It wasn't uncommon to hear different languages at the gate of a merchant city. It was rather expected, and Shae was no different. Among the random chatter and murmurings, the animated arms and the cold expression on a particular man's face made his informal and rough, if not rude, Ashtari stand out.

Henry narrowed his eyes. Ashtari had levels of formality and politeness in its speech. Sunaian and Lunapsar also did, but not to Ashtari's extent.

The irate man standing in front of Talam was talking down to him, as if talking to a child. Speaking to an adult, especially one of Talam's lineage, as if they were a common child was an affront.

Henry couldn't help but be impressed that Talam stood there with a neutral expression, calmly warding off the other man. His escorts stood on either side of him, red in the face and veins bulging on their necks, close enough to step forward if the man got too close, but just far enough back that Talam could raise his arms to keep them at bay.

The closer he and Prince Tae got to Talam, the harder Henry had to work to pretend he didn't understand and show his emotions on his face.

"Excuse me," Prince Tae put on a business smile that didn't reach his eyes. "I couldn't help but notice that you were speaking Ashtari-"

"Who are you? What do you want?" One of the other middle-aged men traveling with who Henry assumed was the minister took a step forward, blocking Prince Tae's way. He sent Prince Tae a defensive glare after speaking in heavily accented Iverian Common, but only got a few surprised blinks and awkward laugh in return.

Prince Tae smiled even wider. "I'm looking for a Talam Heigoren."

Several heads turned towards Talam, which gave Prince Tae and Henry the opportunity to follow and 'identify' Talam.

The other man furrowed his brows. He remained standing straight, but turned his body towards them. A glint of wariness was in his eyes, but he still greeted them politely.

"I am Talam Heigoren." He sounded reserved. "Can I help you gentlemen?"

Prince Tae beamed. "Yes, you can. We've been waiting for you, Mr. Heigoren." He motioned casually towards Henry standing beside him, who kept his head tilted just a bit down in order to cast shadows across his face. "We're from Green Serpent Trading. I believe you spoke to one of our advisors a few weeks ago?"

Prince Tae made his voice sound as if he were prodding for confirmation as his eyes locked onto Talam's. He gave Talam a slight nod, as if to subtly encourage him to agree.

Talam's confusion lasted for a split second before his pupils widened with realization. He didn't know what Green Serpent Trading was, let alone spoken to anyone from it, but he knew of a trading company with a famous green symbol bearing a snake and scarab.

"Yes, I'm sorry for the delay!" Talam's eyes crinkled up as he reached forward and extended his hand to Prince Tae. "We were traveling by caravan, so we had multiple stops."

Henry caught the slight look of confusion on the two escorts as Talam and Prince Tae shook hands. There was a hint of suspicion in their gazes, but since Talam was reacting so positively, they kept their mouths shut and went along with their young master's act.

"Not at all." Prince Tae kept smiling. "The company head is attending some events at the east stadium today, so he is indisposed. However, he has some mornings free the rest of the week, and will be able to finalize a meeting time then. He sent us to wait at the gate and escort you to your guest lodgings."

Henry kept his face blank, but he was just as surprised at Talam.

He didn't know when Talam and his escorts would arrive, so Henry hadn't made any arrangements for their lodgings. His eyes flickered to the middle-aged men watching them with scrutiny, as if they were convinced there was more to this meeting than was portrayed.

Luckily, Prince Tae didn't show any abnormalities as he stepped to the side and held out his arm, motioning for Talam and his men to go forward.

"Thank you, Mister....?"

"Ah, forgive me. Hu Mi," Prince Tae said with smile. "I'm another advisor and am here with the head." He looked towards Henry. "And this is...Rutherford."

The corner of Henry's eye twitched. He didn't even get a last name?

"I see. Thank you, Mr. Hu and Mr. Rutherford," Talam said. He motioned to his escorts to follow along.

Henry gave them a small, acknowledging nod of his head, and turned around to begin leading them away.

"Wait a moment!" The man who had been talking down to Talam called out and frowned. He threw his arm forward and three of the men he was with rushed to stop the group from leaving. "We're not done here!"

He was speaking in Ashtari once more.

Prince Tae slowly turned his head, a cold smile on his face as he opened his mouth. "I don't believe we've met. Who are you to Mr. Heigoren?"

