wall. She stood there long after the Queen's footsteps had faded, starin

forest somewhere in the distance-its silhouette swallowed by the mist. Somewher

s. Yet it lingered in her memory like a half-forgotten lullaby. Elara drew in a sh

reaked somewhere behind her. Quiet, but not imagined. "Who's there?" she called, her voice low and ca

she murmured to herself, but even she didn't quite believe it. She resumed her pace, faste

iling behind her before vanishing around the corner. Elara stilled. Her heart knocked once, hard, in her chest. But this was the palace. People

erya stood directly in front of her, a soft, amused smile tugging at her lips. Her blonde hair ca

sed elegance and a graceful, knowing smile. "My apologies,

taking night walks. They help clear my head from all the dance practices and the e

finally of age, and Mother wouldn't waste a second before shipping me of

them seem to be what I want." She pouted. "I am certain, Serya, th

led slowly and smiled again. "Shall I escort you to your chambers?" she

sper. "If you look back long enough, you'll n

stationed just beyond the shadows. "Mother sends them to watch me when I

gan their quiet walk through the halls of the palace. "You know, I

n?" Serya asked, hal

e day before yesterday.

ond the palace, how much more I the princess?" Elara smiled s

er saying 'I do', is it not? It is obvious that Kaelos's love for me is distant. I would not be surprised if that is also quite known beyon

ressing, however, I didn't expect s

but that works too." A silence lingered before Serya spoke again. "You know I didn't mean to pry," Serya sa

Then you must know I'm not exactly walking on roses with your brother." Serya hesitat

s is now wed. He doesn't have

na." Elara stopped walking. "This... Athena," she said slowly, "what can you tell me abo

, in the eastern grove. A few of the court ladies befriended her, and that's how she drew close to Kaelos. They've bee

s," Serya said with a shrug. "Everyone knew Kaelos couldn't marry her, but-w

the door to Elara's chambers, both women slowed. Serya turned to her. "Kaelos

mile. "And I shall t

"Good night, Serya." Elara nodded her he

htly before turning away and disappea

iting inside. "Good evening, my lady," Hallel said with a soft curtsy. Elara bl

Elara stepped inside. "It is my duty. Please, sit." Elara smiled sheepishly and moved to

lara murmured. "There's no need to flatter me, Your Grace. This is what I w

sighed. They looked at each other through the reflection, then burst into sudden, genui

r laugh bubbled between them. Elara leaned back in the chair, thoughtful now. "Sometimes I won

nt in Elara's hair. "It's a blessed feeling

Hallel said brightly. "You'd love it. There's music in the square every fifth day. Real la

was where Serya said Athena lived. Would it be foolish to go? Pe

lel," Elara said softly, then added, "You shoul

Sleep well, Princess." When she had gone, Elara slipped into her bath and then into he

ad bowed. "A message, Your Grace. From the Prince." She took it without a word. The seal was simple-no wax, just a fold

hearth. She said nothing. She made no sound. She simply climbed into bed

stirring slowly beneath the sheets. The room was quiet and still. A soft fragrance of rosewater lingered in the air, a

my absence, Your Grace. I'll be in the kitchen this morning and may not retur

est gold gown-simple in design, but elegant in its tailoring. It hugged her figure gentl

d dew still clung to the grass. Children's laughter echoed softly, and as she rounded a hedge-lined path, s

her head, smiling. "Why do your faces look so sour?" The children startled slightly, then turne

e tree. "That one?" she asked. They all nodded. "We wanted to add i

rl exclaimed, eyes lighting up. Elara stepped forward, reached up with ease, and plucked the flower

hands lightly on her dress. That's when she felt it-peering eyes. She glanced around and noticed a few women seated ne

isguised scoff. Elara turned to walk on, ignoring them. But just as she

d. Elara's step faltered. She turned, slow and deliberate, locking eyes wit

rning? I'd hate to believe you've chosen to

he sapphire pendant at her throat. "I'm sorry, Your Grace. It

Elara asked. The lady dipped in a gracefu

t is so lovely to finally