Under the Stars (16 page)

My body chills. Why haven’t I acknowledged these signs? Like when I asked where they obtain their jewels, or that they don’t want to aid helpless cities such as Legora…

A doorman announces King Zarek’s arrival, and everyone stands.

“Glad the two of you could make it. Malik, I hope you enjoy the meal,” King Zarek says, gracefully sitting down on his pallid cushion. He takes my hand again, giving it a kiss. Governor Hadi gruffly takes his seat to King Zarek’s right.

“I’m sure I will, Majesty,” says Malik. His eyes stray from King Zarek’s brazen exhibit of affection toward me to the cherubs painted on the ceiling. “I’ll admit—I’ve never seen anything like this.”

Zarek releases my hand and says, “Magnificent, aren’t they? This castle has been here for centuries. When I learned it still stood after the Age of Desolation, I knew this was the place to build my kingdom.”

“How
did
you come into power exactly?”

King Zarek waves his hand toward a footman by the door nearest us. I don’t know if that’s the cue for dinner to begin, or if he wants Malik to refrain from asking fearless questions.

But he chooses to answer. “I came from a family of immense wealth and political power. In the Old World, my family governed many thriving cities. Most were richly populated and held leaders that reigned under our command. But those days ended when the other kingdoms threatened our policies. War ensued. My family split in hopes we could one day be reunited.” He smiles, but it’s sad to watch. Like it’s forced so no one outside of the conversation will notice he’s upset. “Well, you see how that turned out.”

“I’m sorry to hear of your family. My thoughts are with your loved ones, wherever they are,” Malik says.

“No doubt they would be happy not to see the world so changed. I thank the stars every day that they aren’t living in these conditions. But I have to wonder: what would it be like if they were still here?”

“I think they’d be proud of you,” I say. “It seems like you’re doing a wonderful job of maintaining your kingdom and the surrounding cities.” I honestly don’t know where that came from; it’s not like he’s bothered to help Legora. Yet.

Maybe my sucking up will do some good.

“Ah, well, I’m sure they are watching me from wherever they rest.”

Dinner is rolled out on carts, accompanied by several men preparing to hand out the first course.

“Now the fun begins,” I whisper to Malik. He grins, watching the men handle the dishes with ease.

We begin the feast with a light pairing of sautéed red and yellow vegetables followed by a never-ending supply of buttered rolls the size of my hand. For our second course, we’re served grilled mangal over a bed of sugared rice. And our dessert? Caramelized brown sugar dusted on top of diced cocoa beans.

My stomach is so taut I think it might pop. Malik is battling with the same. He groans, but seems determined to finish every last bite. He must’ve been starving.

King Zarek waves, and the footmen come running. As soon as the plates are taken, he speaks. “Malik, do you like to cook?”

“I’ve never done much cooking,” Malik replies. I suppress a giggle when I think about the gypsies magically preparing their food.

“If you show promise with your new position, I’ll have you promoted. Possibly to an altogether different post.”

“Thank you, Majesty.”

“I’m sure that family of yours will no doubt be satisfied. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have business matters to attend to.” He stands and eyes us over his shoulder. “I really am pleased you two could join me for supper.”

Before King Zarek and his advisors exit, he warmly smiles at me. Malik looks like he might be sick. Like, really sick.

“Are you okay?” I ask, grabbing hold of his arm. He’s somewhat bent over the table.

“I think I ate too much,” he wheezes.

“C’mon. Let’s get you to your room so you can lie down.”

We have to walk slower than a snail, though. Malik says he might throw up. If he does, I’d lose mine, too.

But we make it—even through the twists and turns, and feeling like the draperies are smothering us. Malik collapses onto his bed with a grunt.

“Get some rest. You’ll have a long day tomorrow with your new job.”

He nods.

In my room, Lucy sits on the balcony, sipping a fragrant drink; the smell spirals through the air.
 

“How was your meal?” she asks without so much as a glance toward me. She won’t even stand.

“Filling.”

“If you don’t have any further need of me, I’d propose dismissing me for the night.”

This is the time I wish I had Daphne back. I miss her company. Not this spoiled castle brat. While she is still a maid, there is that fire in her that tends to consume me so that all I see is red.

I don’t like her. I want her gone…permanently. She’s only going to distract me from my ultimate plan—not that I actually have one yet.

“You are released from all duties pertaining to me. Honestly, I don’t know how you’re still employed.”

Lucy’s facial expression is a smug one when she stands. Her shoulder fall back, her nose rises toward the ceiling. She glares at me like I’m a rodent, and there’s a trap set somewhere for me to step in.

And then the wench snorts, placing her mug on the table beside her.

“You don’t even deserve a maid. I’m surprised Zarek hasn’t put you to work. This high and mighty act doesn’t bode well with him.” As she walks by, she makes a point to whisper, “One day I’ll be queen, and you’ll be
my
maid.”

Before I can stop the words from tumbling out, I say, “I would think that His Majesty would reward you for your services. But look at you. You’re still a servant.”

Her voice falters when she says, “We’re
all
servants to the King.”

“You can leave now.”

The little princess leaves in a show of frustrated screams and pounding of fists against the double doors.

“What was that about?” Malik asks.

I jump, not realizing he had been standing there. “I thought you were in bed.”

“I was, but I wanted to watch the chick fight.”

I roll my eyes. “You feeling better?”

“A little.” He hesitates, like he wants to say something. “Andy, what if I’m not cut out for this?”

“You’ll be working in a kitchen. I doubt you’ll do the cooking, just the delivery. The only thing you have to worry about is the prisoners trying to kill you.”

