Page 237 of A King's Oath

Rawal Samarth Sinh Solanki requests the pleasure of your company for a night of magic, mischief, and memories, at a private Bal des Débutantes to celebrate a young princess’first waltz with the stars, and her mother’s triumphant return to the throne of his world.

Date: Tonight

Venue: A surprise

Dress code:

-For Brahmi: Packaged herewith.

-For Ava: Packaged in the bigger box.

Notes:

-No glass slippers required.

-Sneaking out after midnight is allowed — but only if you take me with you.

-Kisses may be demanded as payment for past debts. (Interest rates apply.)

Yours — hopelessly, stubbornly, unequivocally,

Samarth

“What is all this?” Ava’s voice rose.

“Shhh,” he stepped towards her. “Is she awake?”

“No.”

“I heard her voice.”

“She had woken up then went back to sleep.”

“Why did she wake up?”

Ava rolled her eyes — “To check that her white coat was still in her closet. She dreamed it was left in the store.”

Samarth chuckled.

“Did she sleep in it?”

“I had to physically pry it away. What is all this? It’s Monday, I have work.”

“After 6.”

“I have calls.”

She was lying.

“Ava, please,” he bent his head and bent his knees to come to her eye level. “Please. We can postpone it until after your work. But please.”

“What is in this second envelope?”

She opened the flap that he had sealed with a dummy wax seal and pulled out another handmade card. This one written in gold calligraphy as opposed to her black one, with little butterflies and stars drawn in the background.

“Butterflies and stars don’t stay together,” she pointed. “One is day, the other is night.”

“I drew them, at least appreciate the fact that you can make out they are butterflies and stars.”

---