As a royal from a neighboring country, Prince Tae was fluent in Ashtari. Henry knew that he knew court formal, formal, and casual familiar, but he didn't know that Prince Tae knew how to talk in rough informal common Ashtari. What was more, he was speaking to the Ashtari man in a condescending tone mirroring the one which had been spoken to Talam when they arrived.

Henry drew his lips inward and bit them to keep from laughing.

When the others heard the words coming from Prince Tae, surprise filled their faces. One of the men even staggered back in shock.

The man who had yelled to stop them uncrossed his arms and straightened his back, his eyes wide. He hadn't expected Prince Tae to know Ashtari, let alone talk to him as if he were a child.

His face flushed with what was likely frustration and anger.

"I am Minister Demir Heikohbi of the Asthar Empire-"

"And are you traveling with Mr. Heigoren?" Prince Tae cut him off. He tilted his head a bit, his sharp eyes burning into Minister Heikohbi. It seemed that they guessed the right person.

"I-"

"Our company head told us that Mr. Heigoren was only escorted by two guards," Prince Tae said in a firm voice that left no room for maneuvering.

Henry watched Minister Heikohbi's face tense up. His eyes darted to the other members of his entourage, but they all hesitated.

Finally, the oldest of the group, a man with a full gray beard and dark eyes, stepped forward. "There must be some understanding," he said in a raspy, but amused voice. "We are all from Ashtar. We should enter the city together."

"No one is stopping you from entering the city," Prince Tae replied. "As long as you have the proper documentation."

"Did you hear that, Young Master Heigoren?" the old man said with a cheeky smile as he looked towards Talam. "Show them our papers."

"Oh, we're not gate officials," Prince Tae said. "We're just here at the request of our company head to escort Mr. Heigoren and his two guards." In other words, they had nothing to do with each other. He looked back at Prince Talam. "Please follow me."

Talam nodded and continued walking.

Henry heard more than the correct amount of footsteps behind him and frowned. It seemed that the unwanted party didn't want to be left behind.

"Just hurry it up," Prince Tae said in a low voice as he caught up with Henry. "They still need to get their cart and horses and get around the line."

"This way." Henry looked over his shoulder, raising his head. "You'll enter as my guests through the citizen gate."

Talam was two steps behind him and squinted as he saw Henry's face. His eyes crinkled up and his mouth opened, as if wanting to say something, but unsure. Before he could ask, they reached the citizen gate.

Henry took out his Carthage Harbor travel documents while Prince Tae took out his Suna passport. The city gate officials had just seen them walk out, so they barely glanced at their papers before waving them in.

Henry didn't walk, though Prince Tae leaned forward. "We have some guests here for Snake, Scarab, and Sons."

Henry looked back at Talam who jerked his head back and appeared embarrassed for staring at him. "Take out your travel documents and the papers we gave you last time."

"Yes! Thank you!" Talam lifted his outer robe and adjusted a thin leather satchel hidden beneath in order to get into it. He stepped forward with his two escorts and presented the city officials with their documents.

Seeing that it was all in order, the officials made a note, marked the merchant papers, and sent them through.

"Quickly," Prince Tae said as he swept past the gate. "Before those old men try to stop you."

Hearing him say that seemed to make the three Ashtari men jumpy. They rushed out of the gate, through to the other side, faster than people from other lines. As they reached the other side, the argumentative voices of the old Ashtari men left behind filled the air behind them.

"Don't look back," Henry advised.

"Avoid eye contact. Just pretend they're not there. Remember," Prince Tae said. "They're not part of your party, otherwise, they would've been on the merchant paperwork."

Talam and the escorts nodded, and seemed to struggle to keep from looking back to see the commotion they partially caused at the gate.

"Where is the lodging you were talking about?" Henry asked as he looked around.

Prince Tae gave him a strange look. "That was a lie. I didn't even know who they were until you told me." He reached up and patted Henry's shoulder. "I'll get a carriage. Wait here."

Henry let out a heavy sigh and nodded. Prince Tae went to look for their men in order to arrange for transport. Henry looked at Talam. "I apologize for my rudeness-"

"It is you, Young Master Atractas!" Talam exclaimed at once with a bright expression. His burgundy eyes then rose to Henry's hair and squinted. "I...I didn't recognize you."

Before Prince Tae and Henry stepped out of the gate to approach them, Henry decided he would go with Prince Tae. However, members of the Ashstari court always made him wary, especially when he would directly face them in close enough quarters.

Hedrajen Heidar was dead, but a man who was the age he would've been had he lived existed, who also looked suspiciously like Emperor Keirsas.

