Threads of Destiny

Part 1 - Eridu; Chapter 7: The Birthday Ball

The next two days fly by in a blur. Between my usual duties and the flurry of diplomatic activities, I barely have time to worry about whether the prince will reveal our folly. So far, he's proven remarkably good at keeping secrets.

I've considered talking to Captain Aldrich about what happened that night. The city guards should know about those ruffians but telling him would mean admitting we snuck out. The punishment would be severe enough, but I suspect the Uruk prince has reasons of his own for staying quiet about that night, and if he isn't talking, I won't.

Several times in passing, I see the guard who has captured my curiosity. Each time my gaze is drawn to him like a magnet to steel. This morning, as my friends and I exit the training arena, his retinue walks past. When our eyes meet, he acknowledges me with a slight nod.

"Did that guard just have the audacity to nod at you?" Yosef's voice rises with indignation. "And smile! I'll set him straight right now!"

I grab his arm as he steps forward. "He's the one I told you about," I murmur, barely above a whisper. The morning after the carnival, I'd told my friends everything about our misadventure - how Eva and I snuck out, the encounter with the ruffians, and our rescue by the prince of Uruk and his royal guards. They were furious we'd left them behind.

"The swordsman?" Johan asks with a spark of interest, his eyes following the retinue as they disappear around a corner.

"Uh-huh. That one." For some reason my cheeks feel warm. Yosef does a double take.

"Are you blushing, Celestia?" He bursts out laughing. "No way!"

Johan peers at my face. "Really? Wow! He made quite an impression on you didn't he." His teasing is good-natured, but unlike Yosef, he doesn't laugh.

"Should we be jealous? You never get flushed over our skills," Yosef continues his prodding.

Gilbert spills out of the training room behind us, catching the conversation. "Does he know who you are?" he asks, his usual playfulness giving way to concern.

I shrug, since I'm not sure. The prince knew, but did his guards catch on? Did he tell them?

Deena comes rushing down the corridor, out of breath. "My lady!" my handmaid pants. "I'm sorry I'm late. We need to hurry." She nods in greeting at my friends as she gestures for me to follow her, her gaze lingering wistfully on Gilbert, who doesn't even look in her direction.

"Will any of you be at the ball?" I ask, before parting. They all hem and haw, looking at their boots. Apparently they won't be attending. This isn't unusual, but it is disappointing, considering it's Eva's birthday.

Gilbert looks up. "Tell us about it after," he says. "And be sure to have fun, but no perilous adventures."

"Make sure to dance with the prince, not his guard," Yosef calls after me with a guffaw. I shoot him a glare before racing after Deena, who's already halfway down the corridor.

The rest of the day races by in a whirlwind of preparation. With lessons suspended, I join Mother in overseeing the final arrangements for tonight's grand ball. The ballroom buzzes with activity - servants polish silver, arrange flowers, and place hundreds of candles in chandeliers while I move between tables, straightening place settings and adjusting centerpieces.

"My lady, come along." Deena appears at my elbow as I place the final crystal goblet. "It's time."

Mother looks up from directing the placement of candelabras, noting the lengthening shadows through the windows. "Is it that late already?" She shoos us away with a knowing smile. "I expect a demure, feminine princess tonight, Celestia."