Extrait

Chapter One

I weave my way around the layers of semi-circle tables where the court members sit, ignoring their whispers as I pass. I'm used to their gossiping - the consequence of wearing a veil since birth.

At least tonight, they're easier to ignore than usual.

Kedrick's back.

He arrived back yesterday and, before leaving the middle ring tonight, I'd given him our secret gesture - hopefully not too subtle. It was easy to forget the prince was for Glacium, and therefore unused to the discreet ways of my world.

I twist through the dark passageways of the palace, climbing back wooden steps until I reach my room secluded in the far reaches of the palace. My chambers are halfway up the highest tower though I used to be all the way at the top. Perhaps I'm growing in my mother's regard. I chuckle darkly at the thought, shaking my head.

My chambers aren't much to look at; a bed, a basin, a chest and two fans. It is,however, one of the few places where people don't stare.

I change out my brown robes and into my black set. The light material slithers down to cover me until only my hands and sandalled feet are exposed. The black robes were for grieving, but my brother and I ofter wore them to sneak around. And if ever there was a time to sneak, It was then the Tatuma of Osolis and the Prince of Glacium were meeting in the meadow.

The sky darkens according to its own schedule as I settle into the chamber's opening and will time a quicken. A hot wind catches at the thick, black material of my veil, sweeping it side-to-side.