Valerie
We spent the entire afternoon in Alyssa’s chamber, listening to music. She had a plethora of songs on disks, which she stored delicately into little sleeves for their protection.
We barely spoke a word, except for the subtle comment from Alyssa now and then when a song came on that she really enjoyed. I was okay with the silence between us. It gave me time to think.
When the sun began to set, a strange noise came from outside. Alyssa floated to the window and looked out at the lawn below.
“It looks like the celebration is beginning,” she said. “The ball will be in full swing, soon.”
“Ball?” I asked.
Alyssa turned to me and smiled. “A masquerade. It’s the largest of the events. The most important to my people.”
I sidled up beside her, peering down at the palace grounds. A clu
