Beatrice cheered along with the crowd before Princess Riela quickly linked her arm through hers and guided her toward the grand pavilion, where the larger celebration was being held.

“Wait,” Beatrice asked, glancing toward the palace. “Aren’t we going to the grand hall? The officials and the royal family will be there, won’t they?”

Riela hummed thoughtfully, then shook her head with a mischievous smile.

“No, we won’t,” she replied. “Most of the guests inside the grand ...