When they got close to the Cauldron, where Aradella was to marry Prince Nessa, they could feel the excitement of the women. Tomorrow the men would arrive! Their anticipation was a vibration, a sort of buzzing that seemed to electrify the air. They could see that an effort had been made to clean up the town, and even hide the more damaged areas of the houses. Everything looked better, even if it was superficial. And the womenwere looking great! Clothes had been washed and pressed, and their hair was so shiny it glistened.
“All done for the men.” Aradella wasn’t smiling. It was hitting her that now she’d have to face her aunt Olina. Of course the queen would have somehow found out what had been done to Valona. If no human told her, her mother could conjure a vision in a pot of something unspeakable. There would be no anguish about that, butAradellawas still alive. She had no doubt that her aunt would go into a rage—then punish her niece.What will she do to me this time?Aradella wondered.
Mekos moved to sit on the edge of the wagon and Aradella got beside him. Under her big dress was her patched padding. She and Arit had done their best to repair it, but it was still scratching her. At least the fabric covered that she and Mekos were tightly holding hands. “I’ll have to go to my...” She didn’t know what to call where she lived.Homecertainly didn’t describe it.
“I think you should stay with me,” he said.
“That’s not possible.”
He squeezed her hand. “Just two more days, then...” He smiled at her.
“You have it?”
He knew she meant the mask. “Yes. I just hope Kaley doesn’t see that the box she keeps so close is empty.” He twisted around to look ahead. “Sojee is waiting for us.”
Aradella groaned. “I do hope he brought my beautiful cousins.”
Mekos laughed. “When you’re queen will you have them executed?”
“Better. I’ll have them clean all the toilets in the palace.”
Smiling, he leaned forward to kiss her but he stopped himself.Not yet.
When the wagon halted in front of the gate to the Cauldron, Sojee spoke to Tanek and Kaley on the seat. “You’re to go to the Sanction Room in the palace. Now.”
“Uh-oh,” Kaley said. “I bet we’re going to find out why this old wagon was sent to us. Is the queen angry about something?”
Sojee swung Kaley down. “That would imply that there are times when she isnotangry. It’s never happened and never will.”
Kaley laughed. “What’s waiting for us?”
Sojee looked over her head to Tanek. “It’s what you asked for.”
Tanek smiled broadly. “All of it? Everything?”
Sojee’s eyes sparkled. “There is more than you imagined.”
In the back, Mekos got down, then swung Aradella to the ground. Her face was solemn. She’d not seen the big, beautiful Sanction Room since she was a child. It was where her father listened to the problems of the people of Pithan and where he greeted important visitors. As far as Aradella knew, Olina had never used the room. “I’ll see you later,” she said to Mekos, her eyes conveying her hope for the days to come. Turning away, she headed toward the gate and her solitary apartment. It was going to feel small and confined after the freedom of the Lair.
“You too,” Sojee said, but when Aradella kept walking, he caught up with her. He was so tall that he bent to speak to her in a low voice. “You’re invited to a great surprise for Kaley. Jobi has done it all.”
Aradella’s eyes lit up at the mention of her friend. “He’s here?”
“Yes, but don’t tell Kaley. They’ve had a bit of a falling-out.” Sojee looked over her head. “Come and see what it is.”
“But the queen—”
Sojee put his hand on her upper arm. “Don’t worry about her. Right now she’s pretending that she’s a kind and loving person.” He gave a snort of laughter. “Let’s take advantage of it for as long as it lasts. Come have some cake.” His hand was still on her arm. “Unless you’d rather eat something that will keep your arms as strong as Hale has made them.”
Aradella’s eyes widened. “I, uh... I...”
He let go of her arm. “Young Mekos is waiting for you.” He saw her face change, then he looked from one to the other, and his eyebrows raised. “Did you two enjoy your time at the Lair?”
“Oh yes, we did.” Every feeling Aradella had was in those words.
Sojee gave a great, loud belly laugh. “I am very glad! Now go!”
Aradella held her skirt away from her legs, ran to Mekos, and they entered the palace.
