Page 59 of Lord of Misrule

Chapter 15

Tolin spent the morning on the practice field, winning every time he sparred with one of his men. Then he played cards with some of the guards and won that too. Damn, it felt good to be back on his winning streak. What he didn’t like was his siblings making him feel as if he’d lost where Kit was involved. He prided himself on his games and success. There was no way he’d let a commoner trump him. He could never admit to the others that he’d fallen fast for the girl. Nay. It would only make him seem weak. Tolin couldn’t let the others think that Kit had bested him, winning over him. That is why he lied when he said she didn’t mean anything to him, and that he felt pity for her and just wanted to give her pleasure.

Guilt ate away at him for acting this way. Still, it was the only way he knew. The way it had to be. Or did it? Since when did he care what others thought of him? If he had his eyes on a commoner, why should it even matter if someone didn’t agree? He didn’t know what to think anymore.

Tolin purposely avoided going to the kitchen all day long, not wanting to have to face Kit after last night. He felt like pond scum for not admitting his true feelings to his brothers. But Rook had acted much too smug, saying Tolin was falling in love with the girl. With a commoner. He might be Tolin’s older brother, but he didn’t know what the hell he was talking about. Did he?

Finally, Tolin headed back into the keep for the main meal. He couldn’t even concentrate on the delicious feast because his mind was filled with thoughts of Kit.

“What activities do you have planned tonight?” Rook asked from next to him at the dais table.

“I...don’t know yet,” said Tolin. “I haven’t given it much thought.”

“Is that so?” Rook looked at him and made a silly face. He obviously didn’t believe Tolin at all.

Tolin needed to give an answer. “What I mean is, there will be acrobats and games for the children to compete in that involve balancing eggs on spoons and racing with them, of course.”

“I see. That sounds more like you,” said Rook with a nod, continuing to eat. “What about for the adults?”

“We’ll play Snapdragon,” said Tolin, his mind elsewhere. Snapdragon was a game played at Christmas that involved raisins soaked in brandy. The raisins were set on fire. People would pick one up and pop it into their mouth to put out the flames. The trick was to do it without being burned.

“Snapdragon for the adults?” Rook made another face. “That is a game for children, brother.”

“Aye, but once Raven found out I had it planned she became angry and told me it was much too dangerous for children. So, the adults will play it instead.”

“Shall we bring the dessert now?” asked a server, clearing the dirty dishes from the table. “Tonight we’ll be having Ryschewys and flaming Papyns,” she told them, speaking of the fried fig pastry and flaming custard.

“Oh, I can’t wait,” said Rook, pushing his empty plate to the serving girl. “I’ve never seen custard set on fire before. Just make sure to put out the flames before Lady Raven gets ahold of it or she’ll complain and send them all back to the kitchen,” said Rook with a chuckle.

“Lord Tolin?” asked the girl, waiting for him to acknowledge this order.

Tolin knew Kit would be delivering the dessert, and felt hesitant because this put him in a very awkward position.

“Tolin? The girl is speaking to you,” Rook reminded him.

“Yes. Yes, bring the dessert,” said Tolin, with a wave of his hand in the air.

“What the hell is the matter with you?” Rook asked once the server had left. “You seem as if you’ve got something on your mind tonight that is distracting you.”

“Nay, I’m fine.” Tolin reached down to pet King, who had his chin on Tolin’s leg, sitting at his feet under the table. Odd that the dog wasn’t with Parker like usual.

Before long, a procession of servers emerged from the kitchen. Each one of them held a tray containing the fried pastry as well as the custard that had been set on fire. A serving girl came to the dais, placing it on the table and dousing the flames.

“Where is the head baker?” Tolin asked the girl. “She is supposed to deliver the desserts to the dais.”

“I’m sorry, my lord, but she is not here,” said the girl, with downcast eyes.

“Where is she?”

“I do not know, my lord. I was instructed to bring the desserts to your table.”

Tolin nodded and the servant left.

“Pass the sweets,” said Daegel, stretching his neck to see them.

“Yes, take some and pass it over to us,” said Rook, devouring the desserts with his eyes.

“I don’t care for any.” Tolin pushed the dessert over to his brothers. He had no appetite for food. Only for Kit.