Even with the glasses that dulled his lapis eyes into a regular blue, Henry wasn't confident that he wouldn't at least be questioned. Nera said he looked like his mother, but his mother was golden blonde with pale blue eyes lighter than the sky. Her face was soft, looking as tender as a flower petal.

Henry had dark red hair, sharp, downturned eyes, and a jawline so defined and sharp, his aunts joked it could cut a steak. His facial features resembled his father, and the red hair only made their semblance stronger.

So, he rummaged through his bag and found the last of Ash's hair dye.

Henry had gone up to the ramparts as a redhead, but came down as a brunette.

"I dyed my hair," he replied the obvious.

"Why?" One of Talam's escorts, the one called Diyar, asked.

"Stalkers," Henry told him without batting an eye. "It's an...unfortunate side effect when you look like I do."

The escorts narrowed their eyes and pursed their lips, as if they'd heard something that left a bad taste in their mouths.

Talam didn't seem at all offended. He merely nodded. "That must be terrible for you. Not a moment of peace," he said with a slight shake of his head. "My uncle had the same trouble after his divorce."

This time, Henry narrowed his eyes and pursed his lips as if he were the one who heard something disgusting.

"It looks strange on him, doesn't it?" Prince Tae returned and grinned. He looked at Henry. "Dark hair doesn't suit you." He sniffed. "And is that cookie smell coming from you?"

"Ignore that." Henry snorted. "Did you get the wagon?"

"Of course." Prince Tae motioned for them to follow him. "I'll ride ahead and leave a guard. You ride with them. Your guard will stay with the carriage."

Henry let out a small hum of agreement. A simple wooden carriage arrived with on the side marking it as one of the city's service carriages for hire. The footman opened the door and Henry motioned for Talam and his escorts to enter first.

He gave one more look at Prince Tae as he grabbed the side of the door and pulled himself into the carriage. "Where do we meet?"

"I've given instructions to the driver. I'll see you there," Prince Tae said. The door closed and Henry saw him waving his hand out the window.

He took his seat with Talam and Diyar across from him and Bo beside him. The carriage felt cramped, but it was simple, and Prince Tae likely waved down the first one he saw.

Talam leaned forward to look out the window as they passed the gate. Henry followed his gaze. Due to the thickness of the city gate, they couldn't see clear across to the other side from the angle they were at, but no one had come through the citizen entrance after them.

Across from him, Talam let out a heavy breath.

"Were they following you the entire way?" Henry asked. Talam looked towards him and shook his head.

"No, on the contrary, our journey here was rather smooth," Talam replied. "As you suggested, we went with a caravan heading here. There was no trouble with the stops, and we arrived at the expected arrival time."

"They were waiting for us." Diyar spoke up, sounding irritated. "The Young Lord reached the gate and lined up at dawn when the gates opened. We were halfway to the gate when we were accosted."

Henry looked at Talam for confirmation. The other man avoided his eyes, somewhat embarrassed. "They are my countrymen. It is normal that they would reach out to me in a foreign land, isn't it?"

Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

Considering there were so few Ashtari outside their country, it made sense. Henry had moved to contact Talam when they saw him at the Dareisol border.

Regardless, Minister Heikohbi and his minions didn't seem to be casually greeting Talam. Henry leaned back against the hard carriage bench and crossed his arms over his chest. "What did they want from you?"

Talam twitched, realizing he couldn't hide it. He took a deep breath, resigned. "Minister Heikohbi's group did not realize that due to the Invitational happening here in Shae, aside from Federation citizens and allied nation citizens, visitors require a letter of introduction from a Federation merchant for entry."

The corner of Henry's lip curled up. As a Federation citizen, he didn't dwell on what documents non-citizens required to enter the city during a high-capacity period like the Invitational. While temporary, it had to be done to control the amount of people within the city, so as not to overwhelm the infrastructure.

"So, what you're saying is he doesn't have the paperwork to let him into the city," Henry said. "Well…good luck to him." Minister Heikohbi and their men could either wait for the Invitational and the Exhibition to be over for the travel restrictions to be lifted, or find a Federation merchant who'd be willing to use their business' name to them enter.

Henry highly doubted they'd be able to find such a willing victim.

Talam nodded and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "I can't thank you enough for your assistance at the gate. Both here and in Dareisol."

