“I know, right? Isn’t it great? When I got here and found out about the short school day, I was so excited. And for real, kind of mad that I didn’t get here earlier.”
It was definitely a perk. One of the few so far without strings attached. “Is there somewhere else—a library, maybe—where I could go during lunch? Like, if I have something I need to do.”
“There is,” she said slowly. “You know, I have to meet with my adviser today. But if you want, meet me at lunch tomorrow, andwe’ll sit together, okay? Unless you have other plans already,” she added quickly.
“Yeah, no. I... don’t know anyone.”
“Say no more. I’ll see you tomorrow.” She waved as she took off down the hallway.
That had never happened to me before. On my first day at a new school, I might have managed to make a friend.
8
Even though itwas a month away, coronation preparation was already in full swing. On the way home from the academy, I saw horses pulling carts full of giant flowerpots and pallets of lumber. There were workers trimming trees and planting new flowers. Everywhere I looked, it seemed like the citizens of Biringan were eagerly anticipating their new queen. It seemed a bit much, but then I remembered all the lead-up to the British king’s coronation back home. Maybe royal protocol was the same across all the worlds.
With a start, I realized I was going to disappoint everyone in Biringan if I didn’t figure out my magic soon.No, far worse than disappoint them,I reminded myself. They were sure to be devastated. The whole realm hung in the balance until the new ruler was crowned.
When I returned to the palace, I headed straight to my private rooms to change out of my uniform. I threw off the robe and flung it over the back of a chair. Underneath I was wearing a simple linen tunic and pants in matching Sirena colors.
I walked into the huge closet—its own room, really—and there were four more matching uniform sets already hanging there.Another thing to get used to; someone was always in and out of my room. This place didn’t feel like home yet. More like a fancy hotel where I was the guest of honor.
I heard the door open and shut. Jinky rushed into the room, out of breath. She found me in the walk-in closet.
“What’s wrong?” I asked, alarmed.
After curtsying, she said breathlessly, “Your Highness, apologies for my absence; I was tending to your afternoon meal in the kitchen, and there was a slight mishap. Had I known you were back—”
“Jinky,” I interrupted. “It’s fine! Don’t worry about it. I thought something bad happened.”
She looked relieved. “I should have been here before you. And I will be, going forward. Is there anything I can do for you, Your Highness? Would you like me to bring your merienda now?”
There was something I wanted to ask her, but I didn’t want to be too obvious about it. “Actually, yes, I’d love my afternoon tea. How did you know? Must be your talent, huh?” I cringed internally. Real smooth.
Luckily, she didn’t seem to notice how awkward I was. She beamed. “In fact, my talent is sweetening tea leaves, Your Highness. It’s very minor, but it comes in handy.”
“Oh, wow, that’s cool. How did you find it?” Yeah, I was not winning any awards for subtlety.
She scrunched her nose. “I’m not sure it’s something you can find, at least not intentionally. It comes naturally—like yours, yes?”
Definitely had to steer away from this direction. While I tried to think of what to say, she added, “I suppose many find their talent when they don’t expect it.”
That was it. I needed to give myself space for quiet, to let it reveal itself organically. I couldn’t force it. And the best place to do that was right outside my window—the gardens. All I had to do was get there alone, and it would happen.
Then she blurted out, “I am enjoying our conversation, Your Highness, only, I’m supposed to take your school robes every day for cleaning.”
“Oh!” I took it off the back of the chair and handed it to her. It wasn’t dirty, in my opinion, but I didn’t want to give her any more strife about doing her job. She held it draped over her open arms.
“I’ll return shortly, Your Highness,” she said, curtsying.
This was my chance. “Actually, I was thinking about taking a walk in the gardens before my afternoon tea. So if you get back and I’m not here...”
“Oh, of course. I will inform the guards.”
“Uh. Do you have to?” I was hoping to have some real alone time, not alone time being shadowed by a bunch of people in armor. That would make me self-conscious.
She looked terribly conflicted. “I suppose not,” she said slowly. “If that’s what you want. Though Don Elias will be furious with me.”
I didn’t want to get her in trouble, but I didn’t want to be followed around either. “No one even has to know that I told you where I’m going. If there’s a problem, I’ll say I decided while you were bringing the clothes to the laundry.”
