Page 33 of A Song of Shadow and Starlight

"Your eyes will pop if you wear…"

"A princess should only dress in bright colors,"my mother always said."Dark colors are for peasants and criminals."

Her voice echoes in my head now, attempting to dissuade me from admiring the stunning gown in Zuri's shop. But oh, how I want it. With my new features, adventure in my blood, and forbidden magic flowing through my veins, a dark look wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.

I gently drag the pads of my fingers across the glittering gown and know I've made a huge mistake. It's like smelling delicious food but being denied a bite. I want to try it on that much more. But I force myself to remember we are in the jungle, on the run from Soul Eaters. Dresses aren't practical for traveling and certainly wouldn't be helpful in keeping a low profile.

"Interesting choice," Atlas purrs beside me and I jump at the sound of his unexpected voice. "I had you pegged for a beige girl."

I tilt my head to glare at him. "Is it suddenly a crime to admire a beautiful dress?"

He shrugs, shifting his gaze from the dress to me. "Not a crime, just surprising." He leans and whispers in my ear, "I, for one, think you would look exceptional in black."

"Says the Prince of Darkness." I turn my head slightly, brushing my cheek against his lips. My breath hitches at the intimate contact, but neither of us pulls away.

"Be careful, Princess," Atlas lets loose a low chuckle. "I might enjoy the pet name."

"You're all set." Zuri's cheery voice interrupts us, spurring me to take a much-needed step away from Atlas. "Your items will be delivered later this afternoon." She extends her hand to him, and he shakes it, and I notice a little piece of white paper quickly slip from Zuri to Atlas. Neither acknowledge the exchange. "A pleasure meeting you, my dear." She smiles and embraces me.

"It was very nice meeting you as well, Zuri."

"Come back and see me again soon." She releases me and bobs her head toward Atlas. "Don't let him fool you. He might be grumpy on the outside, but inside, he's -"

"Just as grumpy." Atlas folds his arms across his chest, a tight-lipped smile the only indication of his playfulness. "We have to meet the others. As always, Zuri," he kisses her cheek, "it was great seeing you."

"I'll be seeing you. Tell those brothers of yours, I said hello." She waves at us from the threshold of her shop as we slip into the crowded market, before turning her attention to other customers.

Eleven

Therearemorepeoplebrowsing through the Market District now and my stomach churns as shoppers bump into me. I'm not used to being in crowded or loud places. I'm so used to being alone or with a small group of vetted people that I'm nervous with the livleiness dancing around me. Royal balls and ceremonies boasted many guests, but I was bred for those events, reared in the art of hosting, entertaining, and dancing by the time I could formulate coherent sentences.

But this -

This is not only out of my comfort zone, but it fills me with unusual excitement which is concerning.

I begin to wonder what life for an average Midorian looks like. Do we have a Market District as colorful and spirited as this one? Do we have street vendors with scrumptious food? Are my people happy and thriving like the Bavans seem to be? Do we have festivals that encourage tourists from the other kingdoms to visit and spend their money?

My heart aches to acknowledge I don't know the answers to those questions. I am to be their queen one day and know nothing about Midori. Shame creeps in. I'm a fraud. An imposter. Unworthy.

I feel a hand press against the small of my back and I whip around to see the person trying to grab me, terrified that it might be Vesper, but Atlas holds his hands up in surrender.

"It's just me," he flashes me a curious look. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine." A lie, and by the skeptical look on his face, he knows it.

"I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."

"You didn't," I stomp onward, and he is quick to follow. "You startled me, is all."

"Apologies, Princess. You seemed lost in thought and I didn't want you veering the wrong way." He points to the right and we cross the street. "It's a beautiful city, but Bava is large, and one can easily get lost."

"And if I got lost?" I ask, a hint of teasing in my tone.

Atlas stops and stares at me. He smiles and my heart skips a beat. "I told you before, I'll always find you."

And I believe him. As menacing as that phrase was the first night we met, strangely enough, it brings me comfort now.

"What did Zuri give you?"

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