Because wood was scarce in the desert, other sources of fuel were used to create the bonfires for the evening's feast. The acrid smell could not dampen the excitement of those who danced and sang in time to the music.

Mairwen was clad in a dress of purple with silver trim. Orhan's wife had made it especially for the princess, and the effect was magnificent. The fire played off the silver thread, giving the girl the appearance of flickering starlight along the fitted bodice. On anyone else, the dress would have outshone the girl, but the princess rivaled its beauty in every way.

The feast was meant to honor the princess and Emperor, as well as to mark the upcoming Fate's Dilemma. Orhan has spared no expense when it came to the festivities. And his people, who had graciously accepted all the extra visitors, were happy for the change. Even Timur attended with his small band of followers, but they made sure to situate themselves far enough away not to cause any trouble.

Seated between Orhan and Devrim, Mairwen enjoyed the delicious food while tapping her fingers along with the bouncy music. The ground where they sat was quite firm even in the sand, but blankets had been brought to soften their seats. It felt very informal and yet all the more fun for the atmosphere.

"Mother would love this!" the princess said to the Emperor. "She always enjoys a well-done party."

Orhan overheard her comment. "I am pleased to know it is up to imperial standards."

"Absolutely!" Devrim agreed easily. "This celebration rivals any we have had at the palace. We may have to ask you to plan our next party as well!"

"It is too bad Lady Bukuri and Faris decided to rest. I think they would have liked all of this." Mairwen had been delighted to meet the magical creatures. The horseman had been charming and the elf reminded the princess of her dear friend, Brinn. When she learned that the woman was Gandr's mother as well, the princess nearly leapt for joy.

"Those two created quite a stir as they entered camp. Thankfully the people were delightfully intrigued, not frightened," Orhan commented. The humans had done well in welcoming the pair. The welcome was so overwhelming after years in solitude that this was the reason that Faris and Bukuri had politely declined the invitaition. They were happy to enjoy the music from the safety of the tents in peace.

The princess had been covertly scanning the crowd since the festivities began. Her eyes were looking for a tall, lanky, sandy-haired boy, but so far she had been disappointed. Finally she decided to ask.

"Father, have you seen Renat? I haven't spoken to him since I saw him in our tent."

The Emperor feigned disinterest. "I have not seen him since he left me. He probably took some time to get settled in his new quarters. Perhaps he is around one of the other fires. He may be hiding from me." Devrim went back to eating his meat.

"Why would he hide? What did you do?" Mairwen looked hard at her father.

He smiled innocently. "Nothing. I may have threatened him, but only a little."

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"Father!" Before the princess could scold the Emperor, two of Metehan's daughters came up giggling to the blue-eyed girl. They were around Mairwen's age and full of life and exuberance. Because it was dark, they had many bright veils tied around their waist and draped across their shoulders to catch the firelight.

"Please dance with us!" the older daughter with the gorgeous pink lips asked as she held her hands together in a plea.

"I should not," Mairwen shook her head and shied away. "I do not even know how to dance around the fire as you do."

"We will teach you. The next dance is my favorite." The younger girl with the slightly upturned nose threw one of the thin scarves from around her waist at the princess. "You will need this."

"Go on," Devrim put his arm around his daughter's waist and gave her a gentle push to get her off the ground. "You are only young once, and this may be your only chance to enjoy yourself outside of the limelight of the palace."

"But!" Mairwen froze in a half-stand

The Emperor laughed, "No buts! You cannot hang out among the old men all night." He motioned to Junayd, Nurlan, Orhan and himself.

"Where is the father who did not want me to dance with a single soul at my birthday party?" Mairwen looked in disbelief at Devrim.

"This is different. It is a group dance, right ladies?" Devrim looked to the sisters for confirmation.

"Of course!" the ladies nodded.

"Then I see no harm in it," the Empeor patted his stomach, which was finally full.

The sisters giggled, each grabbing one of the Princess's hands. "Let's go!"

The Emperor nodded over his shoulders and pointed. Both Eira and Junayd slipped among the gathering crowd.

"Do you expect trouble?" Orhan asked as he noticed the soldiers leave.

"Yes," Devrim replied with a slight scowl, "But not the kind you think."

Mairwen was thrust into the nearest ring around the fire. She grabbed one end of her scarf with the older of Metehan's daughter's grabbed the other. On the other side she grabbed one end of the scarf of the younger daughter. The pattern repeated as the young ladies gathered in a circle around the fire with brightly colored scarves hanging in between them.

Outside of the women, a circle of men gathered with their hands outstretched and pressed up against one another. The music and singing began and the two circles moved counter to one another. Mairwen quickly learned the in and out of the footwork and began to sing along with the higher women's part.

Just when she thought she understood, the women began to back up and the men ducked through the holes. The dance repeated with the men and women inverted.

"Now we have a walkabout," the sister with the upturned nose called to Mairwen.

"A what?!" the princess felt her scarf released as everyone began to move in a new direction.

"Just hold onto your scarf and follow the lady in front of you!" The sister with the lovely mouth answered.

The women wove in between the men. Each man took a brief hold on the scarf, spinning his partner with a smile or a wink. There were so many fires, even more than the princess had realized. The line continued in and out of the different flames as Mairwen was caught up in the dance. Some partners she recognized—even Duke Fedelmid was among the dancers—but most were just pleasant passing faces.

But none of the faces were the one she sought, and as she came toward the end of the dance her happiness began to waver.

"Time to pick a partner!" A woman called loudly. There was a flurry of movement.

Mairwen watched as those around her paired off. She searched for someone willing to choose her, but it seemed she was out of luck.

That is, until someone behind her interrupted her search. "May I?" a voice she was all too familiar with asked.

Mairwen turned and her breath hitched as she beheld Renat in robes in a pattern of purple and silver that closely resembled hers. The boy's sandy hair was actually combed and his eyes were glued to hers as he awaited her answer. Rather than speak, she offered the veil in her hand for him to take.

The music changed, and the pairs began to walk in a circle around the nearest fire with the scarves between them. Then they stopped and spun in a small circle around each other. Renat and Mairwen mimicked the others' movements. Over time, the dance became more natural, and the pair could talk as they went.

"I have been looking for you," Renat said as he held the scarf above Mairwen's head for her to pass under. "There is something I need to tell you."

"Oh?" Mairwen tilted her head as she caught the man's eye. Her mind drifted to her the man's talk with her father. "I do hope it is good news."

"I hope so too," Renat agreed. They danced on as the music picked up the pace. The scientist easily kept up with rest of the group as he nimbly hopped and jumped to the time of the music.

"I had no idea you could dance," the princess flushed at her own ignorance.

"My sisters always wanted someone to practice with before town dances. I was the only willing partner and it turns out I have decent rhythm--" Renat tripped, causing his partner to giggle. "Well, I have decent rhythm most of the time."

"What else do I not know about you?" The girl smiled in such a way that Renat's heart skipped two beats.

Renat chuckled softly. "Funny you should ask, because..."