Ailsa looked down to hide her smile. Sav would never dream of greeting her with such an obvious compliment. “You look very nice, too.”
Ailsa looped her arm through his and rested her hand lightly on his arm. Jathan led her up the marble steps into a foyer that looked like it was built to the scale of dragons, rather than mere humans. Everywhere she looked was more marble—pale yellow marble on the floor, delicate rose-colored marble in the pillars, grey marble on the walls. It was beautiful, but it all felt so incredibly cold and lifeless that Ailsa had to struggle to suppress a shiver.
“Don’t worry,” Jathan said. “The ballroom will be less . . . stark. It’s meant to be impressive in a different way.”
Their footsteps echoed as they crossed the vast entry hall. Music issued from an arched doorway on the left. Jathan guided her in that direction. The arch was green marble and the floor beyond was made of marble tiles in the same color. Ailsa hadn’t known there were so many different shades of marble, though she definitely preferred the green. Hundreds of lamps with multi-colored glass covers lit the hall. Swirling couples filled the floor. Around the edges, though, were huge marble urns filled with flowering trees. Two of the largest flanked the archway. Ailsa breathed in the perfume of the flowers.
“Shall we?” Jathan asked, preparing to whirl her into the dance.
“Don’t we need to pay our respects to the emperor, first?” Ailsa whispered. She turned her head and realized that the dais was empty.
“Gods, no. He and Mother are out there dancing themselves. Why would he want to sit up there and just watch?”
One side of Ailsa’s mouth twitched up, then the other. “I have no idea. It’s just the way things are at King Ewart’s dances. You have to go up to the dais and bow or curtsy to him, first.”
Jathan leaned close as he swept her onto the dance floor. “You’re not in Far Terra now, Ailsa.”
Ailsa’s smiled wider. “I’m not, am I?” She took a minute to let it sink in as it hadn’t at the Student Ball. She didn’t have to make obeisance to King Ewart here. His piggish little eyes wouldn’t be watching her every move. She really could just relax and have a good time. It was very freeing.
Ailsa gave herself up to the music. Dancing with Jathan was like floating over the floor. At some point, they spun effortlessly past the emperor and empress. The emperor smiled and winked at Ailsa, who grinned back. They also passed the other princes, who all nodded to her, but made no move to try to cut in. Ailsa was glad. It was so much more fun this way.
They might have been dancing for hours when Jathan steered them over to a broad archway and out onto a long terrace overlooking the gardens. Several other couples were standing at intervals along the balustrade. “I don’t know about you, but I could use a short break.”
Ailsa wandered over to the balustrade, inhaling the scent of growing things and allowing the cool evening breeze to blow across her heated face. She inhaled. Something sweet-scented must be blooming in the gardens below.
“The gardenia’s are blooming heavily this year,” Jathan said as if he could read her mind.
“Is that what that is? We don’t have those in Far Terra.”
“That’s too bad. They smell wonderful, don’t they? Though I do admit they can get a little cloying en masse.” He pointed at a bush a few yards away, covered in white blossoms. “That’s a gardenia.”
“It’s beautiful.” She looked up at the night sky and her brow furrowed. The moon had been rising when she arrived, now it was past the zenith. “How late is it?”
“Oh, late. It must be midnight, at least. The dancers have already begun to thin out—at least the older ones have. It’s not unusual for the solstice ball to last until dawn.”
No wonder her mouth was so dry. She’d never danced that long before, but Ailsa didn’t feel at all tired, especially out here above the garden. Her feet still continued to tap along with the music.
“You’re not tired are you?” Jathan asked. “I could call for your carriage, if you want. Though, I admit, I’d rather you stayed.”
Ailsa smiled. “No. I’m not tired. I should be. I am thirsty, though.”
Jathan smiled. “Me, too. Stay there. I’ll be right back.”
Ailsa leaned on the balustrade, taking in the sights and scents of the garden. It was very nearly all the refreshment she needed. She was aware of someone coming to stand next to her and turned, expecting Jathan. She took a step back. Not Jathan.
The man was wearing dark, almost black, but elegant clothes. His hair was dark, too. And he was staring at Ailsa.
