News travels fast around here, as it did back home inCathros. The highest currency available is information. It is worth more than gold, jewels, or land. Those with power wield information as a blade, using it to strike at the correct time to get ahead.
“So you recently arrived?” I linger with an open end on my question, hoping he will help me fill in the blank.
“About three weeks ago, but the King has been away until two days ago.” Sebastian slows his steps. “When did you arrive?”
“Today.” I lie, hiding my identity for now.
Sebastian gestures to a door. “Here you are.”
“Thank you, Your Grace,” I say with a small curtsy.
“Of course, my lady.”
He departs, and I open the door leading into the kitchens. A wall of scent hits me: roasted meats, freshly baked bread, and fragrant herbs. I see several women moving quickly throughout the space, kneading bread, stirring large pots of stew, and washing newly picked berries. They all work in perfect sync, holding a light conversation among the chaos.
“Need something?” A tall, muscled woman with pointed ears asks as she walks past me, carrying a tray of pastries. She has a bandana around her head, her curly red hair tied in a low bun at the nape of her neck. The Elvarran wears a white tunic and taupe pants, covered by a stained apron.
“Do you have anything I could eat?” I ask, unsure of why I feel hesitant.
“Here.” The woman shoves a small bowl into my hands as she strides past me.
I look down at the contents. “Do you—” She plops a fork into the bowl as she passes. “Thank you,” I say graciously.
“Bryn Eldrin of Myragos,” she says, walking over to me and stopping. “And you are?”
“Raelys.”
She crosses her arms over her chest. “It’s impolite not to offer your full house.”
“My apologies.” I quickly try to rectify my mistake. “Raelys Valantis of Cathros.”
I look down at the food. It’s a meat pie with a flaky crust and well-seasoned vegetables. My stomach growls at the sight of it. It looks delicious. After eating stale rations while traveling, I will devour any hot meal.
“Hmm…” Bryn’s gaze narrows on me. “The King told me about you.”
“He did?”
She nods, taking something out of the oven. “Any food preferences? Things you dislike?”
“Oh.” I blink in surprise. “That’s very thoughtful. I’ll eat most anything except for venison.”
Bryn nods. “Anything else?”
“Would you happen to have any pumpkin scones?”
She plucks something off the steaming tray, tossing it at me. “We got those comin’ out of our ass.”
I grab it, the piping-hot pastry burning my hand. I suck in a breath, trying to hold it, but eventually give up and sit in the bowl before my skin starts to blister.Score.I haven't had the delight of a pumpkin scone in years.
“Thank you, Lady Bryn,” I say with a curtsy, moving to leave.
“Just Bryn.” She corrects me with a slight scowl.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
I’m lostin the castle. Again. Three days have passed, and I have only managed to figure out how to navigate to and from the kitchens. Everything else has left me wandering around like a lost puppy. I crave some fresh air and perhaps a new book to read, but I am unable to locate the library or castle gardens.
It is strange to roam freely without people following me around like a shadow. I keep turning around expecting to see someone, but no one is there. Back home, my days were predetermined and monitored closely. What I did, where I went, and whom I could speak to, all out of my control. I never experienced what it is like to have a day, or several days, without any schedule. I found myself at the castle's main entrance, an area I have been unable to find since arriving in Khalessor. My footsteps slow as I approach the castle doors, and I tightly clutch the strap of my satchel as I glance behind me.
