We stood there side by side, two village girls wrapped in purpose, watching as hope rolled down the road toward home.
Eventually, we stepped back into my new room, sunlight following us like a reluctant shadow.
Anysa shut the balcony doors and turned, jumping when Roz suddenly darted out from behind a table. I grabbed a few almonds from a bowl and crouched down, holding them out in my palm.
Before I could coax it closer, Roz lunged, tiny claws brushing my fingers as it snatched the almonds straight from my hand. It squeaked once, triumphant, then sat back on its haunches and began eating them furiously, crumbs scattering across the floor.
“What even is it?”Anysa asked, leaning over to look at Roz closer. “I’ve been holding off on questions because it seems to get offended, but is it some kind of rat?”
Roz dropped the almond and bared its tiny, blunt teeth.
“My apologies,” Anysa murmured, taking a step away like Roz was going to lunge.
I laughed and picked up the almond. Roz grabbed it again and continued eating.
“I found it in the forest,” I said softly, stroking its silken head. “On the way to the palace. For some reason, it decided to stay with me, and always seems to find me when it wants to.”
Anysa leaned in, squinting. “It looks like it’s judging me.”
“It probably is.”
“Well, I hope queens are allowed to have pets. Because I don’t know what Menelaus is going to think when he sees you with a blood-ribbon-tailed forest gremlin at your side.”
“It’s not a pet,” I said, stroking Roz’s shimmering head. “It’s my … friend.”
Roz let out a delighted little trill at my words and Anysa tilted her head and snorted. “Then maybe it can be another wedding present. For tomorrow.”
My jaw dropped. “For … tomorrow?”
The door burst open.
Nomiki marched in like she owned the place, a long scroll tucked under her arm and akalamosalready behind one ear. “Yes. Tomorrow.”
Roz let out a tiny squeak, as if offended by the lack of knocking, and scampered away.
“Good morning, Your Radiance,” Nomiki said briskly, rolling the scroll out across the nearest table and seemingly ignoring the fact that I’d had a mouselike creature in my room.
I stared at her. Was that … cheerfulness?
Her voice was lighter than I’d ever heard it, her posture suddenly deferential. During the Trials, she was always clipped words and tight eyes. She’d glared at us if we were late or in the wrong formation. Now, she all butsangthe title.
Amazing what a crown did to people’s manners.
“You’ll be pleased to know we’ve finalized the wedding procession. The musicians from Messene arrived last night. You’ll walk the length of the inner court, greet the priestesses, they’ll present sacrifices at the shrine of Menelaus before—”
“Wait.” I pushed to my feet. “You’re saying this all starts tomorrow?”
Nomiki didn’t pause. “At first light, the servants will be in to get you ready. The omens were read, and the date is auspicious. Besides, the people are eager for stability. A crown on your head gives them something to believe in.”
I barely heard her.
By tomorrow I would be crowned. Married. Bound in name and symbol to a man I barely understood. A man I’d only just begun to suspect might not be the monster I thought … but might still be one all the same.
“Has my mother been contacted?” I asked.
Nomiki dipped her head. “A missive was sent at dawn.”
I swallowed, a small, tight motion, wondering if she would make it in time … if my victory might break the chill inside her. I forced myself to nod as Nomiki continued. To focus. To listen as she prattled on about routes and ceremonial robes and the priestesses’ chanting cadence.
