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“I care ‘cause…” She drifted off, as if her attention was placed somewhere else. Valda was sure that she was looking at Maris. “I don’t want Maris to worry about you. I want her to relax for the night and just enjoy herself rather than serve you like a dog.”

Valda’s grip on the white cane grew tighter. “She serves me out of her own volition.”

“Sure,” Eyphah’s terse answer stabbed Valda’s chest. “It has nothing to do with your title and the fact that you can give her anything she wants if she just fucks you the right way.”

“You are lucky I am out in the open or I would’ve sucked the air out of your lungs.” Valda bared her teeth. “Maris is not like that.”

Eyphah sniffed and pushed Valda aside leaving her alone once again.

As Valda was about to call out for Maris, she felt a tug on her left leg. She frowned and dipped her chin to her chest as if looking down.

“Hi!”

Valda tilted her head as she recognized the voice. “Coljar?” She lifted her face concentrating on all the voices around her. “Where is Maris?”

“She is out with the musicians. Are you the queen?”

Valda tutted and nodded.

“Oh. You don’t look that powerful. You look lost. Can’t you see me?”

Valda shook her head at the boy. “I am blind.”

“Oh!” Coljar fell silent. His tiny grip on Valda’s leg did not lessen, though. They stood there, awkwardly taking in their surroundings before he pulled at her pants again.

“Yes?” Valda asked, mildly annoyed.

“Can we paint on you?”

“Paint on me?”

“Yes! Like, paint your face and arms. You have good arms.”

Valda tilted her head. “Will you make me look ugly?”

“Nah!”

Valda scrunched up her nose and shrugged. “Well then. Take me away.”

Coljar giggled, grabbed Valda’s index finger and pulled her away. Valda didn’t have much choice but to follow him. She tried to hide her amusement as she heard him order everyone around them to move out of the way, because the queen and her champion needed space. Valda smiled, calm and collected, as this tiny boy pulled her around by her finger until he casually ordered her to sit down.

Closing her eyes, Valda moved her free hand to feel her seat. She slowly sat and figured she was by the fire pit. Valda still heard the tumultuous chattering around her but tensed when a brand-new pair of small hands fell on her shoulder.

“Coljar! She is perfect!”

Valda raised her brow and turned her face to acknowledge the presence behind her.

“She is the queen!” Coljar said, releasing her finger and tugging on her shirt. “Hey, miss—”

“Valda,” she rectified.

“Valda!” Coljar continued. “Can my friends help me out?”

Friends? How many are there? Valda opened her mouth to talk, but she suddenly felt a cold and wet touch in the middle of her left hand. “What is this?”

“Lia! You can’t just start out of nowhere. We need to come up with a design!” Coljar’s annoyance was palpable, and Valda could only laugh.

“How many of you are there, kid?”