"Of course it’s about the girl!" Tessolar snapped.
Katherine realised with a sense of dread that Tessolar wasn’t going to relent. To have him forbid her today, of all days! The thought of what would happen if she didn’t follow the instructions in the message sickened her. He was fully capable of carrying out every threat he had listed.
"I understand," Katherine nodded. Moisture burned behind her eyes. "I will go, just this once, and say goodbye."
"No," Tessolar said. "Obey me in this, and I will see that you prosper in the position you have. You have a life of comfort, Katherine, and I know you do not wish to have the court know that you are out of my favour. Do you understand what I am saying? As the High Lord’s wife you have access to privilege, but only at my discretion. Do you wish to lose that access?"
Katherine looked down at the ground. "No."
"Good," Tessolar nodded. "Spend the day in your chambers and I will see you at dinner."
Katherine looked at Tessolar with despair. "Yes, My Lord."
As soon as he left the room, Katherine threw a maid’s winter coat over her dress. She knew secret routes out of the Crystal Palace, ways that even Tessolar didn’t know. Within the hour Katherine had left the palace and crossed the river, walking in the direction of the Poloplats.
"Excuse me?" It was a woman’s voice, bringing her back to the bustling market. "Are you well?"
The merchant, a seller of elegant enchanted jewellery, had one hand hesitantly resting on Katherine’s shoulder. The human gesture touched something inside Katherine, and she almost broke down then and there.
"I’m fine," Katherine said.
The merchant drew back. "Of course, My Lady." She removed her hand as if she’d burned it. "My apologies for being so forward."
"Please," Katherine softened her tone. "What is the fastest route to the flower market?"
"Why, you’re not far, it’s just another two blocks ahead, out in the open square. Through the restricted section."
"Thank you," Katherine pressed a coin into the woman’s palm. The merchant looked at it and frowned, but she put the coin away.
Katherine followed a short alley to the market’s heart. Bright colours were everywhere. Richly patterned cloth vied with multi-hued spices from Halaran, while a stocky man lifted the lid of a huge blue pot and steam rose in a cloud. He ladled a yellow liquid into a bowl and handed it to a customer, taking two copper cendeens in return. An old man belched, clinking his mug with a fellow. A woman cried out the latest prices for summer fruits. Boot-heels rang out on the cobbled stones as a group of soldiers in Alturan green marched in formation. Katherine pretended to examine a silver kettle, setting it down when they passed.
Ahead she could see the tiered tables lined with velvet that were the market's main attraction. The enchanted items were artfully displayed, carefully spaced and with tiny white cards showing their prices. The most expensive pieces weren't available for general view, but those in sight were nevertheless fascinating. Silver igniters etched with tiny symbols covered one table, while nightlamps glowed in an array of colours on another. An entire aisle was devoted to necklaces, rings and bracelets. Locks that would open with a spoken word. Knives and swords. Shields and armour. It was a feast for the eyes.
Katherine barely noticed. In her mind, present at all times, was the text of the message. Written with such a steady hand, it was all the more chilling for its clarity. This man had left her to her own devices for well over a decade, but deep down she had always known that one day he would make good on the infiltrator he had placed in the highest circles of the nation of Altura.
The restricted section was barred by two grim-faced guards, their spears held at angles. Katherine straightened her back and smoothed her face. She wouldn’t be allowed to cover her face here, but she was so close that it would be worth the risk. The guards dipped their spears as she approached and Katherine’s heart squeezed in her chest. Then she realised they were merely bowing before her as she entered.
"My Lady," one of the men said.
Katherine’s legs felt suddenly heavy, but she nodded in return and passed between their broad shoulders.
The market here was covered by a wide dome. Intricate designs and fluted stonework decorated the heights, where below a more sombre and well-dressed crowd browsed the stalls and spoke to the vendors in hushed tones.
Katherine passed a bold sign: Strictly no activations. The first word had been underscored.
This was where the more dangerous enchantments were bought and sold: forges and industrial heatplates, sound-and-light security devices for the wealthy, and razor-sharp weapons covered with arcane symbols.
Katherine tore her gaze from the costly array.
Her eyes met the stony gaze of Tessolar’s personal guard and five of his fellows.
It was over. It was all over.