“Uh, thank you.” I tugged at a bit of lace on my sleeve, blushing again, unable to meet Araceli’s eyes except in the mirror. “Soooooo, do you like big women?” Sweet Sun God, I hadn’t meant to ask that, it had just slipped out.
“Of course I do. What do you think that speech was about?” Araceli winked at me. “You don’t seem comfortable in this body—did you used to be skinny?”
“No, actually, I, uh … I wasn’t comfortable in my original body, either.” I looked away. “Not all of the time, at least. Sometimes. I’d gotten better about it.”
“I bet you were adorable, just like you are right now.” Araceli seemed about to say something, then she stopped herself. “Not that it’s any of my business. I hope I didn’t make you feel uncomfortable.”
“No, not at all! You made me feel much better. Thank you. You did a wonderful job on the outfit—no backhanded compliment this time, just a sincere one.”
“You’re welcome.” Araceli patted my cheek. “You’re a goddess, and if she doesn’t see it, that’s her problem.” A note of wistfulness entered her voice.
Araceli left while I was still trying to puzzle out who “she” was. I supposed the dwarven ambassador must be female?
A page poked his head in the door. “Um. I’ve been given a message from Countess Donya. She said the dwarven delegation has arrived. She promised to stall them as long as possible while you make it to the throne room.”
I had no time for further pondering. It was showtime.
Chapter Fifteen
Isat on the golden throne, sweating and trying not to let it show. My eyes slipped over to the side door where Araceli had promised to stay in case I needed her.
The throne room was empty except for Ysabel, Alzira, and Kaine. Alzira fingered her sword hilt while Kaine leaned against the wall and dozed off.
Ysabel paced the carpet in front of me. “How do I look? Properly disheveled? I did the best I could on short notice.” My older sister wore a plain white smock resembling a prisoner’s clothing. Manacles, made of solid gold, chained her wrists together. I wondered how she’d gotten those on such short notice. She’d ordered a page to the correct store with confidence, like she purchased fancy chains all the time. Her curly hair fell over her shoulders in a tangled mess. Wet streaks imitating tear tracks ran down her cheeks, and she had a smudge of dirt on her face.
“You look very much like a prisoner,” I said. And it was unfair how good it looked on her.
“Do you think the bare feet are too much?” Ysabel lifted a foot to examine her soles.
I hadn’t the slightest idea. “I think it’s fine?”
“Let’s practice.” Ysabel sat on the floor next to my throne and looped her chains over the royal specter so it looked like I was holding her close. “Remember your line?”
I cleared my throat. “I have taken the Holy Maiden hostage. I have no fear of the Conclave of Kings or Dark Lord Kaine!” Oh no,my voice came out too squeaky. I tried to deepen my tone. “Ahem. If you take one step forward, I’ll strangle her pretty little throat.”
“Woe,” Ysabel wailed, dabbing her eyes. “Please, don’t hurt me!”
Alzira drew her sword. “How dare you threaten Her Holiness. I will smite you!”
“Eep! I’m sorry!” I squealed, cowering down in my throne.
Ysabel drew herself up to her full height, letting the chains slip off the specter, and glared. “Alzira, did you just draw your sword on my sister?”
Alzira flinched. “I’m sorry, Your Holiness. It was a reflex. I forgot that it was all an act for a moment because you sounded so convincing. You’re an amazing actress.”
“Don’t try to flatter your way out of this one.” Ysabel tapped her foot. “If you can’t stick to the script, then leave until we’re done.”
“I need to guard you, Your Holiness!” Alzira protested.
“You can guard me from the balcony.” Ysabel inclined her head above. “Stay out of sight, and if you make one more sound, I’m banning you from the throne room entirely.”
“Yes, Your Holiness.” Alzira sighed, slinking away.
I exhaled in relief as soon as she left. Just the pressure from Alzira’s glare had nearly made me wet myself. Had Araceli called me intimidating? Clearly it was only on the outside. Alzira could have scared a real goddess, much less a fake one like me.
“Sorry about that.” Ysabel returned to kneeling by the throne. “Your next line?”
I tried to remember. “As long as I control the Holy Maiden, then Dark Lord Kaine is my servant!”
