After what seemed like eternity Don and Mirana finally left the building.
Down a little path and finally they reached the training yards where pages
and squires where taught.
A handful of youths stood at the fence and waved to Don.
"Got lost?" One boy asked when Don and Mirana reached them "I remember you
saying 3rd bell after lunch!"
Don punched him in the arm and started introductions "Mirana, this is Kevis
of Winds Sweep, over there is Teridor but we call him Ter, Perin is the one
on the fence, the one with black hair is Cerry and that's Sam. Every one,
this is Mirana of Summer Reaches! She's the one I was talking about!"
Mirana glared at her friend who just grinned.
"Don't worry, lass, he's always like that!" Mirana didn't remember all the names but thought it was Ter who had commented. Mirana smiled and said "Yes, I'll always remember those sly remarks on our journey." Straight away the boys, who were all between 15 and 11, Oceanic time, wanted to hear about the airer's world. So they found a couple of benches and Don and Mirana told them what they knew and had experienced. Don's friends liked Mirana immediately; she was smart, humorous and unlike most girls not stuck up or flirty.
The topics varied and Mirana asked them about themselves. Kevis was 13 and his knight master and he were spending a month in the palace to relax. He was a sharp boy, but he used his tongue more than his brain which lead him to saying funny things. Teridor of Kaliorn was 14, lanky and seemed to know the palace like the back of his hand. Perin of Okol was the son of the chief healer of the palace. His mother had died a couple of years ago. His eyes were very dark and very piercing. He and Don were cousins and both 15.
Cerry of Thomis was a shy boy of 11. He seemed to think everyone would laugh at him if he said something weird and he couldn't sit still. Sam surprised her. He was 14, had dark brown hair, same coloured eyes, a tanned skin, tall, but unlike Ter, not lanky. He was muscular and handsome.
Sam was the crown prince of Aquas.
But the boys were more interested in Mirana and the airer's world. If she asked a question about Aquas, one would answer but straight away asked about the world above the ocean. "Whom did you live with up there, Mirana? Why did they let you go?" Kevis question hurt. She bit her lip and tried to cover her pain. Only Don knew how to read her and answered with a meaning look "She lived in an orphanage, but I don't think you want to know about it." Kevis didn't take Don's hint and replied "But we do! I've never seen an orphanage! What was it like?" Don glared at him but Mirana took a deep breath and said with a steady voice "House Ravens Hall, old mansion, old garden, run by strict mistresses, I wont miss it and that's really all you need to know!" She smiled sweetly at Kevis, but her eyes were hard. The boy gulped and changed the subject.
A loud bell rang making Mirana jump. "That's the pre-dinner bell. It lets everyone know that there's half a bell left before dinner." Ter told her as they got to their feet. Together they strolled up the path to the palace. When they reached the entrance Sam asked "Tomorrow morning, same spot? I think it's time to sharpen of fighting skills again." He grinned and the other boys agreed to meet half a bell after breakfast. "You can join us again, Mirana! I am sure we can find a horse for you. Have you ever used a sword of bow?" Perin asked. Mirana shock her head and said "At the orphanage only the boys learned to defend themselves, girls had to stick to needle work and singing." She shuddered and added "But I would love to join you!" Perin and the others grinned and said their good byes.
Don, Mirana and Sam took the same hallway. The boys discussed their knight masters while Mirana tried to memorise the route. At her door, Don and Sam told Mirana to wait for them; they would pick her up for dinner. She thanked them and went into her room.
For the first time she looked around her new chamber. The bedroom was much bigger than the one in Lady Ellen's villa. The walls were painted ocean blue and the bed was covered in a matching bed-spread. She sat on the bed and was taken aback by how soft it was. The desk in front of the window was made out of the same wood as the wardrobe. Getting up, she glanced out the window. Her room overlooked a pond. Suriko was disappearing over the horizon which brought Mirana back to her senses. Quickly she examined the other room. A bath was waiting for her and in the corner was a privy. She stepped into the steaming bath and had a rapid scrub. Grabbing a towel, she dried herself and chose a dark blue cotton dress. The sleeves reached her elbows and were lose. White stockings and black slippers covered her feet and legs. Mirana was dragging a brush through her straight hair when there was a knock at the door. Grabbing a ribbon she tied her mane back and ran to open.