"Does Heikohbi and his men know that you have a merchant letter?" Henry asked. Talam nodded.

"The Young Lord denied ownership of a letter," Diyar replied. "However, Heikohbi insisted that he had one and to bring it out for them to use."

Henry took a deep breath and mulled over his words. It was a fair deduction to make considering getting that far, Talam must've had some sort of paperwork beyond his weak Ashtari travel documents.

"Your letter only covers you three. He wouldn't have been able to bring his entire party," Henry told them. "They may not enter the city soon, but when you leave, they may try to approach you again. How long are you planning to stay?"

Talam perked up. "As long as it takes to speak to your aunt!"

Henry raised a brow. "Then, you'll have quite a time to wait. She's participating in the all-around tournament, which has an event every other day. She's only finished the first event this morning."

"How long is the Invitational?" Talam asked, his voice quieter with disappointment.

"Two weeks," Henry replied. "And then after is the week of the Exhibition."

Talam nodded his head and furrowed his brows. "We can wait," he said. He lifted his head. "We were told that the city is full. Is what the other man said true? Do we have lodgings?"

Henry silently admonished Prince Tae. "No, he only said that to distract Heikohbi. We didn't expect you that this time, so no lodgings have been prepared."

"Our funds are limited, but as long as we can secure a place for the Young Lord, it will be fine," Escort Bo told him.

"Yes, how much I a room on average?" Diyar asked.

Henry saw the expectant looks on their faces and felt a bit of pity. Considering the city's full capacity, every bed in the area must've been spoken for, and not for cheap.

"A private room with a shared toilet and bath is, right now, four hundred."

"Four hundred….?"

"Dinari gold standard." He watched their faces pale, as expected. He wouldn't be surprised if they had less than that amount for their entire trip.

"Four…hundred….? That's robbery!"

"It's supply and demand," Henry asked. "And that's if you could find a room."

"Well…what about a shared room? A bed is fine," Talam said.

"Shared rooms are popular and entire guest houses with them were booked months in advance by cities who bring in supporters for their competitors," Henry told them. "Merchant guilds and particularly successful companies even have their own properties used for housing fellow citizens. The Invitational is an important social, cultural, and economic event for the Federation of Merchant Cities."

"Where are you staying?" Diyar appeared determined. Talam gave him a silencing look

"Diyar, that's enough." He frowned.

"You said successful companies. I asked around while we traveled. Snake, Scarab, and Sons is well-known, and we passed several of your teahouses on the way here," Diyar said. "Surely, you have a place to stay for the Invitational."

Talam opened his mouth to try to stop Diyar, but Henry nodded. "Of course, we do. Shae has one of the largest Snake, Scarab, and Sons teahouses and surrounding property. We have a family apartment above the location."

Talam's face lit up. "Then-"

"But our rooms are full. My brother, sister, her friends, my brother's partner, and her brother who is assisting with the Exhibition, are staying there with me. When the Invitational events are over, my aunt will also stay with us," Henry told them. Talam's face fell with disappointment once more.

"Well, what about that man you were with?" Diyar pressed, determined.

Henry's lip curled up a bit. "You mean His Highness Prince Tae, younger brother to Empress Yayae of Suna?"

Diyar almost choked. Talam's eyes were wide as his mouth dropped. "He is Prince Tae?"

"He's a family friend and was doing me a favor. Where he's staying is also full," Henry said. He gave Diyar a challenging look. "Do you dare to ask him?"

Diyar swallowed hard and shook his head before averting his gaze.

"There must be somewhere…."

"Do you get seasick?" Henry asked. Talam raised his head and gave him a questioning look.

"I…I don't know. I've never been to sea," he said with uncertainty.

"Well, you can give our ship a try. We have our family's personal vessel anchored in the harbor. A smaller boat will bring you to and from the mainland, but there are spare rooms and simple toilets and baths," Henry said. "A few people are staying there, but we have room."

"That'll do!" Talam jumped at the chance before his escorts could stop him.

"Young Lord, what if you get seasick?" Bo asked with a frown as he reached out to try to calm Talam.

"My brother can provide something to alleviate seasickness, if needed," Henry replied. "If you're willing, I can arrange for a shared room to ensure your escorts can properly guard you."

Talam gave him a thankful look and nodded. "I appreciate your help, Young Master Atractas."

Henry nodded and looked out the window. "We suggested you come here. We should at least offer help where we can."

After some time, they slowed and rolled to a stop.

