Acacia led him away from the crowd under a series of arches that led them to a large tree surrounded by benches. Its low branches brushed against Jasper's blond hair, and the young man realized he had left his cap on his sister's head.

"What did you want to talk to me about?" Acacia asked with an uncertain smile.

"I wanted to apologize first for the incident at the temple and assure you on my honor that I had nothing to do with it."

He placed a solemn hand on his chest to emphasize his words.

Surprised, Acacia made a dismissive gesture.

"Rest assured, I never believed it was you," she said. "I wouldn't be surprised if it were..."

She stopped herself, biting her lip.

"Yes?"

"No, forget it, I said nothing," she hurriedly added. "Was that the only thing you wanted to tell me?"

"Well, I was wondering if you could show me the stables. We barely talked about it yesterday, but I must confess I love horses, and..."

Jasper paused. Unexpectedly, Acacia had lowered her head. Avoiding eye contact, she crossed her arms behind her back.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to give you false hope, but that won't be possible."

"I don't understand," Jasper said, surprised. "Why wouldn't it be possible?"

Acacia became even more troubled.

"My mother has forbidd... I mean, the queen doesn't want... um, the queen deemed that visit unsuitable. I'm sorry."

She made a quick curtsey and grabbed her skirt with both hands, hurrying away. Jasper watched her leave with disappointment. Why would the queen forbid such a visit? Did the stables hold equipment or breeding secrets she wished to keep?

When Jasper rejoined the group of Dawnians in the palace's entrance hall, he was greeted by Lady Carnelian's furrowed brows. Her foot tapped in the rhythm of her discontent beneath her long black robe.

"Your Highness, I hope you do not assume your title places you above propriety. I expected better from you."

Jasper blushed like a child caught in the act.

"Absolutely not, aunt," he stammered. "I never assumed such a thing."

"Well, I hope not. I saw you wandering off alone with Princess Acacia. Your future wife's or your own reputation might not matter much to you, but I'm here to protect them. And I won't hesitate to pull your ears if you forget yourself."

It was unnecessary to say. Jasper was fully aware she wouldn't hesitate to drag him by the ear to Queen Orchid's throne room if his conduct displeased her. The image actually brought back a particularly unpleasant childhood memory.

"Yes, aunt, sorry, aunt, I'll remember, aunt," he grumbled reluctantly as he walked away.

Raising his head, he saw his sister standing on the stairs with steps of blue mosaic. She watched him approach, her face half-hidden behind her fan. When he reached her, she trotted alongside him.

"How scandalous your behavior was, my brother," she teased with a bit too much amusement.

"Please, don't start, too," he said, rolling his eyes.

"You'll excuse my lack of empathy, but I, too, had Aunt Carnelian's sermon. And that, without any misconduct on my part."

Seeing her brother didn't retort, she finally asked him:

"Well, aren't you going to tell me about your progress with Princess Acacia? I hope there has been some progress, otherwise your transgression will have been quite useless."

Jasper couldn't help but smile.

"Don't you think it's still a bit early for that? I'm still trying to figure out if she's well disposed towards me."

"Come on, how could it be otherwise? You're the epitome of the ideal son-in-law."

"As son-in-law, perhaps, but as a husband?"

"Great Dragon! You worry too much."

Indeed, he was well aware of that. But how could he not when peace depended on him? For a brief moment, very brief and immediately making him ashamed, he envied his sister, who would never understand the weight of responsibilities on his shoulders.

The afternoon was dedicated to touring the capital. Just like in the gardens, Willow and Acacia took the lead in showing them around. The four heirs were, of course, accompanied by a sturdy armed escort and their chaperones. Acacia seemed delighted to introduce her city to the guests. The first building they visited was the Grand Temple of the Wise Dragon Ruby, located just in front of the palace's enclosure, on the other side of an immense square pulsating with life despite the heat. Sitting under a large cedar, a storyteller had gathered a group around him. Passing by, Jasper caught snippets of legends that seemed older than the Ruby Dragon itself. Further on, wandering merchants offered pastries and glasses of tea to passersby.

Huge and circular, the Grand Temple had clearly served as a model for the construction of the palace's temple. That's what Prince Willow explained to them. Jasper discovered that the young man was tireless when it came to architecture or art. He cited sculptors' names and artistic movements unheard of among the Dawnians. To support his explanations, Willow led them down the main street that housed the official buildings and described the ornate facades in detail. His slender hands fluttered around him, pointing out points of interest or mimicking the poses of the statues. It was fascinating. However, Acacia eventually grew tired of her brother's explanation and took the lead.

