Page 77

“I am starving, and the aroma is making me insane.”

Maris tied the reins outside the kiosk before following Valda closely. The queen had taken out the white cane and used it effortlessly as she made her way inside. A wide, bright smile was plastered on her face.

“I cannot believe my eyes! Valda! Oh wait, no, no…” A man who appeared to be the owner walked out, arms open, grease stains adorned his cotton shirt and pants. The large man bowed down mockingly before moving his hand in an exaggerated courtesy. “Queen Valda!”

Valda’s smile almost reached her ears as the man grabbed hold of her and pulled her into a tight and welcoming hug.

Anxious for a second, Maris was scared that he was getting too close to Valda, but with the way she hugged him back, she guessed that he was all right.

“It has been too long, my friend!”

“Lasmeer. I am glad to know you are fine,” Valda said before pulling away and grabbing his forearm in a firm salute.

“I’ve heard what happened. My deepest condolences. Your mother’s passing is a sad event, yet I must say, I am proud and honored to call you my queen.”

“I appreciate it, Lasmeer, but just for today, I wish not to be your queen but your friend. Just like old times.”

“Ah! But of course!” Lasmeer turned to Maris and moved his hand, signaling them to sit near a small bar area.

Maris nodded and helped Valda settle down before sitting next to her. The kiosk was far from a royal socializing place. It was dirty, open to the public, yet cozy and inviting at the same time. Lasmeer was like any other Skylian, except he didn’t have any dark hair on his head save for his thick beard. His bald head shined with sweat as he walked behind the bar. His yellow eyes darted out to look at Maris, trailing over her before going back to Valda.

Maris guessed the man was no older than fifty, and by the scars on his arms and his limp, she also guessed he used to be a soldier.

Without asking, Lasmeer pulled two large crystal cups from underneath the bar and placed them in front of Valda and Maris. Then, he poured two beers into the cups.

“I also heard about your blindness,” Lasmeer said, throwing the now empty bottles away. “How are you holding up?”

Valda shrugged, patted her hand on the wooden bar until she felt the glass. “I can still beat your ass.” She smirked, bringing the glass to her lips and taking two large gulps.

Maris stared as the beer disappeared down Valda’s throat before slamming the empty cup. She closed her eyes in disapproval before taking a short sip of her own. She was not a fan of alcohol, yet she didn’t want to be rude towards Lasmeer. As she tasted the cold liquid, she was surprised to find herself liking the taste.

“Oh, Valda. I would say look at me, but alas,” Lasmeer chuckled. “I am fat and old. Anyone could kick my ass.”

Valda laughed and patted her fingers on wood, asking for another bottle. “No glass, please.”

Lasmeer nodded, opened another bottle, and placed it near Valda. “So, do you want the usual?”

Valda pursed her lips and turned her face towards Maris. “Are you hungry?”

Lasmeer raised a dark eyebrow and leaned on the bar as he looked at both women. A playful smirk painted his rugged features. “I could get your lady friend a menu.”

“Ah. My apologies. Lasmeer, this is Maris. After I lost my sight, she became my personal assistant,” Valda said, “Maris, this is my good friend, Lasmeer. He was a soldier in my father’s army, but he decided to follow his dream and… open up a food place.”

“Ah, but you see this is not just any food place. Who doesn’t love a good grilled meat placed between two sweet bread buns? And I can assure you! I’ve traveled to every single kingdom and found nothing like it! I pick distinctive ingredients from each place and use it accordingly! I am sure you will love it.”

Maris smiled at Lasmeer’s excitement.“You’ve traveled to every kingdom?”

“Yes! Every single one! I’ve touched snow, burned my skin on the volcanic rocks on Vulcan. Drank water from the rivers of Rhea and washed my body on the beaches of the Sea Kingdom.”

Maris was jealous. She had read about the different ecosystems in the kingdoms. She could only imagine what it would be like to touch snow, walk into a rainforest, and see a beach… She sighed, daydreaming. A beach. She had seen the pictures and read the descriptions, but of course, that wasn’t enough for her. She understood it was her Sealian blood that called for her to see those beaches, feel that sand under her toes, the warm waters around her. The sway of the waves. To swim…

Swim…

Did she even know how to swim?

“Are you hungry, Maris?” Valda asked again, this time, her hand slipped to touch her thigh, pulling Maris back to reality.

Stuttering and grabbing Valda’s hand, Maris stopped her from any type of public display of affection or even closeness. The queen’s eyes remained closed, yet she leaned over in the stool, invading Maris’s personal space. As much as she wanted to keep Valda at arm’s length, somehow the closeness made her feel protected; a feeling she needed right now as she was out in public.