The afternoon sun hung low above the palace walls, painting the stone corridors in warm shades of gold. 

Adriana followed closely behind Tari as they crossed one courtyard after another. 

"So..." Tari glanced over her shoulder with a teasing smile. "This friend of yours must be important." 

Adriana smiled faintly. "She is." 

"You've only been separated for a day."

"It feels much longer." 

Tari's smile softened. "I understand." 

They walked in silence until they reached the servants' quarters. 

Tari stopped before a narrow passage hidden behind rows of stacked barrels. 

"The kitchens are beyond that wall," She whispered. "The slave quarters are on the other side. We shouldn't be here." ...