"You'll see," she promised mysteriously.

She led them through narrow alleys between stone houses with wrought-iron balconies where a welcome coolness prevailed. Yet, Jasper heard disapproving murmurs from their escort.

"It's really narrow," Miss Agate, who followed Beryl everywhere like her shadow, worried.

"A veritable death trap, you mean," Lady Carnelian dryly added.

After a few minutes, a guard ran past them to stop Acacia.

"Your Highness, don't you think it's too dangerous to venture into these quarters of the city?"

"Of course not," Acacia said, shrugging. "And besides, you're here to defend us, aren't you? You have to justify your presence."

The guard stepped aside, sheepish. Jasper felt the need to intervene.

"Are you sure it's safe? Even if I can protect you, I'd rather not resort to violence. It would be a bad sign to your people. Did the queen approve this route?"

Acacia stared at him, lips pursed.

"The queen has better things to do than chart routes," she said haughtily. "It's my city, and I know it like the back of my hand. You can relax; I'm not completely reckless."

She didn't hear her brother's derisive snort, or perhaps she chose to ignore it. Annoyed, she put her hands on her hips.

"Fine, can we continue, or should we go back to the castle to take fewer risks?" she asked.

"Let's continue, please, I'm eager to see what you want to show us," Jaspe gallantly replied.

This statement seemed to satisfy her, and she continued. After passing through a vaulted passage, she suddenly announced:

"We're here."

They had emerged onto a small paved square in the center of which stood a stone well. Almost the entire square was covered by a pergola whose foliage was turning golden in this early autumn. A soft, very gentle light bathed the place. Two old men sitting on a bench waved friendly greetings to the princess.

Acacia turned to the rest of the group, her eyes shining with pride. Jaspe surveyed the place around him with curiosity. Where was the hidden gem for which Acacia had brought them here?

The rest of the group seemed to share his expectation because Acacia immediately became flustered.

"Ah... you were expecting something more grand, I suppose. I'm sorry; I wanted to show you a place that represents for me the essence of our kingdom and its people."

Jaspe was touched by her disappointment.

"On the contrary, it was a very good idea," he hastened to assure her. "And an excellent way to get to know you."

"I love this place!" Beryl exclaimed enthusiastically. "It's so calm and relaxing!"

Acacia's face immediately lit up.

"You really think so? It makes me so happy!"

Not being the cause of her reaction dismayed Jaspe, and he cursed himself for not being capable of the same naive spontaneity as his sister.

"How do you know this place?" Saule asked.

"I've been here a few times before," Acacia explained evasively.

"But... all alone?"

"Of course, there's no need to make a big deal out of it..."

After lingering enough in the area, they left the square through a narrow staircase with uneven steps, deformed by millions of feet. Miss Agate, whose boots might not have been suitable for all terrains, suddenly slipped and twisted her ankle with a sharp cry. Jaspe caught her just before she fell.

"Forgive me, Your Highness," she exclaimed, mortified.

She staggered as she straightened up too quickly and had to hold onto Jaspe's arm.

"Thank you," she whispered, burying her head.

She let her long brown curls veil her embarrassment and hurriedly moved away to join Beryl.

Before returning to the palace, Acacia insisted on taking them through the city's large covered market. The Dawnians were captivated by the stalls of beautiful colorful fabrics, the mountains of unknown spices filling the air with their fragrance, and finely carved jewelry. Everywhere there was shouting and calling out. The armed escort surrounded the group to separate them from the crowd. This time, Acacia didn't object. People stepped aside eagerly as they passed, offering warm greetings.

In the midst of all this crowd and after so much walking, Jasper was beginning to suffer. He wasn't used to such heat at this time of year. He discreetly removed his gloves and tucked them deep into his pocket.

"You're sweating," Acacia observed, tactlessly.

She critically surveyed the outfit he had carefully chosen that morning. The verdict came immediately.

"Your dawnian clothes are too warm," she declared. "I'll ask for more suitable attire for you. For your sister too. You'll feel more comfortable. And then you'll be a hit at tonight's reception!"

