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THE CARAVAN PULLS UP to the castle in the kingdom of Farrah and everyone steps out in their best finery. Rowan extends his arm playfully to Veronica as the stream of nobles from Farrah and Zaphyre sweep by us to enter the castle.
“Shall we.”
“We shall.” She chimes. Jabari and Emitt look up at the beautiful palace as we climb the wide steps. The doors and windows are illuminated with lights that glow bright against the moody setting sky.
“Remind me why we’ve never been to Farrah before.” Jabari gapes. I chuckle as we drift through the entrance, flanked with guards.
Prince Kuruk has invited the Lost Souls to the nearby kingdom of Farrah where the king and queen are throwing a celebration for the prince’s birthday. Apparently, it’s well known that the royal families of the two respective kingdoms are close, and although we aren’t performing, Prince Kuruk invited us along as his guests.
As we walk into the massive ballroom full of people dressed in their finest gowns and jewels, I can’t help but notice some of the side looks from the nobles that have traveled here from the events in Zaphyre. The confusion on their face that the Lost Souls are here as guests and not performers is palpable, and it’s clear by the stiff nods and taught smiles that they aren’t sure how to interact with us in such a setting.
All in all, the venue and food are nice. I sway along to the music with my friends and indulge in the refreshments servants are handing out on platters.
For the fourth time that evening, Prince Kuruk and I meet gazes from across the ballroom as he’s intermingling with the other nobles and royals of Farrah. Scirocco, Sol, and Jubilee giggle to themselves and I clear my throat, breaking eye contact as I munch on the tart in my hand.
“You better make sure the two of you keep your googly eyes on the low.” Jubilee warns playfully. “There’s a lot of women who would kill to have the Prince’s attention, and if they learn that someone who rolls with magic users of all people, has the gull to steal his attention away, that’ll be bad news for all of us.” She tsks dramatically.
“Leave the poor woman alone.” Scirocco gives her a warning look, then she nudges my shoulder. “It’s not her fault the Prince has good taste.” They all laugh and cheers their glasses which causes a few spectators to look in our direction. My cheeks burn.
“Stop it guys.” I grind out as I roll my eyes and turn away from the group so they can’t see my blushing face. I have a few sips from my wine glass to calm myself and reach for another tart. When I turn back around, I notice a young woman has joined the king and queen of Farrah and are greeting King Raphael, Queen Chiome, and Prince Kuruk warmly.
She’s dazzling. Her gold skin almost glitters under the ballroom lights just as much as her jewels and tiara.
“Who’s that?” I nod over to her.
“Oh, That’s Princess Mayvie. She’s the eldest child of the king and queen of Farrah.” Scirocco informs me. Princess Mayvie grabs onto the prince’s arm with ease and falls right into step beside him. The gesture puts a sour note in my stomach. Sol nods to the two.
“From what I’ve heard, the two royal families have had close relations for years. I think King Raphael and King Pauley were close friends in their youth.”
I can’t help the ping in my chest as I watch Princess Mayvie laugh gracefully and maneuver around the ballroom with ease alongside Prince Kuruk. It’s like them being near one another is so effortless.
I clear my throat and turn away.
“I think I’m going to walk around for a bit.” I step away from the girls before anyone could say anything and disappear into the crowd. Well, not entirely. I still towered over everyone there, so I wasn’t hard to spot.
I nurse my drink and look at the decorations strung up around the perimeter of the room to distract myself.
“They look so good together don’t you think?” I overhear a highly embellished older woman say to her companion as they ogle at Prince Kuruk and the princess.
My stomach churns.
“Yes, that is indeed a good match. They’ve known each other since they were little. It’s bound to happen that they get married isn’t it? Could you imagine how powerful that would make Farrah and Zaphyre?”
I cough out my drink and have to excuse myself as the surrounding guests look at me strangely.
I dash off towards one of the open entrances and step out into the hall where there’s less people milling about and I can breathe. Then I chuckle to myself humorlessly at my childishness.
Of course they’d be a good match. Two royals with close families who’ve known each other since they were little? They’re practically made for each other.
I push away the lump in my throat that I have no right to feel. The life of a royal is no longer my path. What other royals do amongst themselves is no longer my concern.
“...yes, the trip to Hivena was lovely.” I freeze in my tracks, the blood draining from my body at the sudden mention of Hivena.
I look over my shoulder to see two noblemen ambling down the hall in deep conversation. Hurriedly I hide behind a giant vase on a pillar and pray they haven’t spotted me. Of course no one knows I’m alive, but I don’t want to take the chance on someone spotting me who’s familiar with Hivena and its customs. Someone who’s familiar with Hivena will be more ready to question my height and mannerisms. Even my name.
“Did you get a chance to see their new queen? Queen Malala is it?”
I perk up at the sound of my sister’s name.
They’ve crowned her? She’s alright?!
I listen closer.
“Yes, her Queening Ceremony went smoothly. I even laid eyes on the Sages who conducted her crowning for the first time. They were as fascinating and unsettling as the legends say.”
“That was fast. They appointed a new queen so quickly.”
