The Pyramid Waltz by Barbara Ann Wright Page A

am.”
    Starbride wanted to continue the light chatter, but homesickness wouldn’t be banished by the wave of a hand. “I’m just trying to understand this place. It’s so different from where I grew up, and I haven’t exactly…fit in.”
    She felt Katya shift. “Has someone been inappropriate with you?”
    If she moved a little to her left, Starbride could lean her head against Katya’s shoulder. As much as she wanted the comfort, she shook her head. “If you’re asking if anyone’s been mean to me, not really. No one’s been anything to me.”
    Katya turned her with a gentle pressure. “I’m sorry. Even if you didn’t come for a good time, it’s terrible to be alone.”
    “You’re here.”
    The bells from the chapterhouses in Marienne tolled with the setting sun. Katya’s head hung again, and it seemed as if all the life went out of her.
    “What’s wrong?” Starbride asked.
    “I have to go. I haven’t seen my parents today.”
    Starbride nodded even as disappointment made her smile slip. “Ah, well. Maybe someday you’ll introduce me, and we can compare mothers.”
    Katya cocked her head, and Starbride realized how intimate a relationship they’d have to have in order for Katya to introduce Queen Catirin as her mother instead of as the queen. Of course, friends could be as intimate as lovers. Katya’s face softened as if Starbride had bestowed a great compliment upon her. “Maybe someday I will.”
    As she descended the stairs, Starbride tried to sort her feelings into an orderly row. The library waited, but all of a sudden, the books seemed deadly dull, and she wished all the harder for a fast horse and someone to ride with. Starbride nearly laughed out loud at the thought of asking Lady Hilda to come and then pushing her into the first deep pit that presented itself.
    They walked toward the library in silence, as if they’d already said good evening. Starbride couldn’t bring herself to ask when they’d see one another again. With Katya’s schedule, it seemed wise to assume that she’d turn up when she could. Starbride told herself it didn’t matter. She had work to do.
    “You know your way from here?” Katya asked.
    “Dawnmother and I made a map.”
    “Smarter and smarter. I hope you know how much I don’t want to go.”
    A blush burned in Starbride’s cheeks, but she kept her expression amused. “Even a princess must answer to a king and queen.”
    “True, and it will take some time.”
    “Well, when you want to find me again, I’ll be in one of two places.”
    Katya stepped forward. Starbride froze, certain Katya was going to kiss her. She held her breath, her heart speeding. Katya smelled faintly of lavender and rosehips, with just a hint of leather, and at such a short distance, her eyes seemed to take up the entire world.
    She lifted Starbride’s right hand and held it between their two faces as her soft lips grazed the hollow between Starbride’s first and second knuckle. “I will see you again,” she said, and the touch of her breath turned Starbride’s limbs to gooseflesh. She knew her mouth was open, but she couldn’t close it.
    Katya winked before she let go and started down the hallway. Starbride shook her head, the spell broken, and chastised herself for ever falling under Katya’s sway. She almost shouted, “Scoundrel!” at the departing back, but the servants who’d faded into the background when Katya had kissed her had reappeared. Starbride rubbed her knuckles as she turned toward the library, but then she thought better of it and went to her room instead.
    “I was just about to come and get you,” Dawnmother said. “I’ve fetched some dinner.”
    “Thank you.” Starbride dropped her scroll and pencil on the bed before she sat in the chair and stared at nothing.
    “Did you hurt yourself?”
    “What?”
    “You keep rubbing your hand.”
    “No, no.” Starbride stared down at her knuckles, seeing Katya’s lips there again. “Katya kissed me