Sam was standing outside. His black breeches, white blouse and shiny black boots suited him well. He smiled and said "Sorry, forgot to mention that we've got important guests. A group of nobles from Seeria." Looking her up and down he mock bowed and added "But you look wonderful. Herforis, your so easy to like!" Mirana blushed scarlet and said while closing her door "Really, your highness! But who is Herford?" "Herforis is the god of lightening and metals." "How many gods do you have?" Mirana asked disbelievingly. Sam laughed "Too many to name them all. There's a god or goddess for almost everything. The mains ones are Meridor god of fire and the Goddess." "Oh!" At that moment Don came running down the corridor. "Sorry I'm late! Come on or else we wont be on time." They dashed down sets of steps, corridors, more steps and more corridors. Mirana was helplessly lost and nearly tripped on her hem. Sam grabbed her before she fell. She muttered and embarrassed "Thank you, your highness!" His only reply was "Stop calling me 'your highness'! My friends call me Sam!" "Am I your friend?" Mirana nearly collided with Don who had slowed down in front of her. In an orderly fashion they entered the room where the nobles and guests were waiting for the dinning hall doors to open and Sam whispered to Mirana "Of course you are!"
Mirana's dinner partner was Perin. They grinned at each other and enjoyed a four-course dinner. When the boy noticed that she didn't just pick at her dinner, but ate heartily without stuffing herself, he laughed. The conversation ranged from adults to families to homes. They spotted other the other boys, all looked extremely uncomfortable with their dinner partners. Well-groomed girls with blond hair and tiny waists, they too looked uneasy. Sam was sitting two seats down from Mirana and Perin. When his and Perin's eyes meet, Mirana saw her partner wink and than nod her head in her direction. Sam glared at his friend and turned away. "What happened?" Mirana asked. Perin laughed, "Just told him that you're my partner." He took a sip of his glass and added, "Did you see his partner? Skin and bones plus too much paint in her face!" Mirana leaned forward and looked at the girl. Wincing at Sam's bad luck, she took a spoonful of pudding.
After King Neptune had risen and led the queen outside, everyone jumped to their feet and followed them. The monarchs guided the way into a ballroom. Perin grabbed Mirana's arm before they lost each other in the crowd and pulled her to the side. A moment later Sam and Ter appeared next to them; they had left their partners on their own. Kevis followed them, but he still had his partner. He winked at them and said, "I owe this lovely lady a dance. See you later!" He was gone. Ter and Perin goggled after him. Sam sniggered and Mirana just raised one eyebrow. Everyone else had entered the ballroom. Music and the rustle of long skirts was coming from inside; the first dance had started.
"I really don't want to go in!" Sam sighed. "Why not?" Ter asked him. "It's expected of a prince to dance and I hate it!" The others laughed. Perin looked at Mirana "You can dance, right?" Mirana snorted "No!" "But didn't you say, the girls at the orphanage were taught?" Ter demanded. Mirana laughed, "We were, but I was always stepping on my partner's foot. The mistresses were distressed and told me I was hopeless!" The young men guffawed. Mirana raised an eyebrow at them. After the had stopped laughing Sam sighed, "I guess we don't really have a choice, do we?" The others shook their heads. "Than let's get it behind us!" Sam grimaced but led his friends into the ballroom.
"There you are, your highness!" Sam's dinner partner had been standing next to the door and waiting for him. Sam bowed to hide his grimace "Lady Gadin, excuse my disappearance! My I introduce my friends, Teridor of Kaliorn, Perin of Okol, Cerry of Thomis and Mirana of Summer Reaches." They bowed and Mirana curtsied. When she straightened, Mirana found Lady Gadin's eyes on her. The girl gulped, Lady Gadin didn't look very happy! Perin came to her rescue, "If you will excuse us, Sam, Lady Gadin . . . We will go and find drinks." He bowed and quickly winked at the others. Mirana curtsied and watched Lady Gadin form under her lashes; the lady smiled and took Sam's arm while he looked stunned at his bad fortune. Lady Gadin guided him away, even as the others chuckled.
