Ardala rose late to a polite knocking on her door. She had danced into the night; her father had taught her the steps carefully and then she had danced with a few of his favored courtiers who were gentle with her and only stepped on her feet three times. It had been fun, and that was something she wasn’t used to. She stepped from her bed and walked to the door, opening it to see Lady Dorwenna with three other ladies at her back.

“Good morning, my Princess.” The three ...