Free To Catch a Queen by Shanna Swendson Page B

before loosening Beau’s retractable leash. “Go get her, Beau,” he murmured, and the dog trotted forward to circle around her. When he was certain there was no way she could dodge or escape him, he said, “Hello, Sophie. We need to talk.”

 
Eleven
     
    Bethesda Terrace
    Midnight
     
    When the marketplace magically appeared on Bethesda Terrace, Emily couldn’t help but squeal and clap her hands in delight. It was so magical, like something out of a dream.
    It also looked real and vivid. The spell that had seemingly trapped her in a gray haze might have been broken, but the world still wasn’t what it once had been to her, and she was beginning to wonder if it ever would be. This place, though, had all the color and life of the Realm, everything she’d missed since her return. She didn’t want to go back there, not forever, but it was good to get a little dose of it.
    All around her were bright colors, intense smells, lively sounds. She imagined that if she were to eat or drink anything, the taste would be amazing, but she knew better than to try. That was why she was in this mess in the first place.
    Fortunately, there were enough people around and there was enough noise that Michael didn’t seem to have heard her squealing. He was so fixed on whatever he was after that it apparently hadn’t occurred to him that anyone he knew might be there.
    She joined the others heading down the stairs into the market. Then, through a gap in the crowd, she saw strawberry-blond curls floating gracefully, barely moving, as though the person wearing them was gliding. “Oh crap, Sophie?” she muttered. It was going to be a challenge keeping a safe distance from four people.
    A band was playing a lively jig that made her toes tap, and she wanted more than anything to join the dancing, but she wasn’t here for fun. Maybe when all this was over, she could come to a market on her own time.
    She couldn’t resist reaching out to touch the silk floating from one booth. It slid through her fingers like cool liquid. The next booth sold a spicy drink, and she could detect the spices from where she stood—cinnamon, cloves, and something utterly alien. Her mouth watered, but she reminded herself that it was risky. She didn’t know if the usual Realm rules applied to this place, so she didn’t want to take the chance.
    A familiar silvery head on the next aisle made her smile, and she glanced around to make sure none of the people she knew were watching her before she ran to greet Eamon. “I was hoping you’d be here,” she said, hugging him.
    “I am somewhat surprised that you are,” he replied, not releasing her after belatedly returning her hug.
    “I thought I’d do some research into the impostor. But the enchantresses, my sister, and Michael are also here. It’s a party.”
    “Have you found anything useful?”
    “I just got here. You?”
    He glanced around. “This market seems small. There must be activity elsewhere.”
    “This is small?”
    “For this market at this time.”
    “What else might be happening?”
    “Whatever it was, I was not invited.” He frowned at her. “Are you sure it is wise for you to be here?”
    “Oh, you mean the bonds and potential hostage thing? All better. Check me out and see for yourself.”
    He studied her for a moment, his eyes widening. “That does seem to be the case,” he said.
    “You mean you didn’t do it? I woke up this way after you left.”
    “I had nothing to do with it.”
    “Maybe they realized I was too well-guarded to take this time.”
    “Perhaps. But I am still concerned about the impostor queen.”
    She hooked her arm through his elbow. “Let’s do some investigating, then.”

 
Twelve
     
    Bethesda Terrace
    12:15 a.m.
     
    Sophie’s first instinct was to flee. She even tensed her muscles, preparing to spring forward, but she felt Beau’s leash against her ankles. If she tried to run, she’d only do an ignominious face-plant, and Michael was already