The palace garden was awash with afternoon light, every leaf glinting like polished jade. The scent of lilac and damp earth hung in the air as a group of women made their way along the marble path, their laughter scattering like birds. They rounded a corner too quickly—just as two women approached from the opposite direction.
There was a startled chorus of gasps. Silk skirts tangled, and before anyone could think to step aside, the two women collided with a slender woman in a yellow gown. The thud of body meeting the ground was followed by the soft crackle of crushed leaves and a few undignified yelps.
For a heartbeat, the garden fell silent except for the rustle of leaves above them.
"How dare you bump into me!" The woman in crimson—wide sleeves flaring like a bell—stared down at Rowana.
Rowana scrambled to her feet, skirts twisted around her ankles.
"It was clearly you two who bumped into me," Rowana snapped, forcing steadiness into her voice. "Don't pin this on me."
