Shadyia parted the heavy drape and peered down at the dawn gate. “Dustan is the most dangerous of the House of Mienhard.” “We must use all our skills, Sisters,” Amrita said as they drew near. Madam Amrita and Mistress Makayla stood buried in the drapes as if hiding from someone. Only moonlight pushing between the tall, purple curtains showed the way as they crossed the dance floor, viewed by the silhouettes of ghosts tooled into the tapestries. The bells fell silent as they entered the east ballroom. Why did Madam Amrita want to see her? She hurried to catch up, her house slippers slapping the shallow steps built for ladies in dresses.

Come with me,” Sybaris said over her shoulder as she lifted the hem of her gown and glided up the grand stairs. During the six years she had resided within the palace, she had never known Sybaris to lose her poise or move at other than a steady and measured pace. Whatever had kicked over the anthill had to be serious. The sisters scattered and Shadyia stepped toward the doors of the audience. Her silver clips scarcely held her frizzled hair in place and dampness stained the armpits of her burgundy gown. “Reception Etiquette,” she said and made a shooing gesture with a flick of her arms. The doors to the east vestibule burst open and Mistress Sybaris strode into White Hall. The tones were far from the usual rhythm beckoning them to meals or a lesson with the madam. Shadyia glanced up from her board game as the sisters around her stopped mid-sentence and leaped to their feet. Beneath the Silver Rose – An Unwanted GuestīELLS CLAMORED throughout the Silver Rose.

Beneath the Silver Rose by T.S. Adrian