“Oh, but I have, can you not see?” Amir spread his hands. A hair from his hound that clung to his sleeve drifted down onto the table. He spoke loud enough for the whole room to hear, and those who were listening nodded, returning to heaping their plates with food. Of course he’d washed. How could Baba question him?
“My mistake,” Baba hurried to agree, lifting his spoon. “I do apologize.” The room waited respectfully for him to take the first bite, before they began their meal.
I could’ve choked as another dog hair drifted through the air toward my bowl.
Why is she unconvinced?At Amir’s thought, I stopped watching the hair and smoothed my frown into a peaceful smile, as if all I ever wanted was to sit there and eat. I pretended to bump my bowl, moving it to the left—the hair just missed it—and took a bite. Amir would call for a Severance if he sensed even a whiff of my Gift.
Strange.
The word came through crystal clear, which meant he was still thinking directly about me.
I swallowed my bite, not daring to look up, and scooped another.
She has a strong mind.He had no idea how strong.I’ll have to keep an eye out for her...
The thoughts faded. I focused on breathing. In. Out. Don’t draw attention. Bite after mindless bite.At least if he ever plans to murder me, I’ll have forewarning,I tried to console myself. But it didn’t help. To even think of going through with it... I shook my head, gripping my bowl with both hands to keep them from trembling.
Soon, the notoriety of our guest diminished and the noise tripled as conversations and drinks flowed.
I stayed silent. My father wasn’t one to chat during meals, and Amir was focused on the food as well. The meat tasted like dust in my mouth. The servants served fruit and nuts to cleanse our palates before the next meal. I picked at the grapes.
The next course was more exotic. Roast peacock. Our cook always took every opportunity to impress guests, and there was a generous helping of leeks, onions, and peas incorporated into the sauce that soaked into the bread platter.
I nibbled at the bread, dipping it in the sauce to give it some taste. If Amir had paid me any attention at all, he would’ve noticed my anxiety, but instead he devoured his meal, draining another cup of our finest wine.
Only when he’d picked over the last course full of baked apples, candied pears, and a cheese platter, did Amir settle back into his chair with a belch, and turn to address me, “What are you doing tomorrow, my bride-to-be?”
The term of endearment made my skin crawl. I swallowed, pushing a smile onto my face, though it didn’t reach my eyes. “I thought I’d go for a ride in the morning.” I’d always loved to ride, even more so as my Gift took over. Anything to get out of the castle.
“Oh no, I don’t think so,” Amir said, dipping his dirty fingers in the water bowl finally, though it was too late to be helpful, then wiping them on the bread bowl so that no one else could eat it. “Can’t have the future Queen of Sagh out riding around the country like a vagrant, can we?”
I couldn’t tell if he was using his Gift, or if it was just my fear of disagreeing with him, but I fought to find the right words. “No, I suppose not...”
Amir grabbed the trencher, pulling yet another chunk of bread from the side and dipping it into the last bit of leftover sauce. “Glad that’s settled,” he said through a mouthful. “Don’t you worry now. You’re going to be a very happy bride.”
This time, his Gift swept over me and I had to fight it. He pushed back his chair and stood, making his way out. There was no need for me to pretend my acceptance. He’d grown so used to the effects of his Gift, he’d just assumed. I should be grateful for that. Because if he’d turned back even once, I knew he would’ve seen the fury written all over my face.
I crushed the bread in my hand until it was a solid lump. It was either that or cry in front of the entire court.
I glanced at my father who still sat beside me, stiff and silent. What had Amir done to him? Same wavy white hair and beard, same gold crown perched on his head. Same warm, brown eyes, except the warmth had vanished, leaving a blank expression I’d never seen before.
“Baba,” I whispered so no one would overhear. He started to turn to me. “How can you let this happen?” Hurt slipped into my tone and I had to stop before my voice broke. At my words, his eyes stopped at a point on the table, transfixed. He continued chewing, as if he hadn’t heard me. What had Amir said to make him come to an abrupt halt at even the slightest reference to the wedding?
Staring down at my trencher, I tried to eat a few more bites so I wouldn’t be hungry later.
“Can you pass the cheese?” my father said out of nowhere.
Speechless, I lifted the platter and handed it to him. “Do you want the grapes too?”
“No, no,” he replied right away. It felt almost normal. “I have my wine.”
“Of course, Baba,” I whispered, watching him finish his meal and stand to leave.
“Goodnight Arie-zada,” he said, patting my arm. He moved toward the closest door.
“Baba, wait,” I stood on impulse, and followed him out into the hall, before wrapping my arms around him and burying my face in his tunic, feeling his scratchy beard on my forehead.
He tilted his head to peer at my face. “What’s this? What’s come over you?” His voice was gruff, but his thoughts were concerned,Something’s wrong...As he pulled back and unwrapped my arms, his eyes were alert and normal. Had Amir’s spell worn off?
