Author's Preface
Shani darted out of the bathing chamber with a newfound energy. Her steps were light, barely making a sound against the marble.
“Shani!” Nimue hissed, running after her. Shani froze and turned to look at the older woman, confusion etched in the princess’s eyes. Nimue was panting when she finally caught up. She spun Shani around and began messing with her hair.
“You forgot to tie your hair up!” Her voice was filled with frustration as she ran her fingers through the young girl’s ringlets. Shani flinched at the force, but luckily Nimue was quick. Nimue pulled her thick curls into a high ponytail, loose tendrils cascading around her neck and forehead. A thin band of gold rested against her hair.
Nimue had dressed her in a soft ivory tunic trimmed in gold, simple enough for lessons, but the fabric was still richer than most could dream of wearing. A narrow sash of deep violet silk wrapped around her waist, vivid and unmistakable against the pale fabric. Shani twirled a finger through her curls.
“Can I go now?” she asked.
“Yes, but remem—”
Shani darted off once more before Nimue could finish her sentence.
“Remember you have etiquette today!” Nimue shouted after her. Shani turned, slowing just enough to smile and wave before darting through the palace.
Maids and servants stepped quickly out of her path as she rushed toward the garden. Some grumbled. Others shot the young girl annoyed glances. Shani barely noticed. Today was an important day. It was one of the few days a week she got to play outside. She couldn’t be late for that. She leaped over a maid’s bucket and ducked between another pair who were talking.
Shani could make out the doors to the palace garden in the distance. She was close. A bright smile crossed her features, then the invisible tips of her ears twitched.
“Hard to believe Her Majesty allows that thing out of the room…” It was a woman’s voice. Shani’s steps slowed slightly. People were gossiping about someone again.
“I know… but at least she looks acceptable and not like those Prick-Ears.” Another woman’s voice. This one sounded slightly older than the first. But still just as cruel.
It wasn’t the first time she had heard gossiping tones like that. But lately, something in her stomach dropped whenever she heard the cruel voices. Part of her began to wonder if they were talking about her. She reached towards her ears and felt the points. This had to be what a Prick-Ear was, right?
“One can’t help but wonder who the bastard’s father is though…” the younger voice said. Her voice almost sounded concerned… but there was an undernote of disgust.
“Oh right… you’re new. You don’t know the rumor…” the older woman said. Shani’s ears perked at this. A rumor? Maybe it was a story about her father.
Shani slowed, turning toward the voices. Part of her wanted to hear more, to ask them what Prick-Ears meant. Another part was screaming at her to leave it alone. Unfortunately, or perhaps not, all she caught was a shocked gasp before their footsteps faded into the palace.
Shani frowned, frozen in place for a moment. Then that word came back once more.
Prick-Ears.
The word echoed strangely in her mind. Her ears did have points… but was that what they meant by prick-ears? How did that even work? She wasn’t sure, but she knew the name left a sour taste in her mouth.
Her mouth formed a thin line, but she shook her head, trying to chase away the thoughts. Shani began to pick up the pace once more. The words, however, seemed to circle through her mind. Shani halted and covered her ears, clenching her eyes shut.
No… go away! That wasn’t about me…
She told herself over and over again. A hand grasped her shoulder. Shani screamed as she fell backward, landing hard onto the floor. Tears pricked the corners of her eyes as her heart thundered in her chest. She looked up and was met with a pair of lavender eyes. They looked concerned.
“Are you alright, Princess?” Jaziel asked. His eyes glanced over Shani for a moment. Relief washed over Shani at the sound of her uncle’s calming voice. She smiled shyly and nodded.
“I’m okay, Uncle Jaziel.”
He knelt down in front of her and reached towards her wrist.
“You didn’t crack it when you fell, did you?” he asked, as he examined the crystal very closely. Shani shook her head.
“I don’t think so… I’ve fallen a lot and the bracelet never gets hurt,” she replied, her head tilting slightly as she recalled every fall. Jaziel sighed and finally released her wrist.
“Glad to hear that…” he mumbled. Jaziel began dusting Shani off before offering her a hand up. Shani gratefully took it. Once she was standing, he finished by dusting off her legs before returning upright.
“Try to take care of it… it’s rare,” he said. His eyes glanced once more toward the bracelet. Shani followed his gaze before nodding.
“Yes! Mama says it was a gift from Dad. I don’t want it to break!” Jaziel paused. Shani couldn’t help but notice his eyes widen.
“Your mother said that?” he asked. Shani simply nodded again. Jaziel’s mouth pulled into a thin line, and his jaw twitched. To Shani, it looked like he wanted to ask something. Then he sighed, crossing an arm over his chest as a playful smile pulled at his lips.
“Seeing as you’re out and about… I’m hoping the empress is as well?” Jaziel’s eyes looked towards Shani, a glimmer of hope in them. Shani nodded.
“Yep! I woke her up!” Shani said as she stood a little taller with pride. Jaziel smiled and patted her head. Shani relaxed under his warm touch.
“Thank you for your help, Princess,” he said as he pulled his hand away. Shani nodded enthusiastically. Jaziel froze for a moment, his lavender eyes looking at the young girl carefully.
“Are you… sure you’re okay?” he asked. His tone was expectant. Like he knew there was something Shani wasn’t telling him. Shani could tell him about the maids she heard gossiping. That was her uncle’s job, after all. He was in charge of the palace workers. But she really didn’t want them to get in trouble for talking.
Shani bit her lip and then forced a smile.
“Yes! Everything is perfect! I was just on my way to the garden!” She exclaimed as she rocked on her feet. Jaziel eyed her for a moment more before nodding. He placed a hand on her head once more.
“Well, try to learn something then.” His tone was level, but Shani could see a playful glint in his eyes. She nodded.
“I will!”
Jaziel nodded with approval before he began to walk past her. Shani’s eyes widened in horror. She had nearly forgotten something important.
“Uncle Jaziel!” She called after him. Jaziel froze and looked back toward her, confused.
“Have a good day at work!”
Jaziel smiled and offered Shani a wave before continuing on his way. Shani smiled, then turned and ran once more toward the gardens. She needed some fresh air.
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