She nods politely like she understands, but I imagine she doesn’t. Cally still doesn’t understand the way Willa and I lived.
“So,” I say as I sit on the now-dry bench, “what exactly will these lessons entail?”
Holly joins me, her yellow coat popping against the bench as she sits. “Ivan wants me to get you up-to-speed on the things you need to know before you meet the other High Houses, especially the princes. Today, we’ll focus on the basics, but over the next few days, we’ll dive into court histories and the less important lessons on court etiquette,” she says matter-of-factly.
“Got it.”
“Let’s start with our High House. We’ve been the reigning house since…well, I think since the beginning of time. We rule the kingdom because of our honesty, compassion, and empathy, making us the natural peacekeepers between the Houses. It’s also what makes us good rulers. Deer hybrids are historically pursuers of justice and actively work to keep things fair.”
This is the most I’ve heard her talk since I’ve been here.
“Not to mention, some High Queens have the power to detect lies, which is another reason we’ve always been the reigning House.”
Now, that’s cool. “Is that something you think I can do?”
Holly shakes her head. “I’m not sure. Elle has the ability. She can work with you on that in her lessons.”
I didn’t even know that was something that hybrids could do. I don’t recall ever being able to tell if someone was lying, but my intuition has always been pretty spot-on. I’ve always been able to tell if someone has good or bad intentions. Maybe that has something to do with being able to detect lies, and I just never knew it.
“On the other hand,” she continues, gesturing with her left hand. “Members of House Panthera tend to be neurotic and impulsive. But they’re also incredibly outgoing. Honestly, it just depends on who you’re dealing with. They’re also all very beautiful but vain. Princess Cassia is probably the most beautiful princess in the kingdom right now—”
I place my hand on my chest, feigning hurt. She notices and immediately apologizes, her cheeks instantly turning pink. I drop my hand back to my lap and say, “Holly, I’m joking. I’ve seen her, and you’re right. She’s breathtaking. I’m sorry.”
She takes a deep breath and says, “No, I’m just on edge lately.”
I don’t blame her. Someone—or something—just murdered the most powerful and most protected family in the kingdom. I apologize, then encourage her to keep telling me about the Houses. She gives me a shaky smile before jumping back into House Panthera.
“So, the Panthera members are all incredibly vain. If you ever want to gain a favor from them or get them on your good side, appeal to their looks. Even though their vanity can become annoying, their impulsivity and gregarious nature make them the life of the party. Prince Koa is older than Cassia, and he’s a bit of a party boy.”
She takes a breath before continuing. “House Serpent is probably the most powerful in the kingdom right now, mostly due to Princes Marik and Asmo. If our High King and Queen were chosen based on power alone, House Serpent would be the reining house.”
“Why aren’t they then? I mean, being nice is great, but that’s not enough to rule a kingdom,” I say.
Holly tilts her head as if she’s considering the point. “Power alone isn’t enough to rule a kingdom either. They’re too deceptive to maintain peace within the kingdom. That is their most infamous trait. Not to mention, they’re skilled in using the art of seduction to manipulate, and they do it well.”
“Yikes,” I say with a grimace. “They don’t sound too appealing right now,” I say, but I’m thinking about how spot-on that description of Killan was. Although he was gorgeous, he knew it, and he used that fact well to gain favors from others.
She chuckles. “They’re difficult to stomach at times, but they do have some redeeming qualities. They share their sense of loyalty with House Canis. Their ambition is also unparalleled. If a Serpent hybrid was on the High Throne, they would stop at nothing to achieve world domination, at least in my opinion. But they can also use their ambition for good. They’re also great lovers,” she adds with a wink, hesitantly waiting for my reaction.
A smile spreads across my face when I realize what she said. “Holly, you dirty dog, you! Are you saying I should bed one of the Serpent Princes, then?”
She holds her hands up, “Now, I didn’t say that! But if you did, I’m sure you’d have a great time.”
I give her a playful nudge with my elbow. “I’m totally telling Ivan that these are what your lessons covered today.”
“I’ll deny it until the day I die,” she says, her expression now sober.
I stare at her, but her expression doesn’t change. “Wait, were you lying? I didn’t feel anything. How does that work?”
Her sober expression breaks as a smile graces her face. “Yes, I was lying. Of course, I’d fold if he asked me. Catching a lie isn’t something that happens naturally. It’s more like…casting a magical net and seeing if the net snags on anything. That’s the best description I can give you. Teaching magical skills is not my best asset. That’s Elle’s domain.”
“I had no idea I could do that. That will be useful as High Queen,” I say with a sense of relief.
This stone bench is killing me, and I’m ready to be done with these lessons already. “What about Houses Canis and Ursidae?” I shift on the bench, trying to get more comfortable.
She smiles at the question, her light eyes brightening. I immediately feel guilty about wanting to hurry through the lessons.
“Canis and Ursidae are probably my favorite Houses—other than our own, of course. The Canis hybrids are beautiful, but they’re not vain about it. The Canis are the dog hybrids of our world as you probably already know. That includes wolves, coyotes, and foxes. They’re usually loners and hesitant to accept outsiders in. But they make incredible partners. They’re also very intelligent. I should note that I’m rooting for Prince August to win you over. He’s gorgeous and I’ve heard that he’s very kind.”
