Page 18 of The Moon's Daughter

The princesses exchanged hesitant looks but eventually nodded in polite acquiescence.

The lots were drawn, and fate, with a hint of irony, paired each brother with a princess. The younger brother’s partner, though initially disappointed, quickly masked her feelings with a courteous smile.

As they took positions at opposite ends of the field, the game commenced. The elder brother’s team moved with ease, their coordination evident in every maneuver. The younger, however, found an unexpected rhythm with his partner, their initial awkwardness giving way to a surprising synergy.

The game progressed with laughter, playful taunts, and the thrill of competition. The match ended with the younger brother’s team claiming a narrow victory. All four players bore easy smiles, recounting the game’s highlights with shared pride and admiration.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the garden, the younger brother felt proud of his achievement, however small. The game provided a rare moment of recognition, a fleeting sense of importance.

Yet, as the evening drew to a close, the princesses again lavished praise upon the elder for his skill and leadership. The younger brother’s earlier triumph dimmed, and the familiar sense of being overlooked settled back upon him like a well-worn cloak.

After the princesses departed to their guest chambers, the brothers were left alone in the garden.

“You played well,” the elder brother offered, hands stuffed in his pockets, attempting to bridge the gap widened by circumstance and birthright.

The younger brother met his gaze, a complex mix of gratitude and resentment swirling in his eyes. “So did you,” he finally replied, as the barrier built from years of living in the shadow of a destiny not his own grew ever taller.

Princesses Layna and Soraya strolled leisurely through the palace gardens. The air was perfumed with fragrant roses, and a gentle breeze whispered through the leaves.

“I’ve started organizing the greenhouse for increased production of medicinal plants,” Soraya shared, her eyes bright. “We’re focusing on plants likezakhminfor wound healing,bukhrafor fevers, andmotchuplantfor sprains. It’s a small step, but it’ll help our soldiers if it comes to war.”

“That’s excellent,” Layna encouraged, looping her arm through her sister’s. “Your knowledge of plants could be vital. I’m so glad you’re taking charge of this.”

“It feels good to contribute,” Soraya admitted. “To use my passion for something so crucial. And the greenhouse attendants are incredibly dedicated. They’ve been working tirelessly to prepare.” Soraya poked Layna in the side, a playful smile on her lips. “So how is avoiding the mysterious Medjai prince going?”

“I’m not avoiding him.” Layna frowned, brushing a stray leaf from her shoulder.

“You weren’t at breakfast again this morning,” Soraya pointed out as they paused to admire a row of rosebushes. “I had to eat all my pastries by myself.”

“I had some things to take care of,” Layna replied. She pursed her lips as they continued walking.

“It’s for the best anyway,” Soraya sighed. “Burhani kept finding excuses to touch him. A hand on his shoulder here, a brush on his forearm there. It was quite nauseating, actually.”

Layna’s jaw tightened. She pulled her arm free from Soraya’s and toyed with the hem of her tunic.

As the sisters rounded a bend, they came upon King Khahleel and Prince Zarian deep in conversation. The king, spotting his daughters, beamed with fatherly pride.

“Ah, my daughters,” he exclaimed, gesturing toward Layna and Soraya. “Zarian, I was just telling you about them. The shining jewels of Alzahra. Layna is as sharp with her mind as she is with her sword. And Soraya, my talented free spirit, has a heart as vast as the oceans.”

“Baba,please,” Soraya groaned dramatically, rolling her eyes as her father chuckled.

“It’s an honor to know them, Your Majesty,” Zarian said with a small smile.

An adviser approached quickly and whispered urgently into the king’s ear. With a nod to his daughters and Zarian, King Khahleel excused himself, leaving them in the quiet of the gardens.

Soraya seized the opportunity. “Prince Zarian! I’ve heard much about you from Layna, but please enlighten me—how do you manage the responsibilities of both a prince and a Medjai?”

Zarian cast a knowing smile at Layna, a hint of satisfaction lighting his hazel eyes. Layna felt her cheeks warm and glanced away, worrying her lip between her teeth.

The prince chuckled lightly. “It’s a life of balance. One must navigate the duties of royalty while upholding the role of the Medjai.” He leaned casually against the tall hedge. “But keep this Medjai business between us, hmm? It’s a bit of a secret,” he whispered conspiratorially.

“You have my word,” Soraya exaggeratedly whispered back. Then in a normal tone, she added, “Do you ever find time for leisurely pursuits in all that balancing?”

“Occasionally,” Zarian admitted, a hint of amusement in his voice.

“Then you must join us for a game,” Soraya declared, clapping her hands in excitement. “It’s a tradition of ours. Right, Layna?”

Layna shifted uneasily, her posture tensing. “Zarian has important duties he must attend to and—”

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