Unfortunately even with her escort, Eva can only visit so many new house buildings carrying armfuls of lanterns without attracting attention eventually. Malicant's growing influence is always spreading and those who have fallen under his sway (either willingly or unwillingly) and become zealots for his cause will attack if they see an opportunity. Sometimes they'll be wielding weapons stolen from the Palace, passed by the possessed guards... and sometimes they'll just throw themselves at their targets, using nails and teeth and whatever shapeshifting forms they think will do the most damage.

Celaunn will protect Evastelei fiercely, but it's clear that the cultists have a decent idea of what those lanterns might be...