“You know how Hivena is. It’s a strange land. The death of Queen Nasira happened so suddenly, I guess they wanted to establish the new queen in her place as quickly as possible.”
The death of Queen Nasira? Queen Mother is...dead?!
“She must be a worthy queen if The People have accepted her. Ah, sir Jorge, did I tell you what my nephew has found in the Veah dessert...”
The two nobles drift further down the hall and I slump up against the wall. Tears of relief and other mixed emotions pool in my eyes.
Queen Mother is dead? Malala is officially reigned in as the Queen of Hivena.
A smile of pride pulls at my lips at her accomplishments, but I also can’t help the burning shame that bubbles in my stomach as I think about how I left her, and the unfortunate fate of my sisters.
The lump in my throat suffocates me until the tears spill over my cheeks and stain my gown. I’m unable to fight the ache of what has become of my family no matter how hard I try. Malala is in Hivena dealing with the remnants of what our family once was and I’m here playing clown...just like Queen Mother said.
Shouts echo from out the ballroom, startling me out of my self pitying thoughts. I wipe my face quickly, eager to have a distraction from my emotions and curiously head back into the party.
I look over the guests' heads to see what’s going on. I spot one of the new magic users that had arrived at the camp over the past few weeks standing in the middle of a circle of guests. A noble looming over him as he demands an apology. I shoulder my way through some of the crowd.
What’s happened?
“This is what happens when you let magic users, unnatural creatures, into the same spaces as nobles.” The arrogant man booms to the other guests around him. He points to Shaw, the new magic user. “This man was trying to use magic on me!” Shaw looks around startled.
“I wasn’t! I-I mean I didn’t. I was just–”
“He did! I saw him doing something with his hands!” A noble woman from the crowd interjects. The guests gasp and an uproar ensues as panic bubbles over the crowd. Nobles feverishly question their safety amongst the magic users and the ethics of them being present at a royal’s engagement.
What are any of these silver spooned aristocrats talking about!? Many of them wouldn’t even know there were magic users in their midst if they hadn’t already seen us performing in Zaphyre.
I step into the middle of the circle to stop a group of nobles from surrounding Shaw and Rowan steps in right next me.
“Now now, why don’t we all just calm down here.” Rowan smiles with that disarming twinkle in his eye.
“He didn’t do anything wrong. Are you insinuating that it’s a crime for him to simply exist in the same space as you?” I step into the noble's face. He looks up at me flustered, probably from my size, and looks to his companions who are equally flustered by my boldness.
“And who the hell are you?”
Rowan grabs my wrists and I clam up, looking at the nobles around me go quiet with their attention suddenly shifted to me. Maybe it wasn’t a sound decision to step up like this. It completely slipped my mind that I have no authority or station here. If anything, my physique associated with magic users probably comes off as more intimidating.
Oh no, did I make it worse?
I scramble my brain to figure out how to remedy the tensions brewing amongst the crowd when suddenly a figure steps out in front of me.
“She is my guest, and so are the others. I’ve invited them here to celebrate in my birthday festivities. Which is what we’re all gathered here for.” Prince Kuruk says loudly, taking the attention off of me. “Do you have a problem with that, Duke Herrington? Do all of my guests have to be vetted through you before I invite them?” He challenges.
“N-no, of course not, Your Highness. I was just...” The Duke says with a bow. It’s quiet as the tension between us and the surrounding nobles thickens. The crowd parts and King Raphael steps forward, patting his son on the back.
“Come now, that’s enough of this nonsense. It’s my son’s birthday celebration, and we’re all meant to be merry as his honored guests!” He bellows jovially. The crowd chuckles, some more nervous than others, and everyone slowly turns back to the party under King Raphaels behest.
With everyone’s attention diverting back to the celebration, the tension in my limbs slowly begins to subside, only to be replaced by a slight shakiness.
How dare these nobles try to pull a stunt like that and cause Shaw harm just for being a magic user! Playing with other people's safety and wellbeing isn’t a game! Some nobles have their heads so far up their own bedazzled asses that they think the only lives that matter are theirs. It infuriates me!
I take a deep breath and pull myself together. There’s nothing here that I can do about it. There’s no point in me getting all worked up. It’s clear I’ve caused enough disruption.
Prince Kuruk turns to me, worriedly examining my face. He takes a step towards me to reach for my hand when Princess Mayvie appears out of the crowd and grabs onto his arm.
“Kuruk, you shouldn’t have to deal with such trifles during your party,” she pouts. Then she turns to Rowan, Shaw, and I. “Why don’t you introduce me to your new interesting friends.”
Prince Kuruk looks from her to me.
“This is Zemira, and this is...” Rowan bows.
“I am Rowan, leader of the Lost Souls, and this is Shaw. But if Your Highnesses could please excuse us, I would like to take Shaw here to get some fresh air considering what’s just happened.” It was clear Shaw is still shaken up out of everyone. It hasn’t been long since he came under the protection of the Lost Souls. Before that, I can only imagine that any confrontational experience with a noble would have been dangerous.
“Of course.” Prince Kuruk nods and they both bow before taking their leave. That just leaves me, Prince Kuruk and Princess Mayvie.
