Page 51 of The Golden Princess

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I could see little in the darkness, however, since the moon was the thinnest of slivers and the blaze of lanterns was clustered in the courtyard. I turned away with a sigh, but my sadness passed with the next breath as we crossed the smooth stone of the courtyard to approach the double doors of the building.

Ascending the shallow steps into the palace, time seemed to roll back once more. But then the gleaming flash of my gown caught my eye, and reality rushed back in. I had watched guests arrive for many balls, giggling from above as Adara and I peered over the balustrade of the staircase that led to the royal apartments, but I had never made this trek myself.

Navid handed over our invitation, and we were ushered inside the long ballroom. The carved screens on the row of tall windows were thrown wide to let in the cool night air, and small palm trees in pots had been brought inside, blurring the distinction between garden and room. Servants wended their way through the guests to offer trays of refreshments.

It had been a long time since I spied on a ball from the shadows, and the number of people took me by surprise. I should have expected it, of course, but I had been so focused on seeing Adara—and Rek—again, that I had imagined only a shadowy handful of other people.

In reality, the press of people meant I could see no sign of the prince or princess, and it occurred to me that royal duties might keep them busy for most of the event.

“Do you see them?” Navid asked, revealing his thoughts closely mirrored my own.

“You’re the one who can see over heads. I can’t see a thing.”

He looked down at me with a grin. “It must be hard to be so short.”

I turned my nose up at him, spinning away with a satisfying flick of my skirts. The sight of my back only made him chuckle, but my new angle gave me view of a server, and I hurried over to accept a familiar delicacy from his tray.

I bit into the savory ball with a sigh. They had been my favorite as a child, and I hadn’t had one in far too long.

“That looks good,” Navid said, making me jump.

I pointed in the direction of the disappearing server. “He went that way.”

Navid started after him with single-minded focus, leaving me standing alone. My foot started to tap, and I watched those on the dance floor with hidden longing. I hadn’t come here for the purpose of dancing, but it was impossible not to be swept up by the music. I missed the hours Adara and I had spent with the dancing master and the feeling of freedom as I flew through the steps, my body responding without needing my mind to direct it, the movements effortless and exhilarating. It had been too long since I’d danced, and I missed it.

I was still distracted by the dance when a woman at least two decades older than me approached. Her extravagant gown was hung with thin disks of gold that jingled as she walked, reminding me of a dancer.

Distracted by the setting and her dress, I didn’t recognize her until she was standing in front of me. I had last seen her at the market, on the morning after Kasim’s death.

“Zaria, I believe, is it not?” she asked with a smile.

I nodded, wary.

“You’ll know me, of course.” Her smile grew.

“Of course,” I agreed, adopting the respectful tone she clearly desired. “Everyone in the city knows Yasmine, head of Karema’s greatest merchant empire.”

Her expression took on a self-satisfied air. “Very true. And you’ll have heard of my parties as well, I’m sure. You must come to my next one. I’ll send you an invitation.”

“How kind.” I inclined my head respectfully.

Inside, I was feeling more intrigued than flattered, however. It was true Yasmine’s parties were famous, but they had a questionable reputation, and I had never desired to attend one. I did, however, wonder about her sudden interest in me.

Something over my shoulder caught her attention, and she floated away, clearly considering a farewell beneath her. I watched her go, my thoughts busy.

“What did she want?” Navid appeared at my side again, his face alight with curiosity and food gripped in both hands.

“To invite me to her next party, if you can believe it.”

He laughed. “Of course I can.”

“Really?” I frowned at him. “I’m just a servant, remember?”

He raised an eyebrow as he scanned my dress. I flushed and waved a dismissive hand.

“This is just one night.”

“Perhaps.” He paused and when I said nothing, laughed again. “You really can’t see it?”


Tags: Melanie Cellier Fantasy