"Young Master," the carriage driver spoke through a speaker horn attached to the top corner of the carriage. "We've arrived."

"Good." The door opposite Henry clicked open and the footman placed a footstool down for them to step on. The escorts went first to survey the area. They looked around warily, but didn't seem to see anything out of the ordinary.

Talam climbed down after them. He looked up at the short, but wide building in front of them. He turned his head with dismay. "Why is there such a long line of people? What are they waiting for?"

Henry put his hands on either side of the doorway and stopped with one foot on the stool while the other was still on the carriage. He looked ahead of him and took a deep breath. This was where Prince Tae wanted to meet?

"Young Master, you've had a long journey and must be famished," Henry said. "Please join us for breakfast."

Talam nodded and looked over his shoulder. "What do they serve?"

Henry looked past him and towards the colorful sign on the door. "Pancakes."

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"And…and your brother won that at the last Invitational?" Talam's wide eyes looked at Effie with disbelief as his sun kissed face seemed to have lost color. Effie was standing beside him, clapping as the swordsman who'd lost was carried off the floor of the arena on a stretcher.

"Yes. Twice in a row," Effie replied. She looked up and beamed. "Brother is very strong."

"Don't they have tournaments like this in Ashtar?" Prince Tae, who they were sitting with in a reserved booth for Suna's visiting royals, looked amused as he looked at Talam. "Back then, Ashtar was not short of master swordsmen."

Talam nodded his head. "My…my uncle is quite good. I'm unsure how he'd fare here, however."

"Your uncle can't beat my brother," Effie said, as if it were a foregone conclusion.

"Effie, come and eat." Henry's voice spoke up behind her and she turned around, her eyes sparkling.

"Yes! Lunch!" She turned to the toddler seated next to her and began gathering him in her arms. "Let's eat, Ranran."

The toddler babbled and Terry helped pick up Prince Muran's seat cushion so they could go deeper into the suite to eat the meal that had been delivered.

"Oh, you ordered from Gardens at the Fortress." Prince Tae looked impressed. "I knew leaving food to you would be a good idea. How did you get them to deliver? We tried earlier this week, and they said they didn't."

"Don't thank me, thank Effie," Henry said as he unboxed the food. Ash and Hana weren't with them that day, as they were wat the Exhibition Hall, so Henry had to be the babysitter by himself.

Prince Tae had a quizzical look on his face as he looked towards the little girl with his nephew in her arms, trying to put Prince Muran on his highchair under the nervous gaze of the nanny, who looked ready to catch the child at any moment.

"Effie, how did you-"

"It's who you know," Terry and Cio replied at the same time.

Prince Tae laughed. "She is very much like her mother."

Effie flushed and couldn't help but feel proud. Momma was the best in her eyes, so to be seen as her mother's daughter was the greatest compliment anyone could give her. When Prince Muran was in his seat, servants of the family stepped forward to assist in serving the food despite Henry waving them off.

Eventually, he gave up.

Effie focused on first preparing some mush for Muran, while Terry selected her favorite dishes to put on her plate for her to eat. Cio sat to the side, his little lips in a tight line. Effie glanced at him and smiled.

"Cio, I had Brother order the spicy lamb you liked. Have some!"

His previously depressed expression came to life. "Thank you, Effie!"

She giggled and began to feed her little toddler friend as the adults around her were told to sit and eat while they waited for the next event to begin.

The man, and his escorts, that her brother had brought to them was from her brother's homeland. Effie had never been to Ashtar. Momma and her brothers found her in the far north when she was an infant, long after they'd left Ashtar. Considering the circumstances, they never went back.

Effie was only familiar with the language and customs from what her brothers and mother told her. She glanced at the man talking to Henry and pursed her lips.

Henry told her that she couldn't mention anything about who they really where to the man because they were still weary of him. Aside from that, Effie didn't think the Talam person could keep a secret. In her opinion, he looked flighty and helpless.

His two escorts lingered around him, but they could only really protect him against normal people. For people like her brothers and her mother, and even her – she dared to believe it, Talam and his guards wouldn't stand a chance.

She suddenly felt a bit of pity for him.

"Here, you should try this." Effie motioned to one of dishes made of fish. "The fish are always fresh. This is a cold dish made of ice marlin, which is very yummy."

Talam brightened, appearing flattered that the little girl had given him some attention and a recommendation. "We don't eat many fish in Ashtar," he said. "It's nice having a wide array."

