The Moon Garden was everything a queen could want. Crystal fountains tinkled softly, their water glowing with captured moonlight. White marble pavilions draped with silk curtains created intimate spaces among beds of night-blooming flowers.
The air smelled of jasmine and roses, sweet and intoxicating.
Viya reclined on a velvet chaise beneath one of the pavilions, a goblet of wine in her perfectly manicured hand. Her red hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her dress—a confection of pale blue silk and diamonds—probably cost more than most people earned in a lifetime.
Nyla approached from the garden path, her steps measured and careful. She'd requested this meeting, and Viya had agreed out of sheer curiosity. They'd never been friends. Barely even cordial.
"Nyla." Viya didn't stand, didn't even set down her wine. "This had better be important. I don't usually entertain... visitors in my private garden."
