“I was invited to adopt one.”
“Holy fuck,” Raef said again.
“She's beautiful,” Arena hesitantly came out from behind a display case and approached Vashana. “Can I pet her?”
“Yes.”
Arena crouched and stroked Vashana's head. “Hello, pretty girl.” She looked up at me. “You said she's a girl, right?”
“Yes, she is.”
“Wow,” Arena whispered. “I've never been so close to one.”
“I want to pet her,” Raef said.
“Well, hurry up. I need you to summon a carriage for me.”
“A carriage?” Raef asked as he crouched beside Arena. “Hi, dog.”
“Her name is Vashana,” I reminded him.
“Sorry. Yeah. Uh, hi, Vashana,” Raef corrected.
“Stay,” I said to her.
“Where are you going?” Arena asked.
“To pack the crispers. I'm delivering the King's order today.”
“Personally?” Arena asked.
I didn't look back, but I knew my employees were exchanging grim looks. They had asked about the King and when he would return once, and I'd offered a casual response. They'dnever asked again. But as the days passed, the looks they gave me were less hopeful and more sympathetic.
Enough of that shit.
Rian had told me he loved me. He said we'd face my issues together. So, I had to assume that he'd be happy to see me. He may even be pleased that I was brave enough to visit the castle. If he was busy, fine. I'd leave the crispers and go. But at least I would see for myself that it was only kingly duties that kept him from me. Or I'd see that it wasn't, and then I'd know to move on. Either way, I would face my fears.
“Call a carriage, Raef,” I said.
“Yes, Boss!”
I went into the workroom and removed my cloak, but not my wing scarf. I wouldn't be there long. I already had a crate prepared, and it was the work of a few minutes to pack the crispers in it. Raef was just returning with an unknown human man when I stepped out of the workroom.
“I figured we'd need help loading the crate,” Raef said and waved at the man. “Your carriage driver.”
“Ah. Yes, thank you.”
The three of us got the crate loaded on the back of the carriage, then I opened the carriage door and waved Vashana inside.
“Where to?” the driver asked, eyeing Vashana.
“The castle,” I said.
“Excuse me?”
“You heard me,” I said. “The Royal Castle. Front doors, if you please.”
“Yes, Sir!” He got up on his seat as I climbed in and closed the door.
