Cam didn't like crowds on principle, but this was one gathering he was hesitantly excited for. His heart was pounding as he looked out at the gathered throng, standing as straight as a rod with his face smooth as stone, pretending not to see the curious looks. He hadn't been in Cambria long enough to be a truly public figure; most of these people probably didn't know who he was. He had had a hard enough time working with the Nevermerean military presence, let alone making time to hobnob with the locals.

His eyes slid to where a small platoon of Nevermerean soldiers was standing at ease, close enough to come at a call if needed but far enough away to make it clear they were simply attending out of politely . . . unless needed. Nestled among them, at the back of the group, Sigyn had been brought along as promised. She was collared, her wrists bound and the lead rope held by a guard. The guards specifically assigned to her had orders to take her and run if there was even a hint of shenanigans.

Standing close by was Edith, of course, and he glanced back at her to make sure she was on alert as he made his way to where Odina was standing. He walked with all the military carriage he could summon up from his required service days, channeling every ounce of noble haughtiness in the set of his shoulders and chin. He kept his eyes on her, trying to judge her mind frame, her

He didn't quite know what to expect, but whatever happened here, he was determined to be ready for it.