Messenger in the Mist. Aubrie Dionne

Star, you know I must do what is in the best interest of the Interkingdom Carriers.” Zetta’s words were practiced and unemotional.

      “But I’ve trained all my life. I’m the best rider you have.”

      “Tia Rood comes from a background of great expertise. She’s worked at the castle for years now and understands what it is to be diplomatic.”

      “With all due respect, diplomacy has nothing to do with riding—”

      “Star, we need someone with years of experience in charge. Someone who can navigate sticky situations with grace and ease. Someone who will be respected by all.”

      She knew she was less than smooth when dealing with patrons. Sometimes her desire for quality and efficiency put her at odds with other people’s wishes, and her curtness when asked about the letters didn’t help. But she had always thought the decisions she made were fair.

      Whatever the reason, it didn’t matter. To Zetta, Tia was either some great letter goddess or an age-old friend. Star became more and more frustrated with every word from Zetta’s mouth. The barrier separating thought from speech dissolved, leaving Star with no filter to hold back her words. In a rash moment, she spoke her mind. “Zetta, that woman is way too big to ride. She’ll never make it to Ravencliff.” Guilt shot through her for saying it, but the comment had already been spoken and there was no way to take it back.

      “Enough!” Zetta’s words silenced Star’s complaints for good. “You have overstepped your position here. If I wanted your opinion, I would have asked for it. Tia will finish your mission for today. Collect your empty letter bag and go home. I am assigning you a period of house arrest as you heal from the mental strain your being attacked has caused.”

      Zetta’s command shocked Star out of her wits. She felt aggravated, cheated and, above all, embarrassed. Not only had she reacted unprofessionally, but she had fueled the fires of hate, making the situation even worse. Gathering her letter bag, she skulked away in silent resignation. Her one consolation was the fact she didn’t have to deliver that awful love letter to Princess Vespa.

      Darmond stopped her before she crossed the threshold into town. “Wait! Stop, Miss Nightengale, immediately!”

      Both Star and Zetta looked at him like he had lost his good reason, but the head collector stood confidently, a single letter in hand. “This letter requests Star Nightengale to deliver it with her own hands and no one else.”

      “What?” Zetta ran over before Star could say a word, letter in hand to inspect it herself. Star wondered who would choose her as their single delivery messenger.

      Zetta held the letter up to her eyes as if Darmond had misread it. She crinkled her nose in disgust and handed Star the sealed paper. “Fine, you may deliver this one. But afterward, go right on home and rest.” Her eyes grew watery with melancholy, but Star knew it was all a bunch of wonderful nonsense by now. “We care for your well being here at Evenspark’s Interkingdom Carriers.”

      Star thought she’d won a small victory. At least one of her customers had the common sense to stand by her. As she took the letter in her own hands, she looked down to see who would exhibit such an ostentatious show of favoritism.

      A surge of irrepressible heartsickness came over her as she beheld the revolting truth of the recipient of the letter. A hasty scribbled name mocked her sore emotions: Princess Vespa.