The Moth & the Flame Read online

  Instead Despina chose to focus on creating the most beautiful wedding garments ever fashioned for each of these pitiful souls. A horrible last gift. But the best one Despina could manage.

  She’d been told this girl was quite lovely. Small. Proud. Eyes colored like a mosaic in a flurry of hues.

  For this girl with the many-colored eyes, Despina chose silver damask and red rubies.

  Without a word, Despina moved into the queen’s chamber and gave the garments to the servants who would be dressing tonight’s ill-fated queen.

  “Did you hear?” Ruha said quietly once the two young girls had left. “This one volunteered.”

  Despina cut her gaze at Ruha. “What?”

  “She volunteered to marry the caliph.”

  Despina blinked. “Poor little fool.”

  “Why would she ever volunteer?” Ruha looked to the floor, lost in thought.

  “Who knows why it is people do the things they do?”

  “Do you suppose she’s mad?”

  “One would have to be, to wed such a man.” Despina straightened the folds of her skirt. “Or perhaps she’s trying to take matters into her own hands.” She lifted her chin. “Trying to take charge of her own destiny.” Her gaze fell to the floor. “Time will tell her the futility of such efforts.”

  “Is that even possible?” Ruha whispered. “Do you think she could actually make the caliph see reason? Or perhaps—”

  “There is no way to know for certain what lurks in the shadowed corners of the mind.” Despina strode toward the door. At the last instant, she glanced over one shoulder to the troubled servant girl at her back.

  “But I do know anything is possible,” Despina finished softly. “So long as there is a strong will behind it.” She reached for the handle of the chamber door, resolve flowing through her veins.

  No. Her child would never bow to anyone.

  The world would fall to its knees first.

  Despina would make sure of it.

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