We traveled around the hall to dizzying new lands. I met merchants who had been to the sea and beyond, royals who owned swaths of land larger than I could comprehend. Some displayed their wealth openly, dressing in pearls and gold. Others hid it behind rehearsed manners and carefully chosen words.

One man kissed my hand and declared me to be the most beautiful creature he had ever seen. His lips were unnervingly wet. Had Leon not reminded the merchant of whose arm I was on, and in so ...