The Rightful Bride Chapter 27

Stella can’t find the assistant. She sighs, walking through the the hallways. She stops a few maids and asks for the assistant.

“I saw her at the garden,” one says.

“Thank you,” Stella says.

Screeching and laughter catches Stella’s attention. A young shadow dragon flies up to a young woman’s shoulder. She looks around.

“The cameras aren’t here,” the woman says. “They’re not supposed to be if you’re playing.”

Stella smiles to herself. Thanks to the shadow dragons, she’s been able to quietly practice her shadow tongue fluency.

“But they’re still recording,” the shadow dragon says. “I don’t like it.”

The woman strokes the shadow dragon’s wing.

“If you want to escape the cameras,” she says, “go to my office. They’re not allowed there.”

The shadow dragon considers, laying her head on the woman’s shoulder.

“Here’s a better suggesstion,” Stella says in shadow tongue as she approaches. “Go to the kitchen. Celia won’t allow recording.” Stella smiles. “She’ll probably drive them out.”

Rose looks at Melanie. She hasn’t seen that woman before. Melanie nods to her.

“Hi,” Rose says.

“Hello,” Stella says. “So, you’re worried about the recording?”

Rose nods hesitantly. Melanie offers her a smile, watching the other woman.

“Go to the kitchen,” the woman says smiling. “Tell Celia Stella says you can have a cookie.”

Melanie smiles.

“That’s going to go well,” she says sarcastically.

“She won’t yell,” the woman says. “She’ll probbly give her one. Maybe more.”

Melanie nods.

“What’s your name?” she says.

“Stella,” the woman says. “I’m looking for someone and I was told they were out here last.”

“Who?”

“The king’s event planner’s assistant.”

“Oh. That’s me. Is everything okay?”

Stella nods.

“I’m Princess Eva’s new lady-in-waiting,” she says. “She asked me to extend an invitation for lunch tomorrow.”

That’s unusual. Melanie visits Princess Eva at least onmce a week, providing her with conversation and, to the princess’s delight, society paper highlights. The princess also enjoys venturing into court and gossip forums.

“Is she alright?” Melanie asks.

“Yes,” Stella says.

Melanie considers for a moment.

“Alright,” she says. “I’ll be there tomorrow. Thank you.”

“Sure,” Stella says. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” Stella smiles at the shadow dragon. “I hope you get cookies.”

Rose smiles as Stella walks away.

“I don’t know who she is,” Rose says.

“I don’t either,” Melanie says, “but Princess Eva probably knows her from somewhere.” Melanie smiles. “Anyway, I have to go back to work. Do you want to go back inside?”

“Can I stay with you?” Rose says. “I promise to be good while you work.”

“Sure.”