“Oh, okay.” I was surprised he wanted to be separated from his precious Amador. He got up, and I followed his lead. Amador watched us, a protest forming on her lips, and was stopped by the professor’s watchful eye.
We stood side by side near two desks. Professor Manatubay announced the assignment. “Imagine that you and your partner are both heirs of rival houses. It doesn’t matter which two. You meet for an official dinner at a neutral location. In other words, this is a social event, not a political event. When you arrive, you find your seat, as indicated by the place cards on the table. To your dismay, you are sitting next to your sworn enemy.” I couldn’t help but notice he looked directly at me when he said that. “To show contempt could be interpreted as an act of hostility. How will you behave? Proceed in three... two... one.”
Lucas and I looked at each other. Now what? Neither of us seemed to know who was supposed to make the first move.
“If I’m not mistaken, you outrank me,” he pointed out.
“Right,” I said. “I knew that.”
He smiled out of the corner of his mouth. Like he was saying,Sure you did. I hated how stupid he made me feel. How defensive. “Therefore,” he went on, “if we’re in an official social situation, I’m supposed to genuflect.” He bowed deeply to me. It made me uncomfortable, despite the fact that everyone else in the room was doing the same thing. I noticed Professor Manatubay making his rounds, watching everyone. He looked over at me and Lucas. I had to play along if I wanted credit for the activity.
I curtsied slightly and nodded to Lucas. “Pleased to make your acquaintance, Sir Lucas,” I said.
He pulled out my chair. “Princess,” he said, gesturing that I should sit.
So gallant. I couldn’t help but notice how his eyes crinkled when he smiled, and the dark swoop of his hair over his brow.Ew, stop it,I thought.He’s dating that skank who probably sent the insurgents to kill you.“Thank you,” I said as coldly as I could, with my nose in the air. I sat at the desk; he took his seat, too. Professor Manatubay approached, so I had to think of something polite to say to Lucas. “Are you having a terribly rainy season in the, um, in the Court of Sigbin?”
“Actually, we’ve had some beautiful days. You should come and see it sometime.” Lucas had a twinkle in his eye. As much as I hated him, I had to admit, he knew how to be charming.
“I don’t venture out of my kingdom very often,” I replied. Professor Manatubay loomed over us.
“Understandable. You must be very busy. Hope you’re able to get out and enjoy this lovely weather, at least.”
“I try to walk in the gardens every night.” I wasn’t even sure why I said that. I didn’t actually get to walk in the gardens in the evening, though I did want to. I felt like I had revealed something about myself somehow or worse, like I’d extended an invitation.
Professor Manatubay must have been satisfied with our progress because he moved on from us and went to hover over Amador and Nix, who appeared to be completely ignoring each other.
“Ah, yes. I’ve had the privilege of visiting the exquisite Court of Sirena gardens,” Lucas said. “They were a favorite of mine as a child.”
I had no idea how to respond. I suddenly had an image of little Lucas running around in the place I now called home, makingmemories long before I ever knew it existed—having a childhood that could have been mine. What if we had grown up together? Would I be his Amador now? Did I want to be?
Ew, why did I keep thinking like that?
He was staring at me, waiting. I shook my head to rid myself of the thoughts. Confusion crossed over his face briefly. “Uh, yes, they are amazing. Quite spectacular,” I added, trying to sound fancy. I needed to change the subject, away from the weather and our backyards. “How are your parents doing?” Mundane enough.
Lucas pulled back, brow furrowed. He looked down at the desk and began tapping his fingers on it. “Wow. That was pretty low,” he said. “Even for you.”
“Excuse me?” I was totally taken aback.
“You didn’t have to bring my parents into this,” he said sternly. “I don’t know what your problem is with me—”
“Excuse me?” I repeated, nearly shouting. The partners at the nearest desk turned their heads toward us. I lowered my voice. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. I’m just playing along with this stupid game.”
“Oh, please,” he snarled at me. “As if you don’t know that my parents are dead.”
I felt like I was hit in the gut. “Oh! Lucas, I swear I didn’t.” I wanted to crawl under the table. I was so embarrassed. “I wouldn’t have said something like that if I knew. I mean, my dad just died.”
“You didn’t even know your father,” Lucas shot back. “You only showed up to claim your inheritance. My mom died when I was born, and when my dad died last year, he was all I had.”
“Wow,” I exclaimed. “You don’t even know me. You knownothingabout me, in fact. Less than nothing.” I was tempted to bring up my mother and how she was still in the hospital, clinging to life, but I didn’t owe him that piece of me. “But youshouldknow that I’m only here because I wasforcedto be here in order to avoid a war with your stupid, stuck-up court.”
The room was silent. Every single person, including Professor Manatubay, was staring at us. Lucas was red in the face and looked like he wanted to punch something.
“Told you,” Amador said to Lucas from across the room.
Told him what? Before I could ask, Professor Manatubay put his hands in the air and shouted, “Enough!”
Lucas and I turned away from each other and sat forward with our arms crossed. I kind of felt like punching something, too. I had no intention of starting a fight or hurting Lucas, no matter how much I disliked him.
