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Melvian sighed, leaned against the wall, and groaned in annoyance. “Maris…” Her voice shifted, sounding condescending and rueful. “I don’t think your mother would’ve wanted you to stay as a mere server in a low life, dirty tavern.”

“It doesn’t matter that you are my best friend, I will not allow you to talk about my mother and use her to manipulate me.”

Melvian took a step away and nodded. “I am sorry. I shouldn’t have done that. Not after what—“

“Melvian!”

“Sorry! Sorry. I—“Melvian squeezed her eyes shut. She grabbed Maris’s hand and pulled her closer. “Listen. I am worried about you. Especially about your wellbeing. Sealians everywhere are being treated like shit.”

“Don’t you think I know that, Melvian? I’ve been trying to get a decent job, but Skylians won’t hire us. What makes you think I will make it to the castle?”

“Because I am there, I can help! I want you to be secure, taken care of—Stop scoffing. I swear to the gods, Maris! Why are you so difficult? You will be inside a castle filled with soldiers!”

Maris was about to pull her hand away from Melvian’s grasp. Soldiers. Maybe even a certain General. Her unfocused gaze stared past Melvian. “Does General Arwin live in the castle?”

Melvian frowned confused. “What? No? I… I don’t know. I see him a lot, but—“

“I accept your offer.”

“Wait. Why the sudden change? And why are you asking about General Arwin?”

Maris opened her mouth to answer but hesitated. She wasn’t sure if Melvian would find it strange and then decide to pull out on helping her. But this was her best friend, they had known each other since they were little girls. Melvian would never judge her. “He was my father’s superior.” She shrugged dismissively. “Maybe he knows what happened to him?”

“You want to talk to General Arwin about your father’s death?”

Maris pursed her lips and lifted her shoulders. “Why not?”

“He is always busy or with the queen. It’s hard to get to him.”

“I could learn his schedule. Maybe offer to serve him?”

Melvian’s face frowned in disgust.

“Not like that, Melvian,” Maris said, nudging her friend’s flank.

“I wish I could help you with that, Maris. But I don’t want to seem suspicious.”

“You don’t have to do anything, but I could try.”

3

Valda struggled not to groan as the chambermaids tailored her clothing. Her birthday was a couple of days away and the royal garment for a special occasion needed to look good and still fit. The dark orange silk blouse popped under the yellow corduroy coat. The coat was embellished with fine, intricate designs down the front and back. The suit was tight around her shoulders and arms, then again, it had been years since she’d worn it.

She casually mentioned her discomfort to one of the chambermaids, who nodded and took notes. A young maid pulled on the jacket carefully while another eyed Valda hungrily. The princess smirked, knowing full well the effect she had on women and some men. Valda knew her reputation with the maids. Never soldiers, never men. Yet, as much as she enjoyed the company in bed, nothing filled her heart with contentment. It never felt right.??

Cerberus stared from the other side of the room. Her fluffy tail swayed from side to side as she casually tossed slow blinks to Valda. Her dear pet was never far away from her. She always found a vantage point to watch Valda’s every move.

Snapping her fingers, Cerberus made a bird-like shrill before sauntering over and rubbing her large body against Valda’s pants. The maids around her tried not to step on Cerberus, her intrusion comical to Valda’s eyes.

“I think we are done here,” Valda announced when she heard someone at the door. Her mother’s voice sounded on the other side, and she asked a fleeing maid to open the door.?

With a bow, the remaining maids left the room, leaving Valda alone with her mother. Valda smiled, bright and content. “Hello.”?

“Hello there,” Rionach said, watching Valda struggle with the heavy jacket. “Let me.” She grabbed it and placed it neatly over a chair. “This is the look you are going for?” She chuckled, touching the golden designs.

“Is there a problem?” Valda gave Rionach a playful look before she began to undo the button at the high neck of the silk blouse.

“Not at all. I like the look. It reminds me of your father. The man exudes power just as you do when you decide to dress up.” Rionach smiled at her daughter before pushing her hands away and undoing the button for her. “Tomorrow is the big day,” she began. “And I know what the Oracle said, but we have no way of knowing if that Sealian mate of yours will be there. So,” Rionach bit her lower lip. “I invited all the royalty from the neighboring kingdoms.”?