As soon as I step inside, something surges through me. Gasping, I move back into the hall. My heart races, my blood feels like ice. That twisting, churning darkness feels alive, like it’s desperate to escape.
“Are you alright?” Antonia asks.
“Fine. We should go to the kitchens. Who knows who Ludis has charmed into being his informants.”
“Did something happen?” Nate asks.
“No, I’m fine. Thank you for showing me this. I’ll come another time. I think it’s a little overwhelming right now.”
“Oh, after your experience in the emperor’s grand temple.” She glances at the marks that show below my sleeves. “I didn’t think about that. That must have been terrifying. I’m so sorry.”
“You didn’t do anything wrong. I’m glad you showed me this.”
I start walking down the hall, and she joins me. “Do you remember anything about it?”
“I didn’t at first,” I admit. “But it came to me recently. I’m still trying to work out what it all means.”
“If you ever need someone to talk to…I know I’m not Anya, but I’m here.”
“I appreciate that.”
When we arrive at the kitchens, Nate stops at the door. “I’ll be here if you need me, Your Majesty.”
I nod, then step into the kitchen. I’m only a couple of steps in when I freeze. Ludis and Genevieve are already there. They either sent Charlotte away or my other lady was doing whatever she could to avoid Ludis. I don’t blame her.
I glance over at Antonia, and she’s frowning. So much for him needing someone else to check on us, he’s doing it himself.
“I thought you were going to see to the greenhouse?” Antonia asks with mock sweetness.
“We did. They’ll be clearing a space and setting out tables for us within the next few days.” Genevieve steps away from Ludis toward a counter where there’s a tray of pastries waiting. “Figured we’d come help with the menu.”
“That’s nice.” I’m not sure if I should kick Ludis out, which is what I’d normally do, or if I should let him stay so we know what he’s up to. I decide I can’t risk any more suspicion from him. “And since when did party planning become something that the future king of Iskvaland wasted his time on?”
“You injure my pride, sister. If this party makes you happy, I want to help.”
I roll my eyes. “I doubt very much it has anything to do with my happiness.”
“Your Majesty, I hear we have a special lunch to prepare?” One of the kitchen staff asks as she approaches. “My name is Rina; I’m in charge of events here at the estate. I’m happy to show you some options and help you with your menu and anything else you require.” She gestures for us to follow her toward the little table where we’d previously had hot chocolate.
She looks so nervous, and I wonder how she’s normally treated by the royals in this estate. “Thank you, Rina. That’s very kind of you.”
Once we’re seated, several more staff arrive carrying baskets and trays of ingredients as Rina explains what she can have the kitchen create. All of them seem nervous. I do my best to smile and ask polite questions despite the fact that I don’t care about any of this. Even if I thought Anya was returning, the whole thing feels frivolous and wasteful. I also happen to know Anya would be thrilled with fresh bread and whatever meat and vegetables they have on hand.
I know there’re other things I could be doing, but Antonia knows more about court life than I do, so I’m trusting that this will help me look like I’m just another royal. Is this what empresses actually do with their time?
“The emperor said he’d likely return in a fortnight. Is your friend returning with him?” Rina asks.
“I’m not entirely sure. Maybe we’re preparing this too soon. Perhaps we should wait until we know more.” I’m so ready to leave this space. I could be reading books or exploring the estate.
“We can use this as a welcome home celebration for the emperor and also include your friend if she arrives,” Ludis suggests.
“That’s a great idea,” Genevieve gushes. “Then we can all be in attendance. We can do a ladies’ lunch after Anya has recovered from her journey.”
“It would allow you more time to practice hosting,” Antonia offers.
“Your Majesty?” Rina asks.
I nod. “Let’s do that.”