They found a small table in the corner of the ballroom and Ter left them to acquire drinks. While the four sipped, they watched the dancers. "Hey, isn't that Don?" Cerry asked quietly, breaking the silence. They all stretched their necks. There, on the other side of the dance floor was Don. Mirana couldn't see the girl in his arms. Perin stood up and, pretending to be looking for someone, edged around the dancers and got a look at Don's partner. Mirana saw him gasp and spin around. A moment later he was next to them again. "You won't belief it! Don is dancing with Lady Sarisa, Sam's sister!" He gasped. "What?" The others asked together. "And they look very happy together!" Perin added. Ter shook his head in disbelief "Who would have thought, our little Don all grown up and in love!" The others sniggered. Mirana too, but all of a sudden she chocked. Cerry patted her on the back "You okay?" he asked. The girl nodded but motioned with her head at something behind Ter. The boys all turned. There stood Sam looking everything but happy. Perin laughed nervously "Hello there, Sam, good fellow! Care to, ahm, join us?" Sam glared and answered sweetly "I don't sit with traitors! But that's not why I came. Mirana, I need to dance with you!" Mirana raised her eyebrows. "Why, your highness, have you already forgotten, I can't dance!" "Don't call me 'your highness'! But please, if you don't Lady Gadin will want another dance. Have you ever danced with a skeleton?" He made puppy eyes and Mirana laughed. "Fine, but won't be my feet that will hurt afterwards!" The others whistled and clapped. Turning to them, Mirana added, "Don't give my seat away! I'll be back after one dance!" Sam took her arm and pulled her onto the dance floor.
Sam spun Mirana around. She saw him wince as she stepped onto his foot for the second time. "Those mistresses were right, you are hopeless!" Don said through gritted teeth.
Mirana laughed, "Remember, it was your idea to dance!" Sam sighed. They moved more the side of the floor. Sam, who was a bit taller than Mirana, saw something over the top of her head and winced again. "What is it?" Mirana asked quietly. As an answer, Don twirled her and Mirana could see the problem. Lady Gadin was standing there and glared at them. "Whoops!" Mirana whispered. Sam nodded friendly and dragged Mirana further onto the floor. The music stopped. Mirana let go of Sam's arm and curtsied, "Thank you, your highness, for a wonderful dance!" She winked and left him standing there.
Ter and Perin had tears in their eyes; they had been laughing, Cerry just grinned. When Mirana sank onto her chair, Cerry poured a glass of water and pushed it over to her. She nodded her thanks and gulped the contents down. "That looked fun!" Perin commented as Ter sniggered. Mirana sighed, "I was trying my best! I only stepped on his highnesses foot twice!" "Definitely yar best!" Don had decided to show up. He leaned on the back of his cousin's chair. "Do ya have a spot for me?" "Sure!" Ter moved over and made some space. "And for me?" Sam appeared. Perin nodded and said, "Of course, for his highness, who danced so marvellously with Lady Mirana." Sam said sarcastically "Thank you, Master Okol, for salving my wounded pride!" Cerry got another chair and finally they were all siting together.
"So, Don, why didn't you tell us about Lady Sarisa?" Perin asked as he poured drinks for everyone. Don flushed and quickly drank half of his glass to cover his embarrassment.
Sam looked startled at Don, but they didn't get to hear Don's explanation because Queen Korala arrived. The boys jumped to their feet, except for Sam, and bowed while Mirana curtsied. "Good evening, Pearlers!" Korala said mildly, "If you will excuse Mirana, I wish for her to meet some ladies!" Mirana curtsied again and followed the queen away from the boys. "Sorry to interrupt, Mirana, but, just for a change, I would like you to be introduced to some girls!" "That's fine with me, your royal -" "Mirana, please call me by my name!" the queen interrupted. Mirana didn't get a chance to reply for they had reached a group of, well-groomed, giggling girls. They all curtsied to the queen and looked interestedly at Mirana. "Lady Mirana, this is Lady Rustia, Lady Martis and Lady Bellsta. I will leave you with them!" Korala said and bustled of before they could curtsy again.
