Page 27 of Stranger's Choice
“No, no. The Moon Room caters more to men than women. Women must earn an invitation to the Star Room to experience the true pleasures on offer by His Imperial Majesty, Connoisseur of Beauties. But only women who wear the light veil and bodice are invited to the Star Room. Marsone’s wife still wears the tunic.”
“Let me guess.” Sebin leaned in close and Auraelie pivoted around, though even in her haste to return the pitcher and find her spot by the wall, she didn’t miss what he said next. “You are one of the beauties with a standing invitation.”
Auraelie spent the rest of the afternoon staring at the wall across from her. She didn’t care if Sebin finished his drink, or if anyone noticed that she was not being attentive to the prince. Did he not realize that the women at those parties had as little choice as her? She had thought he actually cared, that he saw her situation as an injustice. Maybe he only cared that he had given his word to her.
Eventually, thegohtadarplayer finished his performance and people trickled out of the room. It was almost suppertime.
Sebin exited the room, and Auraelie fell into place behind him. He didn’t go in the direction of the banquet hall, however. He wandered the palace corridors, seemingly at random. If he got himself lost, Auraelie wasn’t going to help.
Turning down a corridor marked with wheat sheafs, Sebin slowed down. Auraelie matched his pace. He stopped and looked over at her. “There’s no one around. You can walk next to me for a bit.”
She shook her head.
The prince sighed and resumed walking, though still at half his normal speed. “This afternoon was productive.”
Auraelie kept her lips pressed tightly together.
Sebin glanced back at her again and frowned before looking ahead. “If there is any way you can get me a seat at the same table as Marsone tonight, I’d appreciate it.”
Auraelie couldn’t take it anymore. “Why? Why are you so interested in the Moon Room and the people who visit it?”
“Because those are the people who will resist change. We have a saying back in Moial: Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.”
Most of Auraelie’s anger drained away. “Here, we say keep your friends at your back and your enemies under your eye.”
“Exactly.”
“Are you actually going to visit the Moon Room?”
“Not unless I absolutely must. It shouldn’t be necessary.”
Auraelie let go of her final worries with a sigh.
“You really don’t trust me, do you?” Sebin said quietly.
“I do, and yet . . .”
“And yet.” He shook his head and started walking faster. “I suppose I am still a stranger to you. I promise, though, I am nothing like the Emperor.”
“I know, Sebin.” Auraelie whispered. “That I do know.”
