The day of the Creile festival of Heber had finally arrived. Kara had barely slept a wink, because she knew it was her only opportunity to speak to Eerik. They would be required to keep up appearances, so he couldn’t avoid her. Their paths had crossed, and she had tried to speak to him on countless occasions, but he would always excuse himself, claiming one pressing matter or the other.

Over the past few days, Mrs. Karvonen had lectured her on the events of the day. ...