The Pyramid Waltz by Barbara Ann Wright

trade law?”
    “How did you know I was thinking about that?”
    “You were frowning. Law books always make me frown.”
    Starbride grinned wryly. “I’m learning trade law to better help my people.”
    Something in Katya’s eyes froze. Her face didn’t twitch, but her posture turned to ice. “Is that why you came to the palace?”
    Starbride tried to shrug, but something in Katya’s gaze stopped her. “It’s not why I was sent, but it is why I came.”
    “Star bride . Your mother sent you to marry, or to find a lover, an influential lover.”
    Starbride stiffened, realizing the reason for Katya’s frostiness. Katya thought she wanted something from her, just like those vulture courtiers! Part of her bristled at the implication, but she told herself to be calm, forced herself to soften…slightly. With all the grasping courtiers in the palace, Katya couldn’t help but be suspicious. “That’s what my mother wanted,” Starbride said slowly, “but it’s not the way I think. I came to study law on my own. I sent you the meringues as a friend.”
    Katya hesitated before she smiled. “I’m sorry. Sometimes…” She let the word hang in the air.
    “It’s all right. Let’s not talk about it.”
    “That’s not fair. I can’t get to know you and then ignore what’s important to you.”
    “If I tell you about the problems my people are having and it’s in your power to fix them, won’t one or both of us feel you have an obligation?”
    Katya hung her head. “You’re right.”
    “Then let me study my law books, and we’ll talk about different things.”
    “Now who’s seducing whom?”
    Starbride waved at the countryside. “Thank you for showing me this. Do you use it often?”
    “Court can be tiresome.”
    “That’s why you hunt, isn’t it? Speaking of what’s important to us.”
    Katya hesitated a moment before she nodded.
    “I saw you this morning, going toward the stables.”
    Katya blinked and then stared. “You’re full of surprises.”
    “I wasn’t spying! I was coming back from the library, and I just happened to see you, but you didn’t look happy. Did you see your sick friend?”
    Katya nodded, but her face turned guarded again.
    Curiosity burned in Starbride, but she kept it in check. After all, perhaps the friend had gotten worse or died, and it was too painful to speak about. “I wish I had a fast horse sometimes.”
    “You like to ride?”
    Starbride tsked and wished she had her long hair loose so she could throw it over one shoulder. “My people are born in the saddle.”
    “I hope that’s not literal.”
    Starbride ignored that. “I love to ride. Unfortunately, these clothes weren’t built for it. Now, my old clothes…” She trailed away, shaking her head.
    “Traditional?”
    “Traditional background but trendy.”
    “I wouldn’t believe otherwise.”
    “Does flirting come natural to you?”
    “Not with everyone.”
    Starbride decided to try another prod. “Lady Hilda?”
    Katya’s mouth twisted to the side. “She just keeps coming up in the conversation.”
    “Has she ever been up here?”
    “No, and you must admit that your questions are starting to sound a lot like those of a jealous woman.”
    “Mere curiosity.”
    “I tolerate Lady Hilda because people expect me to.”
    “Like how people expect you to like hunting.”
    “You sound like you’re trying to unravel a mystery. I never said I didn’t like hunting.”
    “You never said you did.”
    “And?”
    Starbride shrugged. “It sounds like neither of us can ever be completely honest about what we want to anyone but ourselves.” She stared into the distance as the sun disappeared over the horizon, leaving a residue of light at the edge of the world. With another sigh, she shook off the melancholy that threatened to settle on her shoulders. “How much do you have in common with Lady Hilda?”
    “I should introduce you,” Katya said in her drawl. “You’re more interested in her than I