***

“You’re in fine form tonight, sir.”

Kaine Tully strode down the streets of Galkhein’s capital, flanked by his employees, who commended him on his festive enjoyment of the local spirits.

He was in a good mood, his shirt half-unbuttoned, nearly humming with pleasure as he said, “Galkhein has wonderful liquor. We should buy up the whole store to sell up north.”

“Why would we do that, sir? You’d just drink our profits down before we even got them in the wagons!”

“Yes, yes, hilarious. Not wrong, though.” He laughed with his men as they made their way back to the inn. He’d have preferred to bring a woman or two back with him, but he had his reasons. “Say, I’m still thirsty. Another round? I’m sure the tavern floor can pull a decent pint.” Indeed, raucous voices floated from the taproom. The mood seemed to be good tonight.

“Sir, I’ve been thinking…” One of his employees was so drunk he could barely stand. “That was the Galkhein crown princess! I can’t believe you just blew her off!”

“Working with royals is bad business, you dolt. Believe me, I know.”

“Isn’t she fifteen? What did she do to you?”

Tully snorted, swinging open the door to the inn. “Listen, thatlittlegirlis—”

“Welcome back, Mr. Tully.”

That voice sobered him instantly. Tully forced a stiff smile. Sitting poised at a table was Lady Rishe, the future crown princess.

“Thank you for your invitation,” Rishe purred. “So very kind of you.”

It took a lot to surprise Tully, but the sight in front of him caught him completely off guard. He’d predicted she would come, but not so soon. He thought she’d disguise herself, but he truthfully had not anticipated the mousy brown of freshly dyed hair.

No, that wasn’t what surprised him. What drew him up short was the score of unconscious men seated around her, half-full mugs still gripped in their hands.

“Would you care to join me for a drink, Mr. Tully?”

Tully had to clear his throat several times before he managed to ask, “What happened to those guys?”

“Oh, we bet on who could hold their liquor, and they lost.” Rishe grinned and tilted her glass. “Don’t worry, I’m not here for drinking games. I was hoping we could continue our discussion.”