Page 53 of Ruling the Green

“How? When the land provides?”

“Because many of the powerful families take the natural resources for themselves to feast, leaving little for anyone who hasn’t been able to create their own gardens or orchards.”

“Oh, like… like us?” she asked, face going sad.

“No. Not us. I put a stop to that nearly five years ago. We have our own extensive gardens and orchards that the palace gathers their food from. Even a newly built greenhouse for the colder months. We sustain ourselves so no one has to suffer to feed us.”

“What about the staff?”

“They also eat from the gardens. Which creates a vested interest for them to take good care of it, try new methods to nurture it, expand on it when some years have been leaner. It’s been a good system.”

“Nira says they don’t eat much in the military.”

“Vishen says the same thing. I have next to no control over the military. My father has a tight fist around their operations, especially now when he’s planning for war.”

“But if you were king, you would feed them?”

“The best I could, yes. Fed soldiers are more fit and sharper because they’re not thinking about their hunger.”

“Then why does your father not feed them?”

“My father believes hunger is a powerful motivator. And that it makes fiercer soldiers. I imagine he also thinks it creates loyalty.”

“How’s that?”

“Kind of like when you are the only person to feed a starving stray dog. When you are the only way someone eats, they will do anything for you to make sure their stomachs get full.”

“I see.”

“It’s a terrible system,” I agreed. “But there will be a day when it’s over.” I glanced over and shot her a smile. “And in the time being, you don’t need to feel guilty about stuffing your face any chance you get.”

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Serin

“You’re a quick study,” Nira declared as she lowered her sword for the last time. “I bet it’s all that food you’ve been eating.”

I felt a flush rise on my cheeks. It was no secret that I’d been shoving as much of this ‘cooked’ food in my mouth as possible. Though I did learn enough restraint so that I didn’t get a stomachache from overindulging.

“Don’t be embarrassed. I’ve been swiping food each time I move through the kitchens. Vishen said he was the same way when he first came to work here. He says it will level out once your mind and body get used to the fact that food isn’t scarce anymore. And that it can taste so good.”

“Yeah, that makes sense. I ate two loaves of bread the first day. I’ve slowed down a bit.”

“It’s not a bad thing. You were a little frail. There was no way you could swing a real sword. But at this rate, you might get there. But not tonight. Tonight you have to get all dolled up and play the sweet, mute princess.”

“Don’t remind me.” My stomach churned just at the thought of having to see Grimwood again.

“I doubt you’ll be seated anywhere near him. You should be sitting with Jet near Cass at the head of the table. Grimwood is important, but Cass suspects Grimwood. Which is probably why he wanted Jet to marry Gemma in the first place—to force Grimwood to stand down.”

“He just didn’t plan on Grimwood outsmarting him by putting me in her place.”

“Exactly. Honestly, this is probably the easiest event for you. You just say nothing. Jet and Cass will back you up. And Grimwood will need to as well if he wants to avoid being beheaded at the table.”

“What if there are other people there who know the actual Gemma?”

“I’ve been wondering that too. The thing is, I don’t think anyone would make a scene at the palace. Not with the rumors about Cass’s unpredictability spreading like wildfire. Too many people have gone missing, never to be seen again. And, trust me, no one wants to be shipped off to the work camps or tossed into the dungeons because they pissed off the king. Nothing will happen tonight. But if someone who knows Gemma sees you in her place, it might start some rumors afterward. I just hope Jet and Vishen’s plans are shaping up. And soon.”

“Have you heard things?”