"Aren't you the one, who was dancing with the crown prince just before?" The speaker hadn't been introduced to Mirana; she was a couple of years older than Mirana. Mirana answered, "Yes, I was!" Straight away the girls pulled her into their little group, poured her a sweet and sticky wine and wanted to know everything about the dance. Mirana had never felt so uncomfortable. Soon the girls learned that she had spent the afternoon with Sam's group and wanted to know whom she had flirted with and who had reacted. When Mirana said that they had become her friends and not crushes the girls giggled and told her that they could keep a secret. Extremely annoyed, Mirana tried to keep her temper under control but she knew it was only a matter of time before she exploded. All of a sudden silence fell over the group. Mirana looked up and saw Perin walk over to them. He winked at her.
A few girls had blushed and were playing with their hair. In front of them Perin stopped and bowed, "Lady Mirana, my I have a dance." All heads turned to Mirana. She glared at her friend, but he just winked again. And than Mirana understood. Jumping to her feet most un-lady-like, she bobbed and he took her arm and led her onto the dance floor. "Thank you!" Mirana muttered to Perin as he twirled her around. His answer was a wince; she had stepped onto his foot. Grinning, Mirana took his arm and led him back to the boy's table. They all jumped to their feet and bowed to her. Mirana raised one eyebrow in mock disbelief, but curtsied. Laughing they all sat down again.
"So, how was it?" Don asked her. Mirana sighed "Even worse than in the orphanage! Lots of giggling and playing with hair!" Perin shuddered. "What did I miss?" Mirana asked as she took a sip of water. It was refreshing after the sweet wine. "Nothing really! We were just planning to leave the party. It's close to midnight already!" Ter looked over to the door. "If we want to be the first in the stables tomorrow morning, we should all go to bed soon!" The others agreed and split up. Sam, who lived in the royal wing, took Mirana along. In front of her door, Mirana asked, "When and where will be breakfast?" Sam groaned, "Nearly forgot to tell you! One and a half bells after dawn in the royal wing! My mother said you would be always dining with us. Good night, Mirana!" "Good night, Sam!" Mirana replied and slipped into her dark room.
"Don't worry, lass, he's always like that!" Mirana didn't remember all the names but thought it was Ter who had commented. Mirana smiled and said "Yes, I'll always remember those sly remarks on our journey." Straight away the boys, who were all between 15 and 11, Oceanic time, wanted to hear about the airer's world. So they found a couple of benches and Don and Mirana told them what they knew and had experienced. Don's friends liked Mirana immediately; she was smart, humorous and unlike most girls not stuck up or flirty.
The topics varied and Mirana asked them about themselves. Kevis was 13 and his knight master and he were spending a month in the palace to relax. He was a sharp boy, but he used his tongue more than his brain which lead him to saying funny things. Teridor of Kaliorn was 14, lanky and seemed to know the palace like the back of his hand. Perin of Okol was the son of the chief healer of the palace. His mother had died a couple of years ago. His eyes were very dark and very piercing. He and Don were cousins and both 15.
Cerry of Thomis was a shy boy of 11. He seemed to think everyone would laugh at him if he said something weird and he couldn't sit still. Sam surprised her. He was 14, had dark brown hair, same coloured eyes, a tanned skin, tall, but unlike Ter, not lanky. He was muscular and handsome.
Sam was the crown prince of Aquas.
But the boys were more interested in Mirana and the airer's world. If she asked a question about Aquas, one would answer but straight away asked about the world above the ocean. "Whom did you live with up there, Mirana? Why did they let you go?" Kevis question hurt. She bit her lip and tried to cover her pain. Only Don knew how to read her and answered with a meaning look "She lived in an orphanage, but I don't think you want to know about it." Kevis didn't take Don's hint and replied "But we do! I've never seen an orphanage! What was it like?" Don glared at him but Mirana took a deep breath and said with a steady voice "House Ravens Hall, old mansion, old garden, run by strict mistresses, I wont miss it and that's really all you need to know!" She smiled sweetly at Kevis, but her eyes were hard. The boy gulped and changed the subject.
