I stepped outside and saw Meli. She looked small. Three children were crowding her. They poked her and pulled her hair like she was a petting zoo animal. Meli just swatted them away weakly. It made my blood heat up. She was grieving and scared and these children were treating her like a toy.

I walked over with long strides. I stood between Meli and the children. I drew myself up to my full height. I remembered Isolde's lessons on posture and tone. I looked down at the children with a cold hard stare. I did not yell. I spoke with the quiet authority of a prince even if I had no throne.

[b]"That is enough."[/b]

I stared at the child who pulled her tail.

[b]"You are being rude. Go back to your parents before I find them myself and tell them how you behave."[/b]

I let the silence hang for a moment to let them feel the weight of my words. I hoped they would run.

I turned my back on them and looked at Garrick and Meli. I handed Garrick the tags for the horses.

[b]"The room is paid for. Elena and Isolde are holding a table for us inside. Let's get out of the cold."[/b]