Chapter 91

All day long the whole palace celebrated with songs and music. They sang and danced in the joyous rhythms. The men took pleasure in the singers' melodious voices and delicious feast. As everyone was rejoicing, a palace maid rushed into the great hall, shouting.

"Your Majesties! Your Majesties! Grave news! Grave news!" she cried.

Everyone stopped what they were doing to listen. The hall went silent like the inside of a tomb. The maid was familiar to me then I realized she was one of Amarisa's handmaidens. I knew there was something wrong.

"Speak what is troubling you," Queen Indradevi said to her.

"The princess, your Majesty, O forgive me, the princess!" the maid stuttered and began to sob.

"Speak up at once!" the King said sternly. "What happened?"

"Her Highness...She...She has disappeared from the palace!"