“Wow. I feel so much better now.”

I giggle. “Seriously. It can’t be hard, right? Plus, if you do well, you’ll be promoted. That’s always a good thing. You came here for your family to have a better life, and for you to give back. Think of them.”

He purses his lips. “What if my family can’t visit me?”

“You can ask
what if
until your voice fails, but it won’t get you anywhere. Time will tell. Surely King Zarek wouldn’t be so cruel.”

“He doesn’t know me that well. For all I know he could be using me for another purpose.”

“Why would he do that?”

He shrugs. “I don’t know. Sounded like a good idea a moment ago. Like, what if he’s using me to get to you somehow?”

“I hate to crash your party, but I haven’t gotten anywhere with King Zarek. And it’s likely I won’t at all.” After glancing down each hallway, I motion for Malik to step inside and close the door. “Between the two of us, I don’t know what this trip is all about. I still haven’t learned what he and Lazar spoke of in Legora.”

“Give it time. You can’t expect to talk things over as soon as you arrive.”

That’s what I like about Malik. He’s so level-headed.

“Anyway, I’ve got to get some rest before tomorrow. Good night.” He hugs me, and then retires to his room.

I can’t help but wonder if he’s right. Should I be patient and let things play out? What will happen if I wait too long?

36.

My eyelids won’t open this morning. I stretch and yawn, but nothing gives. It takes me forcing them to obtain a result. Squinting against the sunlight pouring through the balcony door, I estimate what time it is. Has to be close to noon. I’ve missed breakfast.

I bolt up. What if Malik tried to contact me before they sent him to another part of the castle? There’s only one person to talk to.

I fix myself the best I can and trail through the never-ending labyrinth of hallways. King Zarek should be in his office. Hopefully.

Two guards block me from entering.

“Do you have a prior arrangement?” one asks.

“Well, uh, no. I don’t, but—”

“Then you can’t see His Majesty.” He eyes me cautiously, as if I’m going to perform a stunt to continue through the doors.

“Can you at least tell him I stopped by and need to chat?”

“We aren’t messengers. I suggest you wait until His Majesty wishes to speak with you.”

Well, this is going nowhere. Now what am I supposed to do? I guess I can stroll through the gardens. It’s not too awful outside with the dome surrounding the castle. Seems like it prevents more than just critters and falling stars.

Through the maze of towering hedges I come upon another area with a fountain, except this one has a black granite demon. Water arcs from its open mouth. The longer I stare at it, the more I believe it might come to life.

“Enjoying the gardens today?” someone asks behind me. I pivot around to see King Zarek.

“I tried to visit you, but—”

“Yes, my guards aren’t lenient with visitors. I apologize for their lack of manners. When I heard your conversation outside, I came to see what the fuss was about, but you had taken your leave.”

“It’s nothing, really. I just wanted to speak to you about Malik.”

“Oh?”

I squint against the sun’s rays. “Well, I didn’t get to say goodbye to him this morning before he left for his job duties. I wondered if I’ll see him again. I mean, he will be returning to the guest room beside mine, right?”

“I’m afraid not. When someone is relocated to a different position within the castle, they are moved to a room near their job area. Makes it easier for work purposes.”

I weave my fingers together. In and out and around. “Will I get to see him, though?”

He laughs in a way that makes me feel ignorant. “I’m not going to tell you there isn’t a specific location you cannot see.”

I exhale a sigh I hadn’t realized I’d been holding in. “I’m glad to hear that.”

“Come. You and I have matters to discuss. And I have a proposal for you.”

“I’ve heard those words before.”

He chuckles and wraps one arm around my shoulders. My body slightly tenses. “I promise this will be greater than my last proposal.”

“That doesn’t help me.”

“It will be a rather considerable decision. I hope I’m not spoiling this for you, by any means. I want this to be your choice.”

What is he talking about? What could possibly be bigger than him offering for me to stay in Valyad until we reach a decision on supplies? And right now, I still don’t know if that’s why he wants me here.

“Okay, well, when will we have this meeting?” I ask. Hesitant about it, though.

“Anytime you think you’re ready. It won’t take long, but I’d prefer we do it after dinner. How does that sound?”

“I’m a sooner-rather-than-later kind of girl, but if that’s what you insist we do—”

“I do insist.”

“Yes, Majesty.” I complete my address with an over-the-top bow. “I’ll see you at dinner.”

He returns the mocking bow, and then winks.

Now, I have more problems. What is this other proposal? How is it going to change everything? I need to visit Malik. If only I knew directions to the kitchen.

The afternoon hours are spent exploring hallways I’ve never seen. Some I don’t remember. Some I probably shouldn’t be in. Almost all of Valyad’s citizens glare at me, as if this is no place for someone to be poking around.

Right. Left. Right. Long. Short. All with ornate tapestries, different people. And none of them leading me where I want to go. I work up the nerve to ask a passerby where the kitchen is located. Maybe I could at least catch a glimpse of Malik, then.

“You have to take the second western corridor,” she explains, pointing to the opposite side of where we stand. “Go down the hall and take a right. It will open up into yet another hall. Follow it to the end. You should be able to find your way from there. It doesn’t branch much further.”

“Thank you,” I say, and return the way I came. But all of the passages begin to look like the last one and soon I’m lost again. I aim to go back, but I take a wrong turn, ending up in an empty ballroom. Gradually sliding down against the wall, I decide it’s best I just stay here. At least until I’ve regained my composure and can find a way out.

Right now I want to know what Mama and Mattie are doing, if things are getting better or if they’re worse.

“I failed you Mama,” I whisper aloud. “I failed all of you.”