her own thoughts before reaching behind her neck to do the top buttons. Now that was a useless line of thought.

“How did you get into that without needing help?” Shry demanded.

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