Under the Stars (17 page)

How am I supposed to convince the King we need help when he won’t give me five minutes to talk? It’s always,
I have matters to attend to
or
I’ll see you at dinner
. That doesn’t get me anywhere. And now Malik is in some distant portion of the castle that I can’t reach. Who can I speak with?

At this very moment, I grapple with the idea that I’m hopelessly alone.
 

Bam, bam, bam.

Pounding against the doorframe startles me so that I jump up and open the door.

It’s Daphne.

“Thought I saw ya come in here,” she says.

I throw my arms around her neck, squeezing tightly. “You have no idea how much I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed ya too, miss.”

Pulling away from her, I say, “I got lost so I just hung out in here. I looked for the kitchen, even stopped a lady and asked her for directions. Still couldn’t find it.”

“What ya doin’ lookin’ for the kitchen?” Her fists rest on her hips.

“I’m trying to find my friend, Malik. I wanted to make sure he’s okay. I didn’t get to say goodbye this morning.”

“Ah, he came with ya this time, did he?”

I nod.

“Ya can’t go in there, ya know. But I’ll show ya where it’s at.” She motions for me to follow.

“Thanks, Daphne.”

“So tell me. Have ya had any luck with the King?”

“I’m afraid not. Every time I try to talk to him, he says we’ll speak later, but we never do. He did come to Legora, though.”

“He came ta yer town?” She takes a step to the left, wide-eyed.

“He doesn’t usually do that, does he?” I guess.

“No, miss.”

“I’m still unsure as to what he and our town leader arranged. They met for a few hours, but, as usual, King Zarek won’t tell me anything.” I shake my head in disgust.

Daphne expresses concern that maybe Legora will have to give up something in return for supplies, and perhaps that’s the reason why Malik and I were sent here. To work or pay off the debt. But I explain to her that obviously Malik is already working and I’m not. So, if that were the issue, why wouldn’t I be sewing clothes or preparing food?

“He told me he has a proposal to offer,” I say, following Daphne through every twist and turn of this massive structure.

“What do ya think that’d be?”

“I’m completely lost. The first time he had a proposal was when he offered for me to come back with him. And here I am.”

“Can’t be too bad, miss.”

“Hopefully not. He wants to discuss it with me after dinner.”

Daphne stops just outside two doors that are smaller than, and not as elaborate as, the others I’ve seen in the fortress.

“Here we are, miss. But we aren’t allowed inside.”

“Oh.” I contemplate how I’ll know Malik’s in there, when another idea rattles my brain. “Do you know where these people would stay while working here?”

“There are several rooms they’re put up in,” she says. “Can’t narrow it down, though.”

“Too many,” I assume.

“Yes, miss.”

“Well, I can’t say I didn’t try.” I smile. “Thanks for helping me. At least I’ll know where he’s at. It gives me a little bit of relief.”

“Who’s takin’ care of ya?”

“What?”

“Who’s yer maid?”

Will she laugh if I tell her the story about Lucy? I decide it’s better to keep quiet. “Nobody. I’m alone.”

There she goes planting her hands on her hips again. She scoffs, too. “The nerve! They should have someone takin’ good care of ya.”

“It’s okay. I’m used to providing for myself.”

“Ya sure ya don’ need somebody?” Her eyes narrow.

“I’m sure. But I do miss your company.”

The double doors burst open and a man with an unkempt beard and round waist stares at both of us. “You two shouldn’t be here. Go on.”

“See if I ever eat yer food again, Ray,” Daphne says.

“Aw, c’mon.”

She huffs, but in a cute way, like she’s flirting with him, and then storms off. I turn to see Ray’s arms still outstretched toward her.

“Did you two…” I begin.

He clears his throat. “Once upon a time, yes.” He looks from me to the direction in which Daphne left in a hurry. “Well, go on. Nothing to be seeing here.”

I figure Daphne will be waiting in the nearest hallway, out of sight.

She isn’t.

It’s not until I reach my room that I find her sitting in one of the chairs on my balcony.

“What was all that about?” I ask, approaching her and stopping in the doorway.

“Nothin’,” she lies.

“Mmhmm. I can see right through you. You know…if you hadn’t pranced off so quickly, I would’ve thought you two were just friends.”

“Ya don’ know what yer talkin’ about.”

“I know
exactly
what I’m talking about. And so do you. You have feelings for him. It’s cute.”

Her face glows when I say his name. “Ya think it’s cute?”

“It’s always endearing to see two people who like each other do nothing but fight. And not even real fights. Like the one back there—
fake
.”

“I’ve liked him for a while,” she confesses. “My work has kept me in another part of the castle, so we can’t see each other.”

“You two could sneak. It’d be romantic. Like, forbidden love.”

Her eyes expand to an unnatural size, cheeks flush. “Oh, that’s excitin’. What should I do?”

“Leave him a note. You know where his quarters are, right?”

“Yes,” she says dreamily.

“Good. Slip it under his door so when he retires to his room tonight, he’ll see it.”

Daphne agrees it’s a good idea, but she’s still in her euphoric state. I only hope it works out for them, because that’s the only trick I can think of right now; I need to focus on what I’ll say to King Zarek after the banquet.

37.

Daphne stays to help me prepare for dinner. She says if I want to impress the King, I have to look my best, and that tonight is
the
night. She makes it sound like we’re about to engage in a sullied action.

“Where do they have you working now?” I ask.

She twirls a strand of my hair around the long piece of iron. “Mendin’ clothes. Between us, I miss doin’ this.”

“I bet it’s a lot easier.”

“Yeah.” She sighs peacefully. “And the days are shorter.”

