The invitation

A few months passed.

Zefra had been granted separate lodgings, a personal handmaiden, new clothing, and more jewellery than she had ever owned.

She enjoyed everything her new position offered , the jealous stares, the admiration, and the allegiance of women who had barely acknowledged her before.

A few plots against her had already been uncovered.

Someone had even tried poisoning her tea.

Fortunately, Zefra had never developed a taste for tea.

When the untouched cup was poured into a nearby plant, its leaves began to wither.

After that, Zefra was assigned a food taster.

Someone had also tampered with her rouge.

The court physician spent days treating her face.

The Crown Prince eventually discovered the culprit, and the woman was exiled from the palace.

After that, everyone knew one thing.

Zefra was untouchable.

While enjoying her favorite dried fruit and a glass of fruit sherbet she had grown fond of, Zefra was informed that she would accompany Prince Siddin to Kurumat, where the King was sending him as a royal emissary.

She beamed with excitement.

She had heard stories about the magnificent city of Kurumat.

The art reflecting history and telling tales.

The magnificent palaces built with marble and carved walls.

The luxurious, lush green gardens.

Exotic animals kept as pets.

Sky-high water fountains.

And the most intriguing of all—the largest library in the kingdom.

It was also home to several princes born to another of the King’s wives.

Zefra sprang to her feet.

“Naila, help me select the gowns I shall take with me. Has the new one arrived yet?”

She hurried toward her wardrobe.

“The Prince especially likes the maroon one. And he always compliments my eyes when I wear the lavender.”

She paused, considering something else.

“Please procure a bottle of the attar the Prince is fond of. If His Grace has chosen me as his travel companion, I must fulfil the role entrusted to me.”