The scent of fresh rainwater invades my senses, and hints of sweetness fill the air, reminiscent of watching lily pads float on the most tranquil pond. Chana never wears perfume, but tonight is Lady Arranella’s party and she’s treating herself.
“You should always know when someone is watching you.” Approaching her dress, she runs her fingers along the feathers near the arm straps. “Tonight, I need you to figure out what the map leads to and where they got it.”
“Should be easy enough, though I suspect the answer is Farella Isle.”
She spins. “Your reasoning?”
“That’s what they’ve been studying in the library. The artifact supposedly belonged to Fraya Vellen. A replication of Kailaric’s Anchor.”
“Have you told the Queen any of this yet?”
“No. I was waiting to collect more information.”
From her pocket she pulls out a vial of purple translucent liquid. “Good. It’s best to wait until we know for sure what they’re after.” I want to bring up the Ivian Flower, but will she mock me for mentioning the mythical object? “Sky batched this the other day. If given the opportunity, slip it into their drinks. Between this and the alcohol, they’ll be fountains overflowing with secrets.” Tucking it into the pocket of my dress my stomach tightens, but I give her a nod of acknowledgement. She will be attending the same party, and I know this is another test, one I can’t fail, especially knowing she’s been watching me. She pushes me forward, playfully. “Get changed and go get your prince. I hate people and parties, so the sooner we show up the sooner I know the night will end.”
We head back to my room where I change into something more festive. I go with an ensemble more casual yet still fancy enough for a party hosted by a royal family member, well, the wife of one anyway.
Tonight, I wear pearls I selected from the Queen’s collection, available in a room she provided us, filled with incentives for being a Fox. There is an abundance of other items we can select, but I’ve only taken the pearl necklace and a matching set of earrings. As glamorous as it all is, it’s not mine. Borrowing more than my share ties me to this place in more ways than I’d like. I’ll carry out my end of the deal with the Queen, but once done, so am I.
Once I’m ready, Chana and I head over to the Rose House, which is a good walk away from the castle.
Dusk sets and the sky fluffs up with fading pink-and-orange clouds, as the sound of distant instruments guides us to our destination.
“Ugh, so many people,” Chana mumbles.
“It won’t be so bad,” I assure, squeezing her hand. “A break from hiding in dark corners and actually being in conversations, rather than listening in on them, will be good for us both.”
She tosses me a look from the corner of her eye. “You think I still won’t do that here?”
My grin causes her to break and it’s the first time I hear her laugh. Good to know she’s capable of it.
“LADY ARIAH!” A voice from behind shouts, stopping both of us.
In the dim light I make out three figures, all dressed up in matching neutral tones, a common trend I’ve observed of our Saden visitors.
Chana and I curtsy.
“Are you both ready to see how Saden men party? I bet you Haymelians will struggle to keep up,” Eli says to Chana playfully.
“Sadens and Haymelians have nothing on those of us from Ethmay,” Chana shoots back, not lacking an ounce of confidence.
Eli stops walking, caught off guard. I’m certain this is the first interaction they’ve shared yet both exchange words effortlessly. “And she speaks,” he teases, conjuring a grin. “I’ve never met an Ethmay woman before.” He takes a step in her direction and extends a hand. “And you are?”
“Well, now you have,” she says, reluctantly taking his hand. “And you may call me Chana.”
“And do Ethmay women like to drink, Lady Chana?”
“Depends on what is being offered. And it depends on the company.”
The air shifts and these two linger for longer than they should.
“Why don’t we continue on.” Iann steps around Eli, patting him on the back and edging him towards the house. “Can’t show her how Saden men party until we actually make it to the party.”
I fall back, walking next to Benny, with Iann a foot ahead of us and Chana and Eli talking away at the front.
Benny strikes up a conversation, keeping it casual. We talk mostly about him and the emporium he owns back in Saden. He speaks about his son with great admiration. His son is a painter and he promises to show me some of his sketches whenever there is time. Iann also adds that Benny’s son has done several murals in the castle.
We arrive at the Rose House, and as I expected people stop their conversations to watch Prince Iann make his way inside. Even the musicians slow their playing.
