So silly

Anaisa strode swiftly after Sapphira, hoping the cooler air in the hallway would soften the blush in her cheeks.

She hadn't intended that Trace would overhear her question. And the way he'd looked at her! His curiosity had undertones that she wasn't prepared for.

Was she in love? She didn't know!

He still had secrets from her. She should be cautious, shouldn't she?

Sapphira was attracting some attention as she skipped down the hall. Servants were glancing curiously at her, and Anaisa cleared her throat.

"Maid, you are acting without decorum and I won't tolerate it!" She snapped. "You, over there, stop staring and go about your work! Have you not enough to do?"

They went down a hallway, turning and twisting and rising into another part of the palace. Finally, they came to a hallway with grand double doors. Guards blocked them, standing at rapt attention.