A loud bell rang making Mirana jump. "That's the pre-dinner bell. It lets everyone know that there's half a bell left before dinner." Ter told her as they got to their feet. Together they strolled up the path to the palace. When they reached the entrance Sam asked "Tomorrow morning, same spot? I think it's time to sharpen of fighting skills again." He grinned and the other boys agreed to meet half a bell after breakfast. "You can join us again, Mirana! I am sure we can find a horse for you. Have you ever used a sword of bow?" Perin asked. Mirana shock her head and said "At the orphanage only the boys learned to defend themselves, girls had to stick to needle work and singing." She shuddered and added "But I would love to join you!" Perin and the others grinned and said their good byes.
Don, Mirana and Sam took the same hallway. The boys discussed their knight masters while Mirana tried to memorise the route. At her door, Don and Sam told Mirana to wait for them; they would pick her up for dinner. She thanked them and went into her room.
For the first time she looked around her new chamber. The bedroom was much bigger than the one in Lady Ellen's villa. The walls were painted ocean blue and the bed was covered in a matching bed-spread. She sat on the bed and was taken aback by how soft it was. The desk in front of the window was made out of the same wood as the wardrobe. Getting up, she glanced out the window. Her room overlooked a pond. Suriko was disappearing over the horizon which brought Mirana back to her senses. Quickly she examined the other room. A bath was waiting for her and in the corner was a privy. She stepped into the steaming bath and had a rapid scrub. Grabbing a towel, she dried herself and chose a dark blue cotton dress. The sleeves reached her elbows and were lose. White stockings and black slippers covered her feet and legs. Mirana was dragging a brush through her straight hair when there was a knock at the door. Grabbing a ribbon she tied her mane back and ran to open.
Sam was standing outside. His black breeches, white blouse and shiny black boots suited him well. He smiled and said "Sorry, forgot to mention that we've got important guests. A group of nobles from Seeria." Looking her up and down he mock bowed and added "But you look wonderful. Herforis, your so easy to like!" Mirana blushed scarlet and said while closing her door "Really, your highness! But who is Herford?" "Herforis is the god of lightening and metals." "How many gods do you have?" Mirana asked disbelievingly. Sam laughed "Too many to name them all. There's a god or goddess for almost everything. The mains ones are Meridor god of fire and the Goddess." "Oh!" At that moment Don came running down the corridor. "Sorry I'm late! Come on or else we wont be on time." They dashed down sets of steps, corridors, more steps and more corridors. Mirana was helplessly lost and nearly tripped on her hem. Sam grabbed her before she fell. She muttered and embarrassed "Thank you, your highness!" His only reply was "Stop calling me 'your highness'! My friends call me Sam!" "Am I your friend?" Mirana nearly collided with Don who had slowed down in front of her. In an orderly fashion they entered the room where the nobles and guests were waiting for the dinning hall doors to open and Sam whispered to Mirana "Of course you are!"
Mirana's dinner partner was Perin. They grinned at each other and enjoyed a four-course dinner. When the boy noticed that she didn't just pick at her dinner, but ate heartily without stuffing herself, he laughed. The conversation ranged from adults to families to homes. They spotted other the other boys, all looked extremely uncomfortable with their dinner partners. Well-groomed girls with blond hair and tiny waists, they too looked uneasy. Sam was sitting two seats down from Mirana and Perin. When his and Perin's eyes meet, Mirana saw her partner wink and than nod her head in her direction. Sam glared at his friend and turned away. "What happened?" Mirana asked. Perin laughed, "Just told him that you're my partner." He took a sip of his glass and added, "Did you see his partner? Skin and bones plus too much paint in her face!" Mirana leaned forward and looked at the girl. Wincing at Sam's bad luck, she took a spoonful of pudding.