“Even though I want to be with my family again, I’m still going to miss this place.”

“Do ya ever think you’ll come back ta visit?” She combs through my curls, creating a softer wave.

“I hope so. You should come visit me, too.”

“I will, miss. As soon as I get the money.” With one small fluff, she says, “There. Yer ready.”

It might be her best work yet.

“Wish me luck with whatever is up his sleeve.”

“Good luck, miss. And thank ya for yer help with Ray. I’ll see ta it he gets that letter.”

I wink. “Have fun.”

She covers her mouth while giggling.

In the dining hall, the silverware and dishes are still being set in their rightful places. Candles are lit, creating a soft glow across the room. Tapestries are lightly beaten to remove dust, and then cleaned with a damp cloth. Footmen stare at me, as if I don’t have any business here.

“I know. I’m early,” I say to nobody in particular. But none of them respond. It’s as if I’m invisible. Instead of feeling even more like an idiot, I wait outside until guests arrive.

A few pass through the halls, but none pay me any attention. They don’t bypass me to enter the room, either.

And then King Zarek appears. The usual footman makes the announcement. Everyone in the room bows, which is only the help. The King jerks his head once to the right, motioning for me to follow.

Taking his usual seat, he waves his hand for the men to bring us our food.

I glance around the room. “Where is everyone?”

“It’s just us, I’m afraid,” he replies.

Was this arranged? Maybe he finally wants to discuss provisions.

“What’s this about, anyway? I mean, this isn’t part of your second proposal, is it?”

He smirks. “Not yet. But I do want to discuss everything with you after dinner. Right now, let’s not think about it.”

That can’t be good.

I smile and nod and pretend like what he just said is okay. But deep within the hollows of my belly, everything sinks. My heart plummets into the darkest depths. Tumbling, tumbling. I can only hope I won’t lose my appetite.

“I hope you’re hungry,” King Zarek says, pulling me out of my estranged thoughts. Bizarre how he can almost read my mind.

“Oh, I am,” I lie.

“I had the chef prepare us a special dinner. Not the usual.”

“Can’t wait to see it.” God, that’s so awful.
Can’t wait to see it?
What am I thinking? If I’m ever going to convince him we’re in dire need of aid, I have to play the role well.
 

 
Two footmen stand by the door leading to the kitchen. Everyone else has vanished. Nearby candles hiss.

Moments of hushed air pass. Too awkward for my taste.

“I searched for Malik earlier today,” I say.

“Oh?” King Zarek doesn’t seem interested. He looks bored, really.

“But I was told I couldn’t enter the kitchen area. I just wish I could know where his room is.” Propping one arm on the table, I let out a dramatic sigh.

“I’m sure you’ll see him again. If not, then he’s been relocated.”

I sit up. “Relocated? Like, he won’t be here anymore?”

“What I mean is he’ll be relocated to another area in this castle.” He regards my relief for a second, then says, “You like him, don’t you?”

I hesitate. Have I thought about what might be between us? Yes. But I can’t reveal that to the King. Not when I’m trying to help Legora. “Malik and I are friends. That’s it. We’ve been through the same living conditions, so we connected right away. The fact that we killed two men might’ve done it, too.”

King Zarek sarcastically grunts. “
You
killed a man? I don’t believe it.”

“Self-defense. That’s all. There were three vagabonds that raided the gypsies. My family and I were staying with them at the time. Nobody stepped up to help, so I took the challenge. And Malik was right there by my side. I couldn’t have done it without him.”

His smile slowly fades. “I’m shocked by this. I never would have placed you as a warrior.”

I laugh as I say, “I’m no warrior. I can assure you.” When he raises one eyebrow in speculation, I add, “I was only trying to save all of them. It’s bad enough we were drifting through the desert with no direction.”

“Still,” he begins, “you don’t seem like a killer.”

I wince. “I hate that you stake me as one. I don’t randomly take lives.”

“Very well,” he says. “We’ll leave it at that. Let’s carry this conversation to a lighter tune. I don’t wish to think about death while I’m consuming delicious food.”

It’s probably best that I keep my mouth shut. I’ve already said too much. Now he assumes I can murder anyone I please, but people who know me would vouch that killing isn’t in my genes.

One footman carts the trays out of the side door, and then proceeds to carry them to us. The polished, silver cover reflects a distorted version of my face. When the King lifts his is the instant I can lift mine.

But he waits. Elbow crutched on the table. Tap, tap, tapping two fingers against his cheek. Fading into his mind.

“Majesty?”

“I was just thinking…” He quickly shakes his head, as if he’s dismissing his own thoughts. “Never mind. Eat.”

I don’t hesitate to remove the tray’s cover. On it is a spread of wild game, lightly seared, with fruits and vegetables animating the plate.

“Looks appetizing,” I say, but it doesn’t seem to be different than the food we have at normal feasts.

“The meat is sharsan. I hope you’ll enjoy.” He lifts his cover, and then a knife and fork, preparing to cut into the miniature feast.

I’m in awe. Sharsan are creatures that bury themselves below the sands. Very hard to hunt. I’ve only heard stories of how succulent their meat is.

Mama would have a fit right now if she knew what I’m about to put in my mouth. She was the one who told Mattie and me stories of all the creatures that are above and below us. Although I paid attention, I wasn’t
as
interested as Mattie. He listens to her fables. Not me. I’ve only caught portions of them, and then later pieced everything together.

So, I dig in. And Mama was right; it’s the juiciest meat I’ve ever eaten. Sweet, yet slightly fatty. The outside texture has a singed taste, of course. It’s like the perfect combination of salt and sugar.