Side Story Chapter 24

Riftan was mortified by how loudly his gulp resounded in his ears. Wiping his sweaty palms on his trousers, he willed himself to stop staring. However, like steel to a magnet, he felt his gaze being pulled to her.

He noted her elaborately braided bun, her delicate neck, and slender shoulders. Her waist was so tiny he was sure he could wrap one hand around it. Finally, his eyes stopped at the cascading hem of her silk dress.

The little girl in his memory had perpetually unkempt hair. She often used to get it caught in tree branches, which would ruin her braids until they puffed up like clouds. Her penchant for wandering the gardens also meant that her dresses were always covered in dirt. Was this regal woman truly the girl who used to collect pebbles in the raggedy pouch she took everywhere?

He stood in a half-trance until Triton's genteel voice broke through.

"May I inquire about the lady behind you?"