After King Neptune had risen and led the queen outside, everyone jumped to their feet and followed them. The monarchs guided the way into a ballroom. Perin grabbed Mirana's arm before they lost each other in the crowd and pulled her to the side. A moment later Sam and Ter appeared next to them; they had left their partners on their own. Kevis followed them, but he still had his partner. He winked at them and said, "I owe this lovely lady a dance. See you later!" He was gone. Ter and Perin goggled after him. Sam sniggered and Mirana just raised one eyebrow. Everyone else had entered the ballroom. Music and the rustle of long skirts was coming from inside; the first dance had started.
"I really don't want to go in!" Sam sighed. "Why not?" Ter asked him. "It's expected of a prince to dance and I hate it!" The others laughed. Perin looked at Mirana "You can dance, right?" Mirana snorted "No!" "But didn't you say, the girls at the orphanage were taught?" Ter demanded. Mirana laughed, "We were, but I was always stepping on my partner's foot. The mistresses were distressed and told me I was hopeless!" The young men guffawed. Mirana raised an eyebrow at them. After the had stopped laughing Sam sighed, "I guess we don't really have a choice, do we?" The others shook their heads. "Than let's get it behind us!" Sam grimaced but led his friends into the ballroom.
"There you are, your highness!" Sam's dinner partner had been standing next to the door and waiting for him. Sam bowed to hide his grimace "Lady Gadin, excuse my disappearance! My I introduce my friends, Teridor of Kaliorn, Perin of Okol, Cerry of Thomis and Mirana of Summer Reaches." They bowed and Mirana curtsied. When she straightened, Mirana found Lady Gadin's eyes on her. The girl gulped, Lady Gadin didn't look very happy! Perin came to her rescue, "If you will excuse us, Sam, Lady Gadin . . . We will go and find drinks." He bowed and quickly winked at the others. Mirana curtsied and watched Lady Gadin form under her lashes; the lady smiled and took Sam's arm while he looked stunned at his bad fortune. Lady Gadin guided him away, even as the others chuckled.
They found a small table in the corner of the ballroom and Ter left them to acquire drinks. While the four sipped, they watched the dancers. "Hey, isn't that Don?" Cerry asked quietly, breaking the silence. They all stretched their necks. There, on the other side of the dance floor was Don. Mirana couldn't see the girl in his arms. Perin stood up and, pretending to be looking for someone, edged around the dancers and got a look at Don's partner. Mirana saw him gasp and spin around. A moment later he was next to them again. "You won't belief it! Don is dancing with Lady Sarisa, Sam's sister!" He gasped. "What?" The others asked together. "And they look very happy together!" Perin added. Ter shook his head in disbelief "Who would have thought, our little Don all grown up and in love!" The others sniggered. Mirana too, but all of a sudden she chocked. Cerry patted her on the back "You okay?" he asked. The girl nodded but motioned with her head at something behind Ter. The boys all turned. There stood Sam looking everything but happy. Perin laughed nervously "Hello there, Sam, good fellow! Care to, ahm, join us?" Sam glared and answered sweetly "I don't sit with traitors! But that's not why I came. Mirana, I need to dance with you!" Mirana raised her eyebrows. "Why, your highness, have you already forgotten, I can't dance!" "Don't call me 'your highness'! But please, if you don't Lady Gadin will want another dance. Have you ever danced with a skeleton?" He made puppy eyes and Mirana laughed. "Fine, but won't be my feet that will hurt afterwards!" The others whistled and clapped. Turning to them, Mirana added, "Don't give my seat away! I'll be back after one dance!" Sam took her arm and pulled her onto the dance floor.
Sam spun Mirana around. She saw him wince as she stepped onto his foot for the second time. "Those mistresses were right, you are hopeless!" Don said through gritted teeth.
Mirana laughed, "Remember, it was your idea to dance!" Sam sighed. They moved more the side of the floor. Sam, who was a bit taller than Mirana, saw something over the top of her head and winced again. "What is it?" Mirana asked quietly. As an answer, Don twirled her and Mirana could see the problem. Lady Gadin was standing there and glared at them. "Whoops!" Mirana whispered. Sam nodded friendly and dragged Mirana further onto the floor. The music stopped. Mirana let go of Sam's arm and curtsied, "Thank you, your highness, for a wonderful dance!" She winked and left him standing there.
