Page 19 of The Moon's Daughter

“I’m at your service, Princess Soraya,” Zarian interrupted. “What game did you have in mind?”

“A game of Alzahran croquet,” Soraya announced. “It’s much-loved here in the palace. And it’s Layna’s favorite.”

“We have a similar game in the Oasis,” Zarian replied, crossing his arms over his chest as his mouth curled into an easy grin. “What do you say, Layna? Will you indulge me?”

“Er, alright,” Layna agreed. “Let’s play. It’ll be refreshing.”

The trio moved to a lush clearing where a croquet set lay ready. Each player had to hit wooden balls with a mallet through hoops embedded in the course, requiring both skill and careful judgment.

Layna rolled her eyes as Zarian selected his mallet with exaggerated care. He caught her expression and flashed her a charming smile. She pursed her lips and resisted the urge to smile back.

“Let the game commence, and may fortune favor the skilled,” Zarian declared, eyes twinkling with playful challenge.

“I await with bated breath to see your talents,” Layna retorted sarcastically, rolling her eyes again.

Zarian smirked. “Careful, Princess,” he quipped, leaning in slightly, “your eyes might get stuck like that. But I suppose they’d look lovely regardless.”

“I—it’s your turn!” Layna hastily said.

Zarian laughed lightly. He positioned himself on the course, aimed with precision, and struck the ball which smoothly sailed through the hoop.

“Quite the impressive start,” Layna remarked, her competitive spirit igniting.

“It’s a matter of foresight and accuracy,” Zarian responded, stepping aside for Layna’s turn.

Layna focused on her target, her form precise and controlled. With a clean hit, the ball arced through the hoop, mirroring Zarian’s expertise.

“Did you accurately foresee that?” she jested.

Zarian chuckled approvingly. “You are indeed a formidable opponent, Princess.”

Soraya was next, her technique less polished but brimming with zest. As she swung, her shot veered off slightly, yet her laughter and bright smile infused the game with a joyful, carefree energy.

The match continued, a blend of strategic precision from Layna and Zarian, along with Soraya’s more spontaneous plays.

As they approached the final hoop, the scores were close, with Zarian slightly ahead. Yet, in a surprising twist, the prince’s final shot veered off course and missed the hoop entirely.

Layna smirked as she prepared for her final shot. “Seems even Medjai can falter at crucial moments,” she teased, glancing playfully at Zarian.

Zarian huffed a laugh, a hint of mock frustration in his smile. “It appears so, Princess. Let’s see if you can seize this opportunity.”

Focusing, Layna took a moment to assess the angle, keen to take advantage of the unexpected turn in her favor. Her stroke was precise, and the ball rolled through the hoop, securing her victory.

Zarian nodded in approval, a satisfied smile tugging at his lips. “Nicely done, Princess. Your victory is well-deserved.”

Layna beamed, a slight blush on her cheeks. Her heart was racing and not just from her win.

“Well done, Layna!” Soraya congratulated. “Aren’t you glad you decided to play?”

As they bent to gather the croquet equipment, Zarian’s hand brushed against Layna’s while reaching for the same mallet. The brief contact sent a whisper of electricity through the princess. Their eyes met, lingering for several heartbeats.

Layna straightened first, offering Zarian a tentative smile. “Thank you. I think you skipped a security briefing to indulge us, so I appreciate your time.”

“The pleasure was all mine, Princess.” He took the mallet from her hands. “Though I insist on a rematch in the near future.”

Layna laughed and readily agreed. With the game concluded, the princesses and Zarian went their separate ways.

As the sisters returned to the palace, the charged tension in the gardens gave way to the tranquility of Layna’s chambers. Reclining on the canopied bed, surrounded by plush pillows, the sisters basked in the golden light of the setting sun filtering in through the open balcony doors.

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