“Uh . . .” She started, uncertain who he was.
The man glanced over his shoulder once, as if looking for someone. Then he turned back to Ailsa and leaned forward. “This is just a friendly warning, Lady Ailsa. Don’t let all this hobnobbing with high company go to your head. Dancing with princes—all four of them. Meeting with the emperor. Sooner or later you’ll have to leave this behind and return to Far Terra. Better if you don’t say too much about things that’re over your head while you’re here. Understand?”
She swallowed and stared, not knowing what to say to this. The man nodded and slipped down the steps to the garden, quickly disappearing among the shrubs in the dark.
Ailsa jumped when Jathan appeared at her elbow, bearing two goblets of iced wine punch.
Jathan’s smile wavered. “What’s wrong?”
Ailsa blinked as he handed her one of the goblets. She took a sip of wine to ease her dry throat. “There was a man just now. He said . . . he warned me not to say too much while I’m here. He . . . he knew I’d danced with all four princes. That had to be the Student Ball. And that I’d met with your father.”
Jathan’s head swiveled to take in the dance floor. “Where is he now?”
Ailsa took another sip of wine to steady herself. “He went down the steps into the garden.”
“Right.” Jathan set his goblet on the top of the balustrade. He turned to pull a pretty girl in pink satin forward from where she stood just inside the arch. “Ailsa, this is my sister, Princess Mayra. Mayra, this is Ailsa. Stay with her for a moment, all right? Don’t let her out of your sight. I’ll be right back.”
“Nice to meet you,” Ailsa said, unsure whether to offer her hand or curtsy. Jathan hadn’t let her curtsy to the emperor himself, but that was in private.
While she dithered, Mayra took her free hand and pulled her into a brief hug. “I’m so glad to meet you at last.”
Jathan hurried off into the ballroom. Ailsa saw him interrupt Arrigo’s dance. The two conferred briefly and then both dashed off in different directions.
Ailsa turned her attention to Mayra. She was maybe a year younger than Ailsa. Her hair was several shades darker than Jathan’s, but had the same reddish tinge, and there was something in her eyes that reminded Ailsa strongly of Jathan, too.
She tried to think of something to say, but her mind seemed to be scattered to the four winds. There was something . . . something she should remember.
Mayra smiled at her. She pointed to Ailsa’s goblet. “You should drink some more. It’ll probably help settle your nerves.”
“I’m sorry . . .”
Mayra patted her arm. “Don’t be ridiculous. A thing like that would unsettle anyone. And right here in the palace, too. Father will be furious. I foresee a week’s worth of drills for the imperial guards on duty tonight.”
Ailsa took another sip of the wine. “He . . . he seemed to be dressed for the ball. Just . . . all his clothes were dark, almost black.”
“They’ll find him. If they have to search the whole city. Don’t worry.”
Ailsa drew a deep breath. It was true. “Thanks.”
Mayra cocked her head and smiled at Ailsa. “I had just twisted Jathan’s arm into introducing us. I don’t get a chance to meet very many other princesses. It’s all boys here. We just have to be friends.”
Ailsa choked back a laugh. All her life until she’d come here, her friend
s had been Sav, Cergio, and Perion. “It’s all boys where I come from, too.”
“See, we should be friends. Almost like sisters,” Mayra said.
Ailsa smiled back. There was something very calming about Mayra’s presence.
“I don’t think we’re going to get a very good chance to become better acquainted tonight, though,” Mayra said with a sigh. “Probably wouldn’t have even if this hadn’t happened. Not at a ball. Do you like to ride?”
Ailsa’s smile grew into a grin. “I love it.” Her grin faded. She missed riding, but she missed Pearl even more. “But I left my horse back home in Far Terra.”
“Of course you did. I’m certain we could find a horse for you in the imperial stables. It won’t be the same, but at least it’ll give you a chance to get out. And give us a chance to talk. Come tomorrow. Please.”
“I’d enjoy that.” Ailsa looked into the ballroom, where the dancing was going on despite the conspicuous absence of all four princes and . . . and the emperor.
