That was just one of the things he’d started to dislike. He wasn’t quite sure what to do, though. He’d been here a little over a week. Maybe it was time to go home.
They eventually ended up in front of a door. Anya smiled at him and pushed it open, revealing that they were on a roof. It wasn’t just a roof, of course. At the center, someone had placed a bunch of carpets and an entire living room with couches, armchairs, and small tables. Servants had left food and drinks on those tables, even though Justin had just eaten breakfast. He hadn’t been hungry then, and he wasn’t hungry now, not when he saw how much food would be wasted.
“We can have refreshments later,” Anya said as she gestured toward the edge of the roof.
Justin couldn’t do anything but follow her there.
From here, he could see the entire town. He couldn’t see itwell, but at least it gave him an idea of how big it was. He wished they were down there, maybe talking to people, but he was starting to realize that Anya would never allow it. Something was definitely wrong, and he’d had enough.
He leaned against the railing and looked around. The town didn’t look bad. In fact, he was pretty sure that Anya wouldn’t have allowed it to look bad today of all days. Justin could see flowers in the windows and tiny people walking down the streets. He could hear children laughing and running. He could smell something that reminded him of garlic. He couldn’t help but wonder when the people down there might say if he asked them about his mother.
“What do you think?” Anya asked.
“It looks nice. How long have you been in charge?”
“Several years now. One day, all of this will be yours.”
Justin blinked. “I’m sorry?”
Anya gestured at the town. “For a while, I was worried because I didn’t have anyone to leave this to. I can choose an heir, but it wouldn’t be the same. I’ve always wanted my blood to take care of the city once I’m done with it, but I didn’t think it would happen until you arrived.”
Justin blinked. “You just assumed I’d say yes?”
Anya stared. It gave Justin the creeps. “Isn’t that why you’re here?” she asked in a low voice that made her sound dangerous.
Something told Justin that he needed to be careful with his words. Unfortunately, he wasn’t sure that it would be enough. “I came here to meet you,” he said. “I wanted to know my mother. I never wanted any kind of power over anyone, let alone an entire town.” Or possibly more. Justin could see the town, but he had no idea how big the territory was.
“Well, your mother is a queen, at least over this part of the realm. It is your birthright to take my place eventually.”
“Maybe, but that’s really not why I’m here. I’ve always planned to go home. In fact, I should probably go soon. My brothers will wonder what happened to me if I don’t contact them.”
Anya narrowed her eyes. “Those men are more important than me?”
That sounded like a trap question. “No, but they’re more important than being a king or whatever you’re offering. I’m really sorry. I never wanted you to feel like I was lying to you or anything like that. I was just happy to meet you, but I don’t think I’d be a very good king.”
“Which is why I’ll teach you. You’re here now.”
Not for long if Justin had a choice. “I suppose I am.”
“I’m sure this is a shock. You didn’t expect it, and you need time to think. I’ll give you that, of course.” She turned toward the tables with the food. “Why don’t we sit down?”
Justin sighed. He really could do without having to sit down for another meal, but what could he say? That he didn’t want to? That his mother was creeping him out?
To be fair, he’d felt weird in her presence since the day they’d met. He’d told himself it was because she was his mother and he’d been looking for her for a while, but by now, he was pretty sure there was more to it. He just had no idea what to do with that.
He had no idea what to do with any of this mess.
“Haveyou heard about the mess at the market?” Melom asked.
Mynor perked up. He hadn’t heard about the mess at the market, and he wanted to know what had happened.
He was lucky today. Melom and Rassiel were guarding him, and they generally didn’t have much interest in beating him. No, that was Pythom, and Mynor hadn’t seen him in a few days. He was sure that the other guards would beat him up eagerly if they were ordered to, but it looked like these days, Anya was too busy with her son to give that kind of order. It was a respite, but Mynor wasn’t stupid enough to think it would last for much longer.
He continued pacing his cell as if he wasn’t listening to the conversation. He didn’t know if the guards could tell that he was eavesdropping or if they thought he was focused on his thoughts, and he didn’t care. These guards weren’t the smartest in the bunch, but that was a good thing for him, and if they didn’t wanthim to listen in, they could have this conversation somewhere else.
“No,” Rassiel said, leaning forward over the table. “What happened? My mother goes to the market, but she hasn’t said anything.”
“A bunch of guards were attacked. I don’t think your mother needs to worry, though. She doesn’t wear the uniform.”
