For the next three days, Bryony scarfed down breakfast before most others were awake and hurried outside, waiting for Finn to finish his morning chores. They would talk until Sedrick joined them, who was not an early riser, then they explored the grounds, played Knights versus Dragon, and or played a round of hide-and-seek in the gardens. Thankfully, when Finn suggested the maze and didn’t notice Bryony’s flinch at the mention of it, Sedrick kept them out of it.

And when hunger became an issue, Bryony would slip into the kitchens to sneak out their meals, though she was certain the head cook ordered his staff to not stop her.

Eventually, Anya arrived to watch the trio wear themselves out. Bryony was certain she still hated her, but at least she was becoming more bearable.

On the afternoon of the fourth day, three children were kicking a leather ball around to see how long they could go without missing it, and Bryony was having the worst luck.

“I hate dresses,” Bryony complained while trying to pass the ball towards Finn, frustrated when she missed. “They’re dumb!”

“You look pretty,” commented Sedrick, surprised when Bryony glared at him. “What?”

Trying again, Bryony sent it rolling towards Finn, but it didn’t erase her frustration. “I can barely run in this dress!” She watched Finn pass the ball to Sedrick. “Why can’t I wear trousers?”

“It’s not how things are done,” spoke up Anya from under the tree without looking up from her book – it might have be about ancient warfare. She huffed. “No matter how ridiculous.”

Well, at least they agreed on one thing. Bryony caught the ball kicked back to her. “When I’m grown up, I’ll wear trousers all the time, and do whatever I want.” Like riding and sword fighting. Motivated, Bryony kicked the ball so badly it went flying past Finn.

“I got it!” Sedrick turned to follow but paused when he saw their ball now wedged under the foot of a newcomer. Lords and ladies attending the Gathering often brought their children, so it took Bryony a moment to recognize Alexzander, the son of a prominent lord in Rialtha, with a trio of boys behind him. She paled. He was the one that pushed Sedrick into bullying her.

Sedrick stepped back as Alexzander smiled at him, an overly friendly smile. “I was wondering where you were.” He nodded towards the others. “Are they more fun than us?” he asked in what he thought was an innocent tone, and the other boys smirked.

“I… just want to play with Bryony.”

“Because you like her, right?” teased Alexzander, and his gang laughed when Sedrick turned pink. “It’s almost cute.”

“Because you made me leave her in that maze,” Sedrick replied. “And I hated it.” Lifting his chin defiantly, he added, “I apologized, and we’re friends now.”

“Well. Isn’t that sweet?” said Alexzander sarcastically as he stepped forward, towering over Sedrick. “But you don’t want to hang out with these losers. Come on, we’re going to scare the girls in the sewing room.”

Sedrick shook his head before Alexzander even finished. “No. You’re mean, and I want to stay with my friends.”

“Friends?” Alexzander looked over the younger children; Finn joining Bryony with a touch to her elbow. “Royals stick together, huh?” he sneered. “Even got servant to fetch things. But that won’t do.” He grabbed Sedrick by the wrist, ignoring his shout as he tried to pull away. “Come on-”

“Leave Sedrick alone!” shouted Bryony as she stepped forward, trying to ignore the fact that he was five years older and much bigger. “He doesn’t want to go.”

Hand still wrapped around Sedrick’s wrist, Alexzander sneered at her. “Listen here, brat; Sedrick’s hanging out with us, not a servant and a crybaby princess.”

Bryony kicked him in the shin, hard enough her own foot throbbed.