Four days went by. Invitations went out and the masquerade was nearly upon Basharr. Princess Raegan bustled through the corridors, the king’s seal always in hand. The courtiers had quickly learned to scatter when she drew near after she conscripted half the guards into her service. They were all to attend the ball in disguise, dressed in the most opulent costumes.

Violet had not escaped the princess’s recruitment.

“Is this necessary? I look like a tear drop,” Violet ...