Jathan appeared in the archway, returning to them. He offered a half-smile. “The guard is still searching, but we’re reasonably sure that man isn’t anywhere on the palace grounds.”
Ailsa’s eyes widened and she drew in a sharp breath.
Jathan took her hands in his. “You’re safe now.”
Ailsa shook her head. “It’s not that. I just realized what it was I couldn’t remember. It was the same man. The . . . the one from the coach.”
Jathan’s lips thinned. “So. He is an agent of someone in Far Terra. I’ll let Father know, just as soon as he comes back to the ball. He’ll make sure the guard leaves no stone unturned.”
One side of Ailsa’s mouth twisted up in a half-grimace. “I’m going to have to have body guards whenever I go out after this, aren’t I?”
Jathan squeezed her hand. “You’ve had a body guard ever since your meeting with our father.”
Ailsa blinked. “I . . . I have?”
Jathan smiled. “Arrigo excepted, they’re usually pretty good at making themselves inconspicuous—unless they’re needed.” He frowned slightly. “Would you like me to call for your carriage after all? I understand if this has frightened you too much to keep on dancing.”
“I . . . do you think I should go home?” Ailsa asked.
“I most certainly don’t,” Mayra said. “You can’t let this . . . well, whoever he is spoil your evening. That’s only letting them win.” She pulled herself up regally. “The proper thing for a princess to do is rise above it. Show them you’re not afraid of them.” She relaxed slightly. “Even if you are.”
Ailsa swallowed another sip of her wine punch to give herself time to think. Mayra was right. King Ewart had ruined every ball she’d ever been to in Far Terra. He or whichever of the barons had sent that man weren’t going to ruin her fun here in Terranion. She stood up a little straighter. “You’re right. I’m not going to let King Ewart have that kind of control over me. Not anymore.”
“Atta girl!” Jathan said. “Would you like to dance some more? I assure you, there’s no place safer than the dance floor of the imperial ballroom. Especially now, with guards posted at every door.”
Ailsa jerked her chin up. “As a matter of fact, I would.” She let Jathan lead her back through the arch and onto the dance floor.
“See you tomorrow afternoon,” Mayra called after them.
The music was slower now and there were fewer couples, nearly all younger, on the floor. Dancing with Jathan was just as effortless and delightful, though.
“What’s tomorrow?” Jathan asked.
“Mayra invited me to ride with her.”
Jathan’s smile was slightly secretive. “Good idea.”
She had no idea how much longer they danced. Eventually, she stumbled and Jathan had to catch her.
“Now you’re tired.” Jathan drew a deep breath. “So am I, actually.” He looked out the archway to the terrace. “And no wonder. Dawn can’t be far off. Shall I call for your carriage?”
Ailsa leaned on his arm. “I hate for this to end, but I think I’d better go home while I can still walk.”
Jathan laughed. “Wise. Very wise.”
Moments later, he handed her up into her carriage. Jathan leaned forward and pressed his lips to hers, briefly. “Thank you for a wonderful night, Ailsa. I hope it’s just the first of many.”
Ailsa blinked. The feel of his lips had sent a shock through her that was completely unexpected. And Jathan had the strangest look on his face. Had he felt it too? She gathered enough of her wits to answer. “I enjoyed it, too.”
Chapter 13: Diamond
When Ailsa arrived at the imperial palace the next day, she was met by a footman who led her around to the back where the stables were located. A fine roan gelding was tied up outside the stable, already saddled and bridled, ready for his rider. She patted him in passing. Was that meant to be her mount? Or Mayra’s? “Um. Hello?”
Jathan stepped out of the stable, smiling. “There you are. Good.”
Ailsa paused. She hadn’t expected to see Jathan today. After that parting kiss last night—or early this morning, she corrected herself—she wasn’t quite sure what to say.
Jathan’s smile faltered, almost the first sign of uncertainty she’d ever seen him display. “I invited myself along on your ride. I haven’t done much riding since classes started and I need to be in shape for our summer break. I hope you don’t mind.”
