Nikolai sheathed his sword at his hip and slung a pack over his shoulder. He carried only a few changes of clothes, some spare provisions for the road, and his poetry journal.

Mischa and Yuri were handling his armor, which had been provided by the servant of Sir Arlov. Danitza was supposed to find at least two horses, one for him to ride, and the other to carry their belongings.

Nikolai ducked out of his bedroom and crept down the stairs, listening intently for his mother. Hopefully she'd left for the palace already, but there was a small chance that she was still at home.

At least Volya is gone, Nikolai thought. And he won't be riding with the rest of the Knights. No, his brother would be riding with the King, Queen, and General Nikita, as was the right of the Captain of the Guard.

Nikolai reached the front door without issue and reached for the latch. Someone cleared their throat behind him and he froze. "Where do you think you're going?" Maria asked. "And don't you dare lie to me again, Nikolai Yensev. I know you aren't going to Herodion."

Nikolai looked back over his shoulder. "How did you know I was lying?"

"You refused to look at me as you spoke." Maria came closer and rested a hand on his shoulder. "I know you well, my Son. What are you planning?"

"I'm going to make a difference in Nastasia's life while I still can. I've entered the tournament, posing as Alyosha Arlov."

"How are you going to make a difference? What will this solve? Do you know what will happen to you if you're discovered?"

"Yes, I'm aware," Nikolai snapped. Maria narrowed her eyes and he looked away. "I'm going to keep an eye on the other contestants. I know there will be men who view Nasi as a means to an end. I just want to make sure that those men don't make it to the final competition when we return to Nyctoli."

Maria sighed and shook her head. "I won't tell you how foolish I think this is. You already know. I suppose I can't prevent you from going without getting you and the real Sir Arlov into trouble. Just...be careful. Remember that Volya and Alyosha became guards around the same time. Your brother considers him a friend."

Nikolai met her gaze once more. Gently, Maria lifted a hand to his cheek. "And Sir Arlov does not have scars on his back. Scars that match your brother's."

"I know," Nikolai answered. "I'll be careful, Mother, and don't worry. I'm not going alone."

"You roped Mischa and Yuri into this?"

"A Mage as well, but it was their idea."

"What are they going to say when Volya asks why they've come? You know he will."

Nikolai rubbed the back of his neck with a grimace. "They've already come up with a story. They're going to claim that they wanted to make some extra money and I, or Sir Arlov, offered to pay them for their services. Their employers think they went back to Herodion for the summer and autumn harvests, like I initially told you."

Maria shook her head once more and pulled him into a tight embrace. "Be safe. I love you."

"I love you too. Will you..." He hesitated.

"Keep an eye on Nastasia?" Maria guessed. "If it proves necessary."

"What do you mean?"

"The two of you are even more alike than you think," she said, though it didn't answer his question. Maria nudged him towards the door. "Now go. You don't want to be late." Nikolai nodded and dashed out the door.

•༻᯽༺•

Nastasia remained still while Alexei situated a cowl over her head. She was already clothed in a servant's dress and had two extras packed away in a saddlebag. She'd bought them from one of her own maids, who had been sworn to secrecy with the use of a pair of diamond earrings in addition to the money.

"I'll cover for you as long as I can, but it's only a matter of time until people figure out you're gone," Alexei said, his voice terse and mouth curved in a frown.

"I know." Nastasia wrung her hands and shifted her weight from one foot to the other. "Hopefully by the time news reaches Mother and Father, the tournament will be well underway. They won't risk alarming everyone by calling it off or demanding we return to Nyctoli. They'll try to quietly order searches for me so they don't raise suspicions."

"I hope you're right." Alexei stepped back and looked her over. "I think you're ready. Be careful and don't take any stupid risks. If I'm being honest, I'd rather help plan your wedding than your funeral."

Nastasia hugged him tightly. "I'd rather not do either."

Alexei broke away from her first. He bobbed his head and slipped out the door, leaving her to escape her room through the secret passageway. Nastasia hurried through the corridor on silent feet, aware of the echoing voices from the main halls of the palace. At last, she reached an exit close to the stables. Nastasia flitted outside and joined a group of servants who were already mounting horses.

"Hello, Girl. Are you ready to go?" Nastasia murmured as she reached Moxie.

