THE NEXT EVENING SOFI and Kaelyn prepared for the dance. They hurried down to the lobby as Chord and Miras arrived. As royal heirs, Chord and Miras were dressed in the military uniform of their planets. Chord was in a deep blue suit, Miras a dark gray. When they stepped off the lift into the lobby, Chord and Miras turned to greet them and froze where they stood.
“Kaelyn,” Miras stammered. “You don’t look sixteen in that dress.”
Kaelyn wore a sparkling red gown with a tight bodice that flowed to the floor. Her hair was left down to curl around her bare shoulders and cascade down her back.
Chord gazed at Kaelyn in amazement. His eyes grew wide, and his mouth fell slack. “You’re beautiful,” Chord managed, then moved toward her. “You’ll be the most beautiful princess at the ball.”
The camp
