"He's probably playing with some stray dog in a patch of mud somewhere," huffed Anice, who crossed her arms and turned her head. "Fifteen years old and he's still such a rascal."
"Don't you think it's sweet?" said her friend, who fingered the fabric of her dress as she seemed to imagine the scene in her mind. "What other nobleman would dirty his clothes to wrestle with some pups?"
Anice didn't answer, refusing to admit that this was one of the traits of his that she loved most.
"Hey, Anne," said Lily, differentiated from her sisters only in that she was currently holding Jaden's hand. "Where's your father going? Isn't he supposed to stay here to welcome the bishop and the other delegates?"
Anice and the others followed her gaze to where Caedmon, Alder, Stason and Mr. Albeck were in the midst of hurrying down the street with urgent steps. Judging by their movements, it seemed that something was wrong.