Ter and Perin had tears in their eyes; they had been laughing, Cerry just grinned. When Mirana sank onto her chair, Cerry poured a glass of water and pushed it over to her. She nodded her thanks and gulped the contents down. "That looked fun!" Perin commented as Ter sniggered. Mirana sighed, "I was trying my best! I only stepped on his highnesses foot twice!" "Definitely yar best!" Don had decided to show up. He leaned on the back of his cousin's chair. "Do ya have a spot for me?" "Sure!" Ter moved over and made some space. "And for me?" Sam appeared. Perin nodded and said, "Of course, for his highness, who danced so marvellously with Lady Mirana." Sam said sarcastically "Thank you, Master Okol, for salving my wounded pride!" Cerry got another chair and finally they were all siting together.
"So, Don, why didn't you tell us about Lady Sarisa?" Perin asked as he poured drinks for everyone. Don flushed and quickly drank half of his glass to cover his embarrassment.
Sam looked startled at Don, but they didn't get to hear Don's explanation because Queen Korala arrived. The boys jumped to their feet, except for Sam, and bowed while Mirana curtsied. "Good evening, Pearlers!" Korala said mildly, "If you will excuse Mirana, I wish for her to meet some ladies!" Mirana curtsied again and followed the queen away from the boys. "Sorry to interrupt, Mirana, but, just for a change, I would like you to be introduced to some girls!" "That's fine with me, your royal -" "Mirana, please call me by my name!" the queen interrupted. Mirana didn't get a chance to reply for they had reached a group of, well-groomed, giggling girls. They all curtsied to the queen and looked interestedly at Mirana. "Lady Mirana, this is Lady Rustia, Lady Martis and Lady Bellsta. I will leave you with them!" Korala said and bustled of before they could curtsy again.
"Aren't you the one, who was dancing with the crown prince just before?" The speaker hadn't been introduced to Mirana; she was a couple of years older than Mirana. Mirana answered, "Yes, I was!" Straight away the girls pulled her into their little group, poured her a sweet and sticky wine and wanted to know everything about the dance. Mirana had never felt so uncomfortable. Soon the girls learned that she had spent the afternoon with Sam's group and wanted to know whom she had flirted with and who had reacted. When Mirana said that they had become her friends and not crushes the girls giggled and told her that they could keep a secret. Extremely annoyed, Mirana tried to keep her temper under control but she knew it was only a matter of time before she exploded. All of a sudden silence fell over the group. Mirana looked up and saw Perin walk over to them. He winked at her.
A few girls had blushed and were playing with their hair. In front of them Perin stopped and bowed, "Lady Mirana, my I have a dance." All heads turned to Mirana. She glared at her friend, but he just winked again. And than Mirana understood. Jumping to her feet most un-lady-like, she bobbed and he took her arm and led her onto the dance floor. "Thank you!" Mirana muttered to Perin as he twirled her around. His answer was a wince; she had stepped onto his foot. Grinning, Mirana took his arm and led him back to the boy's table. They all jumped to their feet and bowed to her. Mirana raised one eyebrow in mock disbelief, but curtsied. Laughing they all sat down again.
"So, how was it?" Don asked her. Mirana sighed "Even worse than in the orphanage! Lots of giggling and playing with hair!" Perin shuddered. "What did I miss?" Mirana asked as she took a sip of water. It was refreshing after the sweet wine. "Nothing really! We were just planning to leave the party. It's close to midnight already!" Ter looked over to the door. "If we want to be the first in the stables tomorrow morning, we should all go to bed soon!" The others agreed and split up. Sam, who lived in the royal wing, took Mirana along. In front of her door, Mirana asked, "When and where will be breakfast?" Sam groaned, "Nearly forgot to tell you! One and a half bells after dawn in the royal wing! My mother said you would be always dining with us. Good night, Mirana!" "Good night, Sam!" Mirana replied and slipped into her dark room.