“You’re not a Lady,” I said dryly.
Smiling down his nose at me, he nodded. “Observant, as always, Lady Everly.”
With no disdain in his tone and a polite expression on his face, I almost believed the act. He didn’t appear to hold a grudge over his removal during the Honor Challenge.
But the longer I stared, the more my skin crawled.
His deep brown eyes, a lighter shade than Max’s, held a sinister glare. “I take it you’ve recovered during your time at Pendragon. You must be so well…rested.”
“Yep.” I popped thepat the end and smiled without teeth. “It was the best of times. It was the worst of?—”
“Ladies, I’m here with a few announcements.” Abruptly moving past my seat, Merle spoke to everyone at the table. “Having had a hand in designing your clues, Kingston’s presence will be scarce during this part of the challenge. The privilege of kicking off the Scavenger Hunt falls to me, and sharing plans for your nextBonding Day.”
I groaned, too loudly to cover it as an errant cough, and shrugged at Merle’s sharp look.
“Today, your lessons showed what you can expect for the next week. You have an hour to learn from every Knight each day, and to use any opportunity to proceed through your clues. Once training concludes, you’ll have a day to recuperate, followed by a day of fun with a special activity for us all, before your parents arrive for the Obstacle Course. We’ll celebrate with the fourth party and then the race to the finish line begins.”
Most of the girls exchanged looks at the way he included himself inBonding Day. I made a mental note of the order of events because I kept forgetting what came next.
“ForBonding Day, we’ll partake in a time-honored tradition among most fraternities. Creating pledge paddles. Often used in good-natured hazing, which Camelot Court does not permit, the paddles are a token of a young man’s time with his brotherhood.” Merle spoke reverently, his eyes wistful. “The journey and fraternal bonds made here remain inscribed in the wood long after a brother leaves his house.”
The brotherhood he deeply cherished, I viewed as sinful and filled with dangerous secrets, but it didn’t seem like the best time to voice an objection.
“With that in mind, you’ll create a paddle, and you may mark it with notes and clues you gather during the Scavenger Hunt. It can aid you as you attempt to secure the grand prize.”
I sat up straighter in my chair, my curiosity piqued.
He pulled a long piece of wood from behind him. It was about twelve inches long and shaped like one of the black leather spanking paddles Gia didn’t even try to hide in her bedroom. But it was about an inch thicker.
“The wood, harvested from lemon trees surrounding Camelot Court, symbolizes longevity and prosperity.”
My interest soured. Of course, Merle’s contribution to our challenge involved lemons.
“But that’s enough talk of journeys tonight. For now, enjoy your meals. Keep in mind, your lessons shed light on the skills needed to be Queen of Camelot Court, and if you’re paying attention, will lead to the answers you seek. The Knights will be along at the end of dinner to deliver your first clue.”
Merle lifted the paddle and smacked it against his splayed palm. Most of the girls jumped, and his placid smile took on a decidedly creepy edge.
“Don’t worry, Ladies.” He tapped his palm. “It’ll be fun.”
Thankfully, once his explanation ended, he left the room.
All the girls exchanged looks again, but before anyone voiced their disgust, the servers brought in the food and began filling everyone’s plates.
Our collective focus shifted to eating, but as I chewed on a bite of pasta, I caught Morgan’s eye across the table. She ate silently, too, but arched a brow when we made eye contact.
I shrugged, unsure what to make of Merle now more than ever, before I glanced at the others. With her lip curled, Angela’sgaze skirted to the doorway more than once. Izzy smoothed her napkin over her lap several times. It seemed everyone might have Merle’s behavior on their minds.
Except Elaine, who was nonplussed and distracted, as usual.
“I can’t wait for the guys to get here.” She smirked at me across the table. “I hope Kingston brings my clue.”
Ignoring her, I made a mental note to talk to the girls about Merle as soon as we met up privately.
Once we finished eating, the dining room doors opened. The Knights entered, hands clasped behind their backs, and took their places behind their originally assigned Maidens.
Izzy turned to stare at Tristan over her shoulder, and I moved to do the same, turning to my right to see Landonandpeek at Max.
But Vivian shifted in her seat before I got there.