Cio looked at him with sympathy. "You poor man." Talam shrunk back, a bit embarrassed.

"The next event is the double handed sword qualifier," Prince Tae said as he sat down leisurely at the head of the table. He looked at a pamphlet in his hand with the schedule of the arena's events for the Invitational. "Henry, who do you think will win?"

"I missed the primaries, so I'll make a guess after watching the qualifier," Henry replied. "Xiu is quite strong and the Dareisol cities always place."

"I don't think our contender will place," Prince Tae said with a slight frown. "Active military are restricted from competing."

They continued to eat at the table. Effie didn't pick up her own utensils until Prince Muran turned his head way from his spoonful of mush and refused to continue eating because he was full. His nanny and Prince Tae had tried to convince her multiple times to leave it to the nanny so she could eat, but Effie reused.

She wiped Prince Muran's face before Prince Tae took him in order to force Effie to eat.

Since she started later than the others, Cio and Terry had locked themselves into a chess match to the side. Cio was taught by his grandfather and Terry…was also taught by Cio's grandfather when Cio's grandfather came to the teahouse to play some chess with other old, retired men.

Cio had a bitter look on his face as Terry moved a piece. "I still don't believe you just started learning…." He muttered.

"Believe it. Daddy was always busy and even if he wasn't, he doesn't know how to play. Who would teach me?" Terry replied with pride.

"Does anyone need to use the toilet?" Effie asked after she finished. "Terry, do you want to come?"

Normally, Terry would've scrambled to go with her, but at the moment, she and Cio were in some sort of pretend death match.

"I'm still good. I went before the last round," Terry replied. She looked up. "But I can go with you."

"No, no, you finish your game," Effie said, sliding off her chair. "I can go by myself."

"No, you cannot," Henry told her at once. She rolled her eyes.

"Brother, I'm eight now-"

"I'll go with you to the toilets and wait outside," Henry said, pushing his chair back to stand.

Effie was filled with a sudden sense of embarrassment. She was a big kid now; she could go to the toilet by herself. She didn't need supervision, especially her big brother following her everywhere. In Carthage Harbor, she had much more freedom. "It's just down the corridor! I can go by myself."

"You are not allowed to go by yourself. Like I said, I'll come with you and wait outside," Henry told her. "It's a safety precaution." Effie tilted her head back and let out a dramatic groan.

"May I come with you?" Talam asked. "I'd also like to use the toilets and don't know where they are."

"Your Highness, I will go with them to change His Little Highness' diaper." Prince Muran's nanny added.

Prince Tae gave a wave of his hand to allow it. "Bring the guards."

"See brother?" Effie said. "You don't need to come. Nanny Wu will be in the women's toilets, too."

Henry looked at the middle-aged woman who bowed her head to him. "I will also ensure that the Young Miss is safe."

Henry took a deep breath, staring at his sister. "Do you have insurance?"

Effie nodded and subconsciously touched her leg. "I always have insurance."

Henry pursed his lips, was quiet for a moment longer, and then nodded. He looked at two of their guards. "Guard her well. Take them directly to the toilets and back. She is not allowed to wander off, even if it's for snacks."

Effie scoffed and glared at her brother. "So little faith in me…."

"Yes, Young Master." They saluted him and followed Talam, his escorts, two Suna royal guards in casual clothes, the two children and Nanny Wu out the door.

Effie held on to one of their guard's hands as a precaution and remained within the circle of six guards as they made their way through the busy interior halls of the arena's interior. The best viewing suits were in the middle tier, and were designed to host wealthy visiting guests and nobles.

The people in the hall were all well-to-do folks and their assorted entourages. People were fetching food, going to visit acquaintances, even having impromptu chats on trade deals in the corridors.

Henry was worried about nothing. No one would try to attack them here. There was security just to get into the middle tier, and there were city guards stationed every few paces. Effie could've made it to the toilets by herself.

"The men's toilets are there," one of their guards told Talam and his escorts. He pointed to another entrance further down. "We will guard the entrance here, to the women's toilets."

Talam nodded, thanking them for their direction. "We'll be out soon."

"Young Miss, come with me," Nanny Wu said. "Stay close. I will wait outside until you are done."

Effie nodded. There were two more people in front of them. Nanny Wu motioned to the diaper changing table near the front of the toilet room and went to change Prince Muran's diaper.

