“It’s almost time for the fire show,” Aunt Dianira gushed. She bounced Theo on her lap, who cooed in slurps teething on a cloth napkin soaked in cold fruit juice. “I hope the children like it.”

“Heather will likely cry. Theo, hmm, he might be fine. Lucian doesn’t like to be startled. Evianna I do think will be alright,” Mother contemplated.

“Ma!” I demanded.

“Yes, yes.”

Mother spooned me another miniscule mouthful of lemon pudding. Each sent a fluttering swirl of delight, soft as the brush of dandelion seeds, up to my head, then down to my feet, then up again.

“You should feed her more at a time so she doesn’t keep asking.”

“I am attempting to keep her somewhat clean, Dian. She’s taking to the spoon well, but she’s sure to make a mess if I give her more.”

Fair enough. Same as everything, memories of control did not translate to control of this body. I’d taught myself to suckle and repeat basic syllables. The skill of accurately taking from a spoon and swallowing properly, however, was not mine yet.

“They’re getting ready,” Father’s excited announcement caught our attention.

Amongst the endless throng of citizens walked men and women in eye-catching dancing outfits of flame. They took spots here and there with the closest a set of three right before our table. Crystals hanging from their bracelets flashed sparks of rainbow, a mere hint of what was about to unfold. The chime of the hour from the bell at the Grand Chapel quieted the city. Its resounding ‘dongs’ bent the dancers’ backs only for them to snap up when a slow and taunting drumbeat echoing from everywhere and nowhere caught in my chest.

The pulse soon accompanied by more unseen instruments pounded and pushed to a faster pace, dragging and luring to lose all abandon and join the intense yet fluid dance of the performance. Had I been able to, I would have. Lucian bounced on Father’s lap while I wiggled ridiculously on Mother’s. Heather on Aunt Dianira’s and Theo on Grandmother Alice’s, on the other hand, squirmed uncertainly. A crescendo built where I froze as the song did, for the dancers rose their hands to the sky in a flurry of movement.

Thin pinpricks of flickering light jettisoned into the sapphire sky.

Infernos erupted. The citizens cheered and called to match the roar of the flames. Father and Uncle Cedric in particular hollered and clapped with joyous vigor. All three of my siblings shrieked though. Me? I sat stunned and amazed. The dancers sent more fire to join what faded. The flames, however, were no mere fireballs. They moved at the mercy of their summoners, searing clouds of color stealing the heavens in their own glory. Sparks fell as crystals to transform the world beneath into a prismatic heart.

“We’ll take them on a walk.”

My grandmothers collected Heather and Lucian several minutes later where the heavy booms and erratic lights kept them crying. Theo continued to sniffle, but he’d calmed to accept the show with curious hesitation. Aversely, I bounced hard enough for Mother to find me bothersome and drop on Father’s lap instead.

“Across Evthea, all citizens are granted hints of the power of the gods and goddesses. Solstice citizens are immune to fire and the effects of intense heat. However, there are certain individuals blessed with greater stores of power,” Father explained, much to my intense delight. “The range and abilities vary, but here in Solstice there are three gifted groups. The blood members of the royal family who bear the right to the full sun, high ranking priests whose eyes become red and jeweled after their initiation ceremony, and the Worshippers before us. They help us celebrate Iteus’s brilliance. Cedric wished to become one of them and cried upon learning he couldn’t due to being a prince.”

Shoot. Father got my hopes up there and smacked them down immediately. Dancing had been my passion as Persephone. Being a Worshipper would have been perfect. At least I had the privilege to enjoy their work. On and on the show went, changing tempos and beats, never growing dull. However, twenty minutes later, Victari, one of Grandfather Leomer’s top advisors, approached him with a practiced, calm expression containing the worry and panic hidden underneath. Father leaned over to hear what she softly spoke to his ear.

“Your Majesty, the insurrectionists have attacked Dunladen Fort. They’ve also taken control of the nearby town. No civilian deaths have been reported yet, but most of the three hundred soldiers at the fort have been killed.”

“I see,” Grandfather Leomer replied, smiling. “Thank you, Victari. I will respond to the situation shortly.”

She bowed and scampered off. Grandfather Leomer, continuing to smile, leaned heavily against his chair and took a long gulp of wine.

“Everyone will know something is wrong if you leave, yet we need to coordinate as much as we can before a panic can arise.” Father scooted closer, a pleasant expression on his face as well despite his quiet voice. “Let me prep the counterattack until the picnic is over.”

“I was going to suggest the same. You should take Theo and Evianna to Felicity to start their nap early. I’ll send someone to collect Heather and Lucian. The children at least can be sent to the palace safely without arousing suspicion.”

I wondered how close this Dunladen Fort was. Right outside the city?

“It is sooner than planned,” Father turned to Mother, who chatted oblivious with Aunt Dianira, “but let me take the children to Felicity.”

“Oh. I can accompany you.”

“It is alright. Your presence is better kept here.”

Mother stared and blinked. Grandfather Leomer gave her a prompting nod that sunk understanding in.

“Of course. I’ll save you some of your favorite mulled duck,” Mother smiled.

“Thank you, dear.”

Father kissed her cheek, took Theo, and whisked us away from the park where a host of guards larger than before swarmed us upon our return to the palace.