She fitted her foot in the stirrup and hauled herself into the saddle. Moxie shifted beneath her as Nastasia seated herself. She double checked the buckles on her saddlebacks and the leather pack that held her armor, ensuring they were closed. Her sword was wrapped up in a thick cloak and strapped just behind the saddle, where it would remain hidden until she needed it.

When Nastasia was settled, she let her gaze sweep over the gathering. Dozens of Knights were grouped together with their assistants as they made their final preparations for the journey. Three carriages waited beyond them.

Her parents would ride in one while Volya and General Nikita flanked them on horseback. The other two carriages were for Master Galina, the four Ambassadors, and their assistants. No other members of the court would be joining them.

Nastasia stiffened as her gaze landed on two familiar men standing on the outskirts of the crowd. Mischa Balakin was buckling a few large bundles onto the back of a horse while Yuri Novikov spoke to an unfamiliar, but stunningly beautiful woman. The woman was dressed in an oddly plain violet gown with wrist-length sleeves and a high collar that reached just below her jaw.

Why are they here? Nastasia wondered. Surely they aren't Volya's aides. Nikolai said he doesn't like them, and he already has men to help him. And who is the woman?

There was no time to seek answers to her questions. The palace doors opened and King Gavriil and Queen Serafima emerged, followed closely by Volya, General Nikita, Master Galina, and the four Ambassadors.

The King and Queen halted in front of their carriage and faced the group. A smile brightened her father's features, though Nastasia could tell it was forced. "Gentlemen, Ladies," Gavriil began, waving his hand towards the crowd, "today is the day. We leave for the other kingdoms of Damir, where our brave Knights will compete in different tournaments for the hand of Princess Nastasia."

"We all know that tensions are high right now, so when we arrive in the other kingdoms, respect the rules you are asked to follow. Your Queen and I will do the same. Knights, you will answer to General Nikita during our travels. He will oversee your accommodations and prepare you for each tournament."

"If you have questions or concerns about something that you feel need to be addressed with a higher authority, take them to Master Galina. She will report them to me, or to whomever they might concern."

Gavriil turned to Serafima and slightly inclined his head. The Queen smiled. "On behalf of the Princess, I thank you all for joining us." Nastasia gritted her teeth against a scoff. "She is comforted by the thought of so many brave men who are willing to do their duty, just as she is. I hope she will find her equal among you."

"Well said, my Queen," Gavriil cut in. Serafima shot him a dark look which he ignored. "Now, let's be off!" The Knights burst into cheers and applause while the King and Queen stepped into their carriage.

Nastasia took Moxie's reins in her hands while the group prepared to set off. Once more, her gaze landed on Mischa and Yuri. A third young man had joined them.

He was as tall as Nikolai, though not as powerfully built. His wavy brown hair hung loose down to his stubbled jaw. Deep brown eyes, nearly black even in the sunlight, glittered against the golden tan of his face.

She placed his name in a heartbeat. Nastasia knit her brows. Alyosha Arlov? I thought he wasn't coming. The Knight swung onto his black stallion with practiced ease and laughed at something Yuri said.

Nastasia started, confusion stabbing through her. I thought Nikolai said he was going to Herodion with Mischa and Yuri. If they're here and he's not...he lied to me. Why would he lie to me?

Confusion gave way to a strange ache within her chest. He must've had a good reason, Nastasia told herself. I'll figure this out later. I've got enough going on already without worrying about Nikolai's secrets. Besides, this isn't the first one he's kept from me.

She pushed her musings aside as the servants set out behind the Knights. People had gathered alongside Dimesa's streets to watch them go. Nervousness churned in the pit of Nastasia's stomach at the sight of so many people. She forced herself to sit straighter and focused on Moxie's steady movements as they walked.

The people's cheers grew louder and the Knights waved in response. A few ladies tossed handkerchiefs at the hooves of the Knights' mounts. Others blew kisses, and many more called encouragement.

Nastasia smiled to herself when she caught a glimpse of Yuri waving at a few of the young men spread throughout the crowd. Some of them blushed while others rolled their eyes and disappeared.

Maybe I could ask him or Mischa what Nikolai is up to, she thought. No, I won't be able to question them without raising their suspicions.

She squared her shoulders, resolved to keep thoughts of Nikolai and whatever he was doing out of her mind. Yet as the city gave way to open road, Nastasia found that not even the hum of voices around her was enough to keep her mind occupied.