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“What is this?” Maris asked, accepting the proffered plate.

“Casabe,” Eyphah answered, grabbing one more casabe from the stack and placing it on her plate. “You have never eaten casabe before?”

Maris shook her head, almost ashamed. She grabbed a casabe for her and Valda and prepared it as Eyphah had just done. She grabbed Valda’s wrist and placed her callused hand over the food. Maris didn’t usually do that. Back in the castle, Valda could manage to eat the Skylian dishes with such elegance and skill, but this was new. It was different for both of them.

Valda grabbed the folded casaba and steadily brought it to her mouth before Maris followed suit.

Maris’s eyes widened yet again as she quickly covered her lips. The food was absolutely delicious, and she couldn’t wait to take another bite, this time with the spicy chicken.

“Tasty, am I right?”

Valda nodded, but Maris was the one that answered with an excited, “Yes.”

“Good. I am glad,” Eyphah said as she took another bite of her food, her eyes never leaving Maris.

Maris tried to keep her gaze focused on her plate, but she could feel Eyphah’s burning stare upon her. Eyphah Hurley seemed to be strong, capable of anything, but sarcasm oozed from her lips every time she opened her mouth and that bothered Maris to no end. She could understand why Eyphah would be mad at the sudden intrusion, but the woman needed to understand that Maris was there to help. To be that connection between them and the crown would greatly benefit them. Why would anyone be opposed to that?

“You remind me of someone,” Eyphah suddenly spoke, pulling Maris out of her thoughts.

Maris gave her the friendliest smile she could muster. “Oh? Who may I ask?”

“Queen Amphitrite.”

Maris’s upper lip twitched. She hid her expression by pursing her lip and grabbed a glass of meidaila. “I will take that as a compliment. I’ve been told that she was a very beautiful woman.”

“Gorgeous,” Eyphah added as she grabbed also her glass. “Breathtaking, strong too. Didn’t take shit from anyone.”

Maris turned to Valda, who ate quietly, vigilant of the conversation. “So, I’ve heard. You’re not the only one that has compared me to the late Queen.”

Eyphah raised her eyebrow and tilted her head. “Oh? Who has also commented this?”

Maris gulped down her drink and wiped her lips before she answered. “Captain Isen Hurley.” Both Valda and Eyphah tensed at her words, each for different reasons.

“Captain Isen Hurley,” Eyphah laughed and shook her head in disbelief. “How many cocks did that asshole suck to get to be a captain?”

Every single soul around them heard Valda’s threatening growl. Maris was angered too. How dare this woman speak of Isen in such a way? His sister!

“Captain Hurley worked his way to his position. He is a valiant and strong soldier that would give anything for the crown and for the Sky Kingdom,” Valda said, her hands now fists.

“A boot licking Sealian, if you ask me,” Eyphah dipped her stare from Valda to Maris. “I wonder how you got your job as the queen’s helper.”

“Be wary of your words,” Valda snarled.

“You wouldn’t dare attack me, Your Highness. This is my territory.”

“Your territory is in my kingdom,” Valda spat back.

Eyphah ignored Valda’s warning and turned her cobalt eyes back to Maris. Her gaze trailed over her, long enough for her to skim right down to her breasts. Maris’s anger flared. Who was this woman, and what in the world was she even thinking?

“Why did you come here?” Eyphah asked, her eyes rising to Maris’s face.

“I want to help you, help them, our people. They deserve better, in that we can agree on! Right?”

Eyphah snorted and pushed herself off the table. “That’s bullshit. The crown doesn’t want to see us better.” She then turned to Valda and pointed an accusatory finger. “She doesn’t give a shit about us.” Eyphah grabbed a glass of meidaila and left.

Maris let out a frustrated groan before she turned to Valda. “Wait for me in House of Argo.”

“What? No! Where are you going?” Valda asked, moving to grab Maris but touching the now empty seat. “Maris! Do not go after her!”