Things were going to be just the same between them? Oh good. She really hadn’t been quite sure what that little electrical jolt meant. Or the strange look on his face after the kiss. She wasn’t even sure what Jathan had meant by that kiss. Or what her reaction to it meant, for that matter. She liked Jathan—most of the time. When he wasn’t being annoying, anyway. But she didn’t want another complicated friendship right now. If Jathan was willing to act as if that kiss hadn’t happened, maybe that was the best way to deal with it. Ailsa smiled. “Of course I don’t mind.”
Jathan returned the smile. “I’ve been trying to decide which horse to offer you and I can’t choose—mostly because I’ve never seen you ride and I don’t know what you’re used to.” He turned to the right and led her to a large stall that housed a palomino lady’s palfrey. The mare’s coat had been brushed until it gleamed like burnished gold. The cream mane and tail were braided with pink ribbons. She was also nearly as round as a barrel.
Jathan rested an elbow on the stall door. The mare looked up but didn’t pause in her placid munching. “Goldenrod here is my mother’s, but she seldom has time for riding while we’re in the city. Goldie’s quiet and reliable—”
“And boring?” Ailsa asked, trying to keep from sounding appalled.
Jathan grinned at her, his eyes glinting mischievously. “Very.” He led her down to a box stall at the far end of the stable. “Now, on the other hand, if it’s excitement you want, there’s Diamond over here.”
Ailsa drew in her breath sharply. She’d never seen a more gorgeous horse in all her life. His coat was so glittering white that he would have made Pearl look dingy. Ailsa felt a pang of guilty disloyalty for thinking that, but it was the plain truth. His mane looked like strands of silver silk. His eyes were a bright blue, the color of bluebonnets and full of intelligence. “I’ve never seen a horse with eyes that color—not even an albino.”
“Oh, Diamond’s not an albino. His grandfather was a unicorn.”
Ailsa spun to stare at Jathan, sure he was trying to tell her a tall story.
Jathan held out his hands. “It’s the truth.”
Ailsa squinted at him, unconvinced. “I didn’t know there were any unicorns left.”
“Oh, yes. A few protected herds still run wild in parts of the Ring Mountains. They’re virtually impossible to tame, of course. Almost no one even tries. But some of the farmers do leave their best mares out where they’re . . . accessible.” Jathan smiled slightly. “Even the half-unicorns are very difficult to manage, but they’re supposed to
make fantastic war horses. Quarter bloods and less are more practical. Diamond here is a quarter blood. I should warn you, though, he’s likely to be quite a handful.”
“I can see that he’s spirited.”
Jathan nodded. “That, too. Mainly, he really doesn’t get enough exercise except when they turn him out in the paddock. He was supposed to be Arrigo’s, but Diamond has one of those unicorn quirks—he only accepts female riders. Arrigo gave him to Mayra at her last birthday, but she almost never rides him.”
“Why ever not?” Ailsa asked.
A horse whickered a little farther down the aisle. “He’s beautiful and I love him, but somehow whenever I come out to ride, Silver always greets me with a whinny and then I’d feel bad if I didn’t ride her. Sort of disloyal.”
Ailsa turned to see Mayra standing at a stall door, stroking the nose of a fine gray palfrey. Mayra was dressed in a worn, but elegant velvet riding habit. Ailsa suddenly felt very underdressed in her functional split skit and tunic.
“Besides, Silver is so much easier to ride than Diamond,” Jathan put in.
Mayra made a face. “It’s true I can relax more when I ride Silver, but that’s not the only reason. She’d feel like I’d deserted her if I rode Diamond instead.”
It only took a glance for Ailsa to see that Mayra and the gray had a similar bond to the one she felt with Pearl. She smiled. “That’s how I’d feel about my horse back home, if she were here. My friend says I have a special bond with Pearl. That she runs beyond her abilities for me.”
Mayra smiled back, then she turned a mock scowl on her brother. “See. She understands.” She turned back to Ailsa. “Please ride Diamond if you like. You’d be doing him and me a favor. As Jathan said, he only really likes to have a female rider, so the grooms can’t do much with him.”
Jathan’s voice rose a little in pitch. “Only if you feel up to it. There are plenty of other horses, more exciting than Goldenrod, but not as challenging as Diamond.”
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