Such a thing couldn't be done in public, in front of Prince Tae, at least by the protocol Effie was told, but Effie was sure Prince Tae changed his nephew's diapers every so often.

Nanny Wu stretched out a small folding screen around her section of the table in order to give them more privacy.

The stalls opened up. Each stall was a small, narrow room with a toilet and water pump. Effie told Nanny Wu she was going in and then locked the door.

"Hmm…Carthage Harbor's arena is nicer…." Effie said to herself as she looked around.

Once she was done, she went to watch her hands. Nanny Wu had finished changing Prince Muran's diaper.

"Are you done, Young Miss?" she asked. "Do you need a hand towel? I have one."

"I'm fine, Nanny Wu, thank you," Effie replied. She took out a small ice blue handkerchief from her pocket. It had her family's brand seal on it embroidered in gold. After wiping her hands, she began to walk towards the exit.

"Let us go back," Nanny Wu told her. "Then I will come back to use the toilet myself."

"Huh?" Effie looked back at her confused. "But we're already here. Use it now."

Nanny Wu chuckled. "I cannot leave the little sir unattended."

"He's not unattended when he's with me."

"Pardon?"

"I can hold him!" Effie said. "You use the toilet."

Nanny Wu blinked, as if she were hearing something for the first time. "You…you want to watch him while I….?"

"It's a waste of time to go to the suite and come back. By the time you return, the stalls will be full and there will be a line," Effie said. She leaned forward. "Trust me, I know how these work."

Nanny Wu remained uncertain and still held Prince Muran in her arms. "Young Miss-"

"Nanny Wu, I can hold him," Effie said, raising her arms. "We'll wait here for you. The guards are just outside, anyway."

Nanny Wu looked hesitant. She looked towards the last remaining open toilet stall and then back at Effie and the child she carried in her arms. "Nanny Wu, you should go now. Soon, everyone will come to use the toilets before the next event."

Then the lines would be long.

The middle-aged woman let out a resigned sigh and nodded. "Then, I ask that Young Miss Atractas keep hold of…sir." In order not to attract attention with Prince Muran's title, she avoided saying it.

Effie beamed once more and nodded. "Don't worry, it's just a few minutes. We can wait!" She raised her arms, and Nanny Wu reluctantly handed her the child.

Prince Muran stretched out his arms to grab on to Effie blabbering her name as drool came down the corners of his mouth. Effie didn't mind at all and gathered the toddler. She nuzzled his head, full of affection.

Nanny Wu assessed them once more, as if to assure herself that they would be fine. "The guards are outside. If you run into trouble here, find them. I'll only be a moment."

Effie thought she was worrying too much. She nodded and balanced the toddler on her hip like Momma used to carry her. Of course, Prince Muran wasn't that much smaller than her, so she still had to hold him tightly with two arms to keep him secure.

She made sure they stood to the side, away from any flow of traffic in and out of the toilets. She craned her neck and could see the sleeves of the Suna royal guards' civilian clothes standing just around the corner and outside.

Effie looked at the baby and beamed. "Are you excited to watch the next event? I had one of our guards put money on it. If I win, I'll treat you to some honey biscuits. Hana found a store the other day and said it's really good."

"Oh! Yeah!" Prince Muran's eyes lit up and he clapped his hands. "Bissits!"

"Yes, biscuits! Hehe." Effie rocked the baby against her, looking out towards the hand washing area as two women finished washing their hands and headed out. Of the five stalls, three were still occupied.

"Is this the women's toilets?" She heard someone ask the guards outside. Effie scrunched her face. She was right; people were starting to come before the next event.

She looked towards the stall where Nanny Wu had entered, contemplating whether or not she should let the nanny know it was going to get busy.

Before she could decide, she heard a creak behind her. She turned around and her eyes widened, barely seeing two thick legs against the darkness before something fell over her eyes.

"Hey!" She let out a yell, but her nose was flooded with a flower scent that made her head heavy. She tightened her hold on Prince Muran as she felt herself being picked up and falling against the rough fabric of some sort of sack. "Baby, hold on," she said as she grit her teeth. She bit her lower lip and gathered all the breath she had. "Stranger danger!"

"Get her back here!"

She and Prince Muran swayed in the sack. She couldn't see out of it; everything was dark. She heard footsteps, the creak of a door swinging before it shut with a thud.

Her mind grew sleepy as her eyes could no longer stay awake. As she lost consciousness, she made one last, desperate order.

"Go get…my brothers."

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