Page 32 of Under the Lion Star

The spires rose into the night sky as if reaching out to skim the heavens above. Elaborate sconces were lit, making the entire structure glow from the inside out. The murmur of conversations bled into one another as we meandered through the hundreds of guests and into the main hall.

And there it was, as if bathed in light by the Gods themselves—a banquet table, long and piled high with all manner of food. My mouth watered instantly, and Nima’s hand clenched mine tightly. We looked at each other. Her pale green eyes lit up so brightly that if I didn’t know the object of her affection, I’d think she was in love.

We made our way to the table without bothering to announce our departure to the others. One end held ceramic plates detailed with golden filigree. I scooped one up and began to arrange a sampling of everything I could fit. This was going to be the best night of my life. I could feel it.

Nima groaned as we finished our second plate. The absolute fucking amateur.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been disappointed in you,” I said, watching her lean against the wall and rub her stomach. “But I must say, this is a major letdown.”

“Shut up, Alda,” she peeled her eyes open for a moment before shutting them again. “Find somewhere for me to die peacefully.”

“Alright, alright.”

I led Nima through the corridors beyond the event hall, finding a cozy sitting room where a hearth had been lit. She groaned in protest as I lowered her onto a settee. My fingers undid the small buckles of her shoes, and I set them on the floor before hoisting her legs up to stretch out across the velvet cushion.

“I’ll come find you when it’s time to leave,” I laughed.

Nima nodded, setting the back of her wrist on her forehead.

“Bathroom is across the hall.”

The guard standing at the sitting room entrance fought back a smile but offered a curt nod as I passed. With that, I made my way back through the torch-lit hall. I needed to assemble my third plate.

Using the sound of the party to find my way, I found the archway from where I’d left. Standing at the precipice was a young woman, her long silver hair half up while curls tumbled down her back.

“Hey, there,” I said, not wanting to frighten her.

She seemed apprehensive, her spine rigid and the tension in her shoulders noticeable even from a distance.

“Oh, hi,” she smiled at me brightly.

“Nervous?” I asked, wondering why someone so young was in attendance.

She frowned slightly but shook her head and put the smile back into place.

“I was waiting for my brother’s arrival. I don’t really know anyone here.”

Her blue eyes met mine. They reminded me of El, and I wondered if he would be in attendance. I had always assumed that he was a wealthy man, but given that he never wore any sort of insignia to denote this family name, I wasn’t sure if he was part of high society.

“I can go look for him if you want,” I offered.

“No, that’s okay,” the girl giggled. “My brother is the king, so I imagine I’ll know when he makes his entrance.”

“Princess Sanna,” I smiled. “It’s lovely to meet you. I’m Zialda Helner.”

“I go to school with Mera!” She grabbed onto my forearm. “Or rather, I did.”

Her grip loosened, and her smile dimmed.

“That’s understandable,” I patted her shoulder softly. “You’re definitely missed, but everyone understands you need some time away.”

“Thank you for saying that,” she looked down at her feet.

Mera hadn’t spoken often about Sanna, given they were a grade level apart and only shared a few elective courses, but the one thing she had mentioned was how lovely the princess was. I hated that she seemed nervous in her own home.

“Come hang out with me while King Leor makes his grand entrance,” I said. “We can eat until he’s selected his bride from the line of victims, er, attendees.”

Sanna laughed, the smile lifting her cheeks until her eyes nearly closed. She nodded happily and followed me toward the ballroom. Her gown was much more modest than mine, made of light purple silk with white lace sleeves that trailed over her shoulders.

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