Aurelia said as she walked through the marketplace, little Gregory’s hand in hers. “It feels great to get out of the castle.” Aubrienna bounced atop Harruq’s shoulders, legs wrapped around his neck, hands gripping his hair. “It’s also slightly painful,” Harruq said. Aubby tugged hard on his hair to stay upright as if to prove his point. “You’ve been beaten, stabbed, and smacked around with magic,” Aurelia said. “I think you can handle a little bit of hair-pulling.” She stopped at a stall selling assorted necklaces. Aubrienna leaned forward, straining to see, while Gregory stood on his tiptoes and eyed the nearest few sets. “Handle it? Sure. Like it? Nope. That’s more your thing.” Aurelia smacked his shoulder. “Behave. We have children with us, and in public.” “Would the little king like a necklace?” asked the squat lady running the stall. Her face was caked with paint, her lips a powerful shade of purple. Gregory shied away, and Harruq winced. The boy was still young, but acting so timid would not help the strained trust the people held in him.
