Page 27 of The Moon's Daughter

She made a mental note to seek out Soraya later, to gently probe and offer support. For now, she allowed her sister this moment of hidden joy and turned her attention back to the ball.

Later in the evening, as the music softened and the crowd thinned, Queen Hadiyah pulled Layna aside to a quieter corner of the ballroom.

“Were any of the princes promising?” her mother asked with a tight smile, the faint creases around her eyes deepening.

“Not particularly,” Layna replied, her shoulders tense. Her mother studied her for a moment then turned her to face the ballroom.

“Observe,” the queen advised, her arm heavy across Layna’s shoulders. “Alliances form not just in council chambers but here, amidst dances and smiles.”

Layna saw a prominent duke from a neighboring kingdom in animated conversation with a high-ranking military officer from Alzahra. Their laughter and hearty handshakes were the seeds of a budding military alliance, likely to be solidified in the coming days.

Nearby, merchants conversed with the minister of trade, potentially shaping future economic policies and trade agreements.

A hushed conversation nearby captured Layna and Hadiyah’s attention. A group of well-dressed courtiers were whispering about the latest rumors surrounding Zephyria. Layna leaned in slightly, trying to covertly listen.

“I hear Zephyria has been forging new alliances,” one courtier said quietly, a thin, wiry man with long blond hair. “King Jorah has secured pacts with Ezanek and Valtisaan, increasing his military strength significantly.”

“If that’s true, it could tip the balance of power,” another added. “Jorah has always had his lecherous eyes on Alzahra, but with Ezanek’s naval fleet and Valtisaan’s superior weaponry…”

The conversation trailed off as they noticed Queen Hadiyah’s gaze. The group dispersed quickly after that, leaving mother and daughter to ponder the implications of what they had just overheard.

A knot of worry formed in Layna’s stomach. Zephyria’s growing power was a major concern. She saw the same apprehension reflected in her mother’s eyes.

“We’ll worry about that later,” her mother said stiffly. “Layna, each word, each gesture here carries meaning. One day,youwill nurture these alliances and decipher these silent conversations.” Taking Layna’s hands, she added, “I see so much of myself in you, but you have a fire I never had. You will be an exceptional leader. Alzahra is lucky to have you.”

Layna smiled softly but remained silent, her shoulders slumping under the weight of her duty.

As the hour grew late and the remaining guests began to disperse, Layna left the ballroom. She had only made it a few steps when she heard the rapid patter of footsteps behind her. Turning, she saw Zarian quickly approaching.

“Might I escort you to your chambers?” he offered, his voice hopeful in the quiet of the hallway. The corridors were deserted, many of the palace servants tending to duties in the ballroom.

After a brief hesitation, Layna nodded. The soft glow of lanterns illuminated their path, casting gentle shadows around them.

They walked together, shoulders occasionally brushing, as the echoes of the royal ball faded behind them. Deep in thought, Layna’s lips pressed together, a faint crease appearing between her eyebrows. Despite their time together, she realized how little she truly knew about the man beside her.

“Is there something on your mind?” Zarian asked, his voice a deep hum that washed over her pleasantly.

“Will you tell me about your family?” She looked up at him as they walked through the dimly lit hallways. “Do you share a close bond with your parents?”

Zarian’s expression shifted, and a muscle feathered in his cheek. “My father and I—it’s complicated.” He inhaled deeply, forcing his shoulders to relax as his fingers twitched slightly at his sides. “I haven’t always agreed with his decisions. At one point, things were awful between us. I barely spoke to him.” Zarian sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. “It’s better now, but his expectations are a weight I constantly bear.” He smiled sadly at Layna. “I’m sure you can understand.”

Layna nodded. She, too, deeply felt the burden on her shoulders.

“And your mother?” she ventured cautiously.

A shadow darkened Zarian’s features. “I never knew her. She passed before my second birthday.”

“I’m so sorry,” Layna murmured. “The loss of a parent must leave a void that never truly fills.” She reached out, touching his arm gently. “Do you have any siblings…or someone special back home? Someone who is to you what Soraya is to me?”

Zarian stiffened. His throat bobbed as he swallowed deeply. “I have—I had a brother,” he finally replied. The prince remained quiet for several heartbeats before speaking again. “Sometimes, I envy your bond with Soraya. You are incredibly lucky to have such unwavering love and support.”

Layna saw the change in his demeanor, the haunted look in his eyes and the stiffness in his shoulders. She wanted to ask more about his brother but sensed a deep-seated pain behind his carefully chosen words.

Zarian continued, “However, I do have a close friend named Jamil. We’ve been through much together. He’s like a brother to me.”

They turned a corner, the silence somber in the space between them.

He straightened his posture and took a deep breath. Raking a rough hand through his hair, he returned it to the disheveled mess that Layna loved. His shoulders relaxed slightly, and he gave Layna a half-smile, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes.

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