What the Prince Knew

He took her to the roof.

It was the only place in the palace where the smoke did not reach, he said. A flat expanse of black stone, ringed with a low wall, open to a sky that was, for the first time, almost clear. The stars hung enormous. Far below, the river glinted like a bent sword.

"I have never brought anyone up here," said Kolade.

"Why me?"

"Because you are the first person who has looked at me and not been afraid." He leaned on the wall. "Or if you were, you hid it better than anyone I've met."

"I'm afraid."

"Of what?"

"Of the fact that I'm not as afraid as I should be." She stood beside him, rubbing her arms. The night was cold. "Your mother says you are the key to a lock."