Head toward the front

Remembering that they are truly invisible to the human eye, the young ladies realize there is no need to sneak out the back of the palace. They can freely walk through the front doors more easily and without any greater risk of being discovered.

There are a few moments of awkwardness as they prepare to leave Adella’s chambers. Without the ability to see their own arms and hands, each have their moments of clumsiness. At one point, Adella feared they would draw unwanted attention when she bumps into an end table and knocks two glasses to the floor. Fortunately, no one responds to the noise and they gradually grow accustomed to maneuvering in their invisible state.

They also realize it will be a good idea to hold hands as they proceed through the palace. Otherwise, they would have to speak to be aware of each other’s location. Even the act of finding each other before they leave the chambers is a bit of a challenge. When they do come together, there are a few awkward moments of groping each other’s naked bodies before they are able to join hands.

At last, the ladies depart Adella’s chambers, hand-in-hand, and proceed toward the palace’s main entrance.

At this time of day, there are not a lot of people in the hallways. They encounter a pair of guards a short distance from Adella’s chambers. Both girls feel their cheeks grow warm with embarassment as they approach the men. Invisibility does little to address the lifelong taboo against walking around naked in public. Their bare feet allow them to move quietly past the sentries, who remain oblivious to the ladies’ presence.

A couple of times they have to move out of the way and press themselves against a wall to make way for people walking through the hallways. Otherwise, their journey remains blessedly uneventful.

As they near their objective, the ladies hear the growing sound of music, conversation, and laughter. They reach the main corridor to the entrance and see that it is busy with people entering the palace.

Courtney whispers, “I had forgotten that your royal brothers are hosting a party tonight. It looks as if their guests are arriving. We should probably wait until the entrance is less busy.”

Adella considers her friend’s words as she observes the guests. Unsurprisingly, most of them appear to be of the same age and social status as the royal siblings. Also unsurprisingly, the vast majority of the guests are beautiful women. The occasional males whom she recognizes are friends of Stewart and Duncan.

She feels Courtney’s hand give hers a squeeze as her friend whispers excitedly. “Oh, look! There is Viscount Dromkees! He spoke to me at the Royal Derby last year. He has only grown more ruggedly handsome since!”

Adella says, “It looks as if it is a masquerade party. Look at the masks being given to each guest. That seems remarkably wholesome and totally out of character for my brothers. I wonder what the occasion is.”

Courtney responds, “I know not, m’lady. It looks as if the last of the guests are arriving now. It will be just a short time before we can leave without fear of running into anyone. Perhaps we could take that time to look in on the festivities?”