She laughed at the idea, and Jasper wasn't sure if he should feel flattered or offended. In doubt, he thanked her.

Indeed, a grand reception was scheduled for that evening. The queen had invited all the nobles and notables from the surrounding area to get to know the Dawnians. Jasper had been told there would be an informal ball. The young man had no idea what that might entail. The two terms seemed rather incompatible to him.

After their long walk through the streets of Iridièn, the Dawnians were offered the palace baths to freshen up. Preferring privacy, Jasper opted for a bath in his room. The new clothes Acacia had promised him had already been added to the large wardrobe. The palace servants were frighteningly efficient. Jasper examined them at length and admired their make before deciding to put them on. He slipped into a long pearl-gray tunic over deep red billowy pants. He examined himself in the mirror for a long time, disconcerted by this new appearance. He ran his hand over the golden-thread motifs that adorned his sleeves. The fabric was light and silky, not as restraining as his usual attire. Slipping on the soft leather shoes left him perplexed. Could one really walk without being encased up to the knees?

To force himself to make sure, there were sudden knocks on his door. Surprised, he went to open it and was even more surprised to find Princess Acacia on the threshold, looking like a conspirator.

"Can I come in?" she asked, casting nervous glances down the corridor.

Only the guards were stationed there. The captain of the guards had kept his promise, and a few Dawnians had come as reinforcement. This was beginning to make for a considerable audience to the scene. Nevertheless, they all stared straight ahead, making every effort to ignore what didn't concern them.

"It's not a good idea," Jaspe said, embarrassed. "If you're seen leaving here, it'll be much worse than if we're seen talking at the door."

Not knowing what to do with his hands, he planted his thumbs in his belt. Acacia's face briefly became serious.

"Yes, of course, you're right."

With a gesture, she asked him to move closer to her. Her eyes sparkled with excitement. Intrigued, Jaspe leaned in.

"You said you were interested in seeing the stables, right?" she whispered in his ear.

"Of course, but hasn't the queen forbidden it?"

"Yes... but if we hurry, we can go now. With the preparation for the reception, everyone is so busy that we can easily go unnoticed."

"You want to go there secretly?" Jaspe finally understood.

Acacia vigorously nodded.

"Even though your mother forbade it?"

She nodded again, evidently pleased that he understood the situation.

"But the reception starts soon, we might be late!"

Acacia waved away his argument.

"Don't worry, these kinds of evenings always take hours to start before everyone is there. Besides, it's going to be boring; we might as well miss the beginning. Are you coming?"

"I..."

Jaspe was in agony. Despite his desire, despite Acacia's delighted face turned towards him, he couldn't accept.

"I would love to, but we can't risk displeasing your mother. If we're caught, it's the entire peace process that could be jeopardized, it's..."

The princess's face immediately froze, as if a curtain had fallen on her emotions.

"I understand," she cut him off in a suddenly ceremonial tone. "You are right, Prince Jasper. I apologize for making such an improper proposal."

She bowed quickly and turned on her heels, a flurry of jet-black strands as she hurried away down the corridor.

"Wait," Jasper called after her. "If you want, we can... talk... uh... about horses..."

His voice trailed off; it was too late. Princess Acacia had splendidly ignored him.

As a precautionary measure, Jasper shot Irons and Sandon a stern look, just in case the two men, emboldened by their friendship, might allow themselves an inappropriate smile. He closed the door with all the dignity he could muster. Then he leaned heavily against the wooden panel and buried his head in his hands. That was what you called a resounding failure. He had only known her for a few days, and he had already managed to upset her. A real prince charming. However, his pride prevented him from wallowing for too long. How could she have suggested breaking the rules? Did she have no idea of their responsibilities or any sense of decency? His fist clenched in anger. If the two of them were caught sneaking around the palace walls alone in the middle of the night, it would undoubtedly cause a diplomatic incident.

Jasper straightened up and dipped his face into the basin of water to calm himself. It would have been ridiculous to get worked up over the first obstacle. His mother had warned them—love at first sight and immediate understanding didn't exist. All of that was acquired through constant effort. Throughout the evening, he would do his utmost to be pleasant to Acacia, and this trivial matter would soon be forgotten.

He sighed and wiped his face. To complete his attire, he attached his father's scaled scabbard to his belt. In this foreign attire, this familiar object provided an anchor he sorely needed. He cast a final glance in the mirror. He was ready.