“So that’s why they call it Waterlink,” Toshie said as they left the docks. Instead of the cobbled or dirt streets she had seen in other towns, vast canals were in front of her. Little ferries carried people of all kinds, and many were stopped in front of vendors.

  “Yup,” Sally said. “Best merchants in the world, too. I hope I can do some shopping if we have the time. Do we, Navi? Can I call you Navi?”

  “You may not,” Navarin said. “And our time is limited. Come, we must take a ferry to our lodgings.”

  Toshie’s stomach rumbled loud enough for everyone to hear. Sally jumped on the opportunity.

  “Aw, can’t you hear the poor Hero’s stomach? We need to get something to eat!”

  “Whatever the lodging provides will suffice,” said Navarin.

  Sally put an arm around Navarin’s shoulder. “Come on, you’re not under your mother’s thumb anymore. Sure, we have work to do, but we can have fun, right?”

  “It’s not my job to have fun.” Navarin slipped out from Sally’s grasp and continued to the ferry waiting spot.

  “Yeah, but we’re both royalty. You know what it’s like to be treated. So tonight’s my treat. That’s right. I’ll pay. Let’s go to a nice restaurant. Your mother will never know.”

  Navarin sighed. “Will this end your incessant nagging?”

  “No,” said Yrlith with a ugh.

  “Trust me, we’ll be friends after this. Come on.” Sally looked around and saw a restaurant near the docks. “See, we don’t even need a ferry. Let’s go!” She dashed toward the restaurant.

  Navarin stared at the sky as if praying for patience or wishing for a curse to strike down Sally. Toshie approached her.

  “Hey, Sally is always like this. I get your frustration. But even if we are your prisoners, we’re in this together, right? So you help us, we help you. Everyone wins.”

  Navarin kept her gaze fixed on the sky.

  “Fine.”