SHADOW

Sha and the Shadow of Gold

The main hall was crowded with people. Sha had not expected to see so many elegant and well-dressed ladies watching her and the Count enter—it was unsettling.

She looked around, and to her surprise, she saw Dina, dressed like a party cake, standing among the other gossiping ladies, as usual. What is that woman doing here? Her father, an imposing merchant, stood a few steps behind her. He frowned at Sha and turned his head in disapproval.

What was he disapproving of?

Well, it didn't matter. She was just as curious herself—what was she doing here? And what plans did the Count have?

The old Queen sat in an opulent chair near her daughter. Both she and the Princess were dressed in extraordinary gowns, covered in precious stones and pearls. Sha had never seen such extravagance before. But now she understood where Princess Iolanda had inherited her excessive style: like mother, like daughter.

The Count gently nudged her toward a corner, and they stood there together, watching the gathering with interest.

Suddenly, the gowns began to swish; a wave of commotion swept through the crowd. Women began fanning themselves, blushing, and whispering:

"The King has arrived."
"The King has arrived!"
"He's so young..."
"He's younger than I expected..."

Hundreds of whispers melted into a buzzing silence the moment the man sat on the throne—and Sha gasped.

She hadn't seen him move through the crowd, but now, seated and in plain view, she couldn't believe her eyes. The King... the King was... her teacher?

What?!

She turned to look at Count Ambrosio in dismay, but he didn't seem to notice. He simply smiled slightly, watching her reaction from the corner of his eye.

What was going on?

He looked more mature now in his uniform, but his sunny, cheerful expression hadn't changed much. He looked nothing like his sister—cold, pale, and lacking color. The contrast between them was extraordinary: his golden skin and her icy complexion were like sun and snow. He must have looked more like his father; he bore no resemblance to his mother or sister—both of them sour ice popsicles dipped in jewelry.

His uniform was simple, with only a few medals and a plain circlet on his head. Yet, he looked elegant, Sha thought—and smiled.

To her dismay, just then, he looked at her. Their eyes met. One corner of his mouth lifted, and he raised his right eyebrow. It was almost comical—but only for a second.

"As you know," the King began, "we have gathered at court to celebrate this year's summer solstice. Tomorrow, we shall hold the grand ball. Today, I hope all our guests arrive and find their accommodations to their liking.
Also, for this summer solstice ball, my mother and sister have invited the most prominent ladies of our country—and beyond—so I may have the privilege of meeting them in person."

With that short speech, the King stepped down from his platform and began mingling with ministers and their daughters.

Sha wondered if the Count would approach him. From what she'd learned, he was the King's advisor and friend. But the Count made no move. They stood in the same spot as ministers, secretaries, and ambassadors came one after another to greet him and exchange trivialities and business.

A man draped in a luxurious suit with gold embroidery approached them. His outfit was strikingly pompous.

"Greetings, Count Luka Ambrosio. What a beautiful young lady you've brought with you."

"Thank you, Ambassador Lorenz. This is my daughter Sha. She just graduated from the academy, and I am presenting her to the court."

"Wonderful news. Our Emperor asked me to give you this letter."

The ambassador handed the Count a small piece of brown parchment, which the Count swiftly tucked into his pocket.

"I will visit in a day or two for your reply. For now, this must remain confidential," the ambassador said, then stepped away.

"I'll have to leave you for a few minutes," the Count said. His eyes looked vacant, clearly caught in heavy thoughts. Sha recognized the look—he was worried. Something was happening.

"Please do not leave this spot, or I won't be able to find you in this crowd. And do not eat or drink anything while I'm gone," he added, then departed.

Sha suddenly felt exposed and alone among the crowd of strangers.

Beautifully dressed servants wove through the guests, carrying huge platters of sparkling wine and sweet drinks she had never seen before. Guests began to drink, and the room grew more cheerful. Soft music filled the air. The sun began to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows. Orange light stretched across the garden trees. Colorful maps lit up the high ceiling, and a sea breeze ruffled the foliage.

It reminded Sha that the castle was not far from the sea. Perhaps she could see the sunset over the water from one of the tall towers.

"Ouch!" she yelped as a sharp pain pricked her scalp. It was none other than Dina—the bully from her academy—yanking a strand of her hair from behind.

"I'm so glad to see you, little mouse," Dina whispered, chuckling.

A shiver ran down Sha's spine as she tried to turn, but the girl yanked her hair again, rooting her in place with pain.

"You stop that right now," a male voice boomed behind them.

"And who are you to tell me what to do?" Dina snapped, smirking.

"I didn't know ladies greeted each other by pulling hair," the man replied dryly. "Guards, please remove this bully from the castle grounds immediately."

At once, the grip on Sha's hair loosened. She turned—and saw Dina, gaping at the King who now stood before them.

"My lord, it was just a joke! I meant no harm. We're old friends, aren't we, Sha?" Dina said quickly, trying to hug her.

Sha stepped back and frowned.

"I am so sorry, Your Majesty. I have no words," Dina's father appeared suddenly and dropped to his knees.

"No need for such nonsense, sir. You're an old man—don't shame your family further," the King said coldly and stepped away.

The merchant grabbed his daughter's arm and pulled her swiftly into the crowd, scolding her loudly.

"You are a shame to my name! I leave you alone for one minute, and you destroy everything I've worked so hard for—!"

The man's voice faded into the crowd.

Sha sighed and looked at the King—at Elias. She didn't know what to do. Should she act friendly? Acknowledge him? Pretend not to recognize him?

Better to remain silent and see what happens, she thought, and looked at him expectantly.

"How is your evening, my beautiful student?" he asked, a mischievous smile playing on his full lips. "Did you practice the dance you learned?"

The corners of her lips tingled with the memory of his sudden kiss at their parting. Had he meant to kiss her on the lips, or was it just a mistake—meant for her cheek as he rushed away? A mystery she desperately wanted to solve.

"Why did you start frowning so suddenly?" he asked, confused. "Did I displease you, my lady?"

"No, not at all, my lord. I was just wondering..." she replied, smiling gently and lowering her lashes, blushing.

"Wondering about what?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"About our meeting—and whether I should treat you like a king or a friend," she answered softly.

"Well, why can't you treat me like a king-friend?" he laughed. "I'll put your dancing abilities to the test tomorrow night."

With those words, he walked away.