Ella exchanged glances with Shani, and then, without quite realising she'd done it, she cleared her throat.

"And I see you brought me my desert rose," the prince said, smiling and directing his attention to Ella.

"She…" Jehral said. "She…"

Jehral stumbled, and then, before any of them could react, fell to the floor.

Prince Ilathor looked at Ella for the first time. "What have you done to him?" he demanded, his eyes blazing. "He is wounded. Can you not see?"

Ella felt the colour rise to her cheeks. "Prince Ilathor —" she began.

"Guards!" the prince called. The door to the room opened. "Take Jehral to the infirmary. Give him the best possible care, understood?"

"Yes, at once, my prince," the guard said.

"Then find these two some chambers. Close by. Don't let either of them out of your sight."

"Understood, my prince."

"If he has come to harm," the prince said to Ella, "I will hold you directly responsible."

"I…" Ella tried again.

Ella and Shani were surrounded by guards, and before Ella could say another word, they were led away.

Shani's parting words followed her.

"That went well," her friend said.

25

25

PERHAPS the mixed reception was a blessing, for Ella was travel-stained and exhausted. Her next meeting with the prince was to be later in the evening, at dinner, which gave her time to rest, then bathe, and then rest again.

The chambers she'd been given were surprisingly spacious, with a deep bath in an adjoining room where scalding hot water from the volcanic lake was piped directly in. Fresh towels and linens were stacked in a neat pile, and with joy Ella discovered that the chest at the foot of the bed was filled with clean clothing.

The next time she met with the prince, she planned for things to go quite differently.

For some reason Ella found herself spending an inordinate amount of time in front of the silver mirror. She washed her body and hair with soap that smelled like jasmine, afterwards combing her pale blonde hair until it shone. She tried on the garments one after another, finally settling on a sleeveless dress of cornflower blue.

Ella suddenly stopped herself. What was she doing?

She was meeting with a powerful leader. She was representing her people, and the things she spoke about with the prince could have a great impact on the world.

Was it anything else?

No. Of course not.

With that resolved, Ella settled her silver pendant on its chain between her breasts. Was the dress cut too low? Of course not.