I think I could use some fresh air myself.
“Maybe I should–”
“Wait,” Prince Kuruk reaches out to stop me from excusing myself. “Let me escort you.”
Princess Mayvie grips his arm a little tighter.
“Kuruk, where are you going in the middle of your party?” she chuckles.
I look around, trying to find my escape away from all these people, many of them who don’t even want the Lost Souls in their presence.
I just need a moment to breathe.
Suddenly, Jubilee and Scirocco emerge through the crowd and introduce themselves to the princess.
“It’s an honor to meet you Princess Mayvie. We’re also from the Lost Souls troupe...”
They go into a long dialogue of how they love her hair and dress and ask her what kind of entertainment she likes. I sigh in relief that the attention is off of me. Hopefully they can be a distraction enough for me to slip away. But before I can evaporate into the crowd, Prince Kuruk stops me.
“If you’d excuse me Princess, I promised Zemira I’d show her the gardens here in Farrah, and I want to keep that promise.” He eyes me.
“Great! Then we should all go together.” She smiles, but it doesn’t quite reach her eyes.
“I appreciate that Mayvie but there’s no need–”
“I insist,” she offers. “This is my castle after all. It’s only right that I, the host, escort you to our gardens.” Then she turns to me. “Kuruk loves them. We used to play in the gardens all the time when we were younger.” She smiles, gripping his arm with a playful nudge. “Follow me.”
She leads the way, keeping Prince Kuruk tucked to her side. Jubilee and Scirocco both look at me with an annoyed and sympathetic expression on their faces. I can’t help but smile weakly as the three of us follow along.
This wasn’t exactly what I wanted, but the more people that start to melt away as we amble out of the ballroom and into the halls, the better I begin to feel.
Princess Mayvie chats about the history of the kingdom of Farrah and their gardens. She even proudly boasts about how one of Prince Kuruk’s grandmother’s pieces is displayed here in one of them.
“So as you can see, the royal families of Farrah and Zaphyre have a rich history together,” she beams at Scirocco, Jubilee, and me. We politely smile back as we approach two tall stained wooden doors.
“And here we are.” She chimes and opens them up with a swirl. The doors whoosh open with ease and reveal a garden, but not just any garden. Just about every statue, decoration, and even many of the plants, are opalized!
My jaw drops as almost every surface within the indoor garden glitters white under the moonlight piercing through the glass ceilings. It takes my breath away. I feel like I’ve been transported to a completely different world.
The girls walk in ahead of me, equally amazed by the garden and bombarding Princess Mayvie with all types of questions. She’s proud to answer every single one as they usher her down the stairs and further into the garden. Prince Kuruk hangs back and drifts into step beside me.
“This place is amazing.” I breathe as we descend down the marble stairs where vines have completely interwoven themselves along the banister and up the walls. I can’t take my eye off of the opalized statue erect in the middle of the conservatorium that I’m honestly eager to see up close.
“I’m glad that you’re pleased.” Prince Kuruk smiles. I give him a small smile back.
“Thank you, for stepping in back there. I really appreciate it.”
“Of course,” he waves off my gratitude. “You’re my guests too. I’m sorry that your friend had to experience that.” I shrug, unsure of what to say.
It’s quiet for a moment as we reach the bottom of the stairs and continue further into the jungle of a conservatorium. He suddenly grabs my arm lighty and turns me towards him. “Zemira, I want you to know that whenever you’re in trouble, you can always–”
“There you two are dilly dallying behind. I wouldn’t want you to get lost.” Princess Mayvie beams as she comes over and grips the prince’s arm. “Come now, this way.” She tugs on him and he looks at me over her head with something unspoken in his eyes.
I follow behind and we all huddle around the opalized statue that you can see from the second floor entrance, and gaze in awe at how it twinkles under the moonlight.
“Wow, your family's garden is amazing Princess Mayvie. Thank you for sharing it with us.” Scirocco beams.
“Of course, of course. I’m always happy to entertain. Much like the three of you.”
Jubilee cuts her eyes at her.
“Why don’t you three do a performance for the Prince and I? That would be such a cute gift!” She gleams. Prince Kuruk steps forward.
“No Princess Mayvie, they’re here strictly as my guests, not entertainment.”
“Oh come on Kuruk. First, stop calling me princess in front of my name, we aren't strangers.” She giggles. “And second, it’s what they do, isn’t it? They entertain people.” She turns to us with wide eyes that feign innocence.
“It may be what they do, but it isn’t what they’re here for today. Today, they’re my esteemed guests.” He says, holding my eyes.
“Oh Kuruk! That’s so sweet of you to invite the entertainment.” She beams up at him gripping his arm tighter. Then she turns to us. “He has such a big heart. He’s always had one ever since we were little. He always takes care of people below his station and is very charitable.”
“I bet he does. How sweet.” Jubilee grinds out. I reach for her hand just to calm her and make sure she doesn’t say anything to get herself in trouble.
Feeling fed up I smile at the Princess while avoiding Prince Kuruk’s gaze.
“He is indeed, and we’re very grateful that His Majesty has bestowed favor upon us. Even in our insignificance, he is very gracious.”
