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The roses in the garden were in full bloom, and their fragrance filled the air. The Dryads had woven garlands of the roses, and they hung them in the trees and statues scattered around the garden. It brought some much-needed life to the gardens.
A few people nodded to us as we walked by. The Queen Mother spoke to one of her ladies-in-waiting. She looked happy, and I was glad. This party was for her, after all. To show the people of the Eternal Court that she was still the one in charge.
The music changed again, and I saw the Queen Mother’s face light up. She loved to dance, and she was one of the best dancers in the Eternal Court. Her grace was legendary.
Five courtiers joined her on the dance floor, and I saw the Queen Mother’s face light up. Their arms and legs moved in perfect harmony as their colorful dresses swirled around them.
I smiled politely at a couple that I didn’t know. Their eyes were cold, and they looked at me with barely concealed contempt. I wondered what I had done to earn their dislike. But then, there were always people who didn’t like me. It came with the territory of being a Midarian princess in an Elvish court.
I saw Darith watching me, her eyebrow raised in amusement. I shrugged, and she grinned. She knew me too well. We found a quiet spot behind a hedge in the shape of a dancing swan, and we sat down.
“This party is splendid,” Darith said, looking around. “We could learn a lot from the Queen Laylath.”
“I’m sure we could,” I said, absentmindedly picking a flower from the hedge. “She’s the perfect hostess.”
Elvish parties were boring. There was too much emphasis on protocol and etiquette. I preferred the Midarian parties, where there was more singing and dancing, and less formality.
“Indeed,” Darith agreed. “She knows how to make everyone feel welcome.”
“That’s true,” I said, looking at the flower in my hand. Its petals were soft, and it smelled faintly of honey. “I’m glad we came. I can learn a lot from her example.”
She was right, of course. Queen Laylath was a master of the art of entertaining. And I could learn a lot from her. If only I could make these Elvish parties more bearable. But that was a problem for another day.
For now, I was content to sit in the peace of the garden and watch the party go by.
“A sea of people, all with their own stories and secrets. It’s amazing how much you can learn just by observing them.”
I nodded my head. “It’s like a puzzle, trying to put all the pieces together.”
“Exactly,” Darith said.
“And sometimes, you never do figure it all out, but find your unique way,” I said, looking around at the couples who were now swirling around the garden.
The couples stopped dancing as they turned their attention to the stage, where the musicians had played a new song. The bouzouki, drums, and flute created a lively rhythm that got everyone’s feet tapping. Mine included.
“Ah, this is my favorite song,” Darith said, standing up. “A tale of valor and true love.”
We made our way to the balcony. The tree was now decorated with flowers that matched the garlands the Dryads made. The Queen Mother was sitting on her throne, surrounded by her ladies-in-waiting. Her long, black hair was braided and adorned with gems. Simple, yet elegant.
A group of acrobats ran onto the stage and started performing flips and twists. The crowd clapped and cheered as the show entertained them. They sang as they performed, their voices clear and true. A tale about a young musician who went to a king’s court to win his daughter’s hand in marriage.
Their arms and legs shone in the light, covered in a fine layer of dust. It was clear they had been practicing for this performance. Their curls bounced as they danced, and their skirts flared out around them.
I leaned against the balcony, watching as the acrobats leaped and danced across the stage. Their voices filled the air as they sang about the young musician’s trials and tribulations. I forgot about the surrounding people, and I just watched and listened.
The curtain behind us opened. I turned around and dropped my flower as I saw who it was.
It was Emre, with a tray of drinks in his hands. He smiled when he saw me, and my smile widened in response.
How was this possible?
“I thought you might like something to drink,” he said, holding out the tray.
“What are you doing here?” I asked, unable to keep the surprise out of my voice. “How did you even get in?”
He winked. “I have my ways.”
I laughed, but worry crept into my mind. If they caught him, he would be in a lot of trouble. A Werewolf in the palace was not something that would be tolerated. Not without severe consequences.
