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Valda’s raised an eyebrow. “You play an instrument? Would you play for me?”

“I haven’t played in a while since it’s broken,” Maris admitted.

“I can get you a new one,” Valda offered.

“I don’t want a new one. I want the one my mother gave me.”

Valda’s determination was evident. “I will fix it then.”

Maris chuckled. “In that case, I only need some new strings.”

“Done. You will have your strings tomorrow,” Valda promised, shifting to the side as Maris leaned against her, resting her forehead against the queen’s cheek, comforted by her presence. The room grew quiet, and Maris drifted off to sleep, until Valda spoke again, her tone curious.

“Have you ever met another Sealian?”

Maris’s mind raced as she searched her memories, but she couldn’t recall ever meeting another Sealian except the one at the audience. She sighed, realizing once again the extent to which her parents had kept her sheltered. “I’ve seen other Sealians. Never really talked with one. I think that woman at the audience was the closest I’ve ever been to one.”

Valda’s tension was palpable. “I find it hard to comprehend how parents could keep their children away from their people, their heritage. What were their reasons for doing this to you?”

Uneasy, Maris didn’t want to delve into her past. “I do not know, but I am sure they had their reasons. I guess…” She bit her lower lip, stopping herself.

“What is it?”

“My parents couldn’t have children of their own. My father found me I the destruction. Maybe, they were scared someone would recognize me and take me away?” she replied, hoping to change the topic. “Can we please go to sleep?”

Valda exhaled, her touch growing soothing as she rubbed small patterns on Maris’s skin. “I will take you to the pools tomorrow, and you will meet another Sealian,” Valda said, her promise lulling Maris back into a peaceful slumber.

15

Heavy paws pressed against her chest, kneading into her, suffocating her. Then a pause before a head smashed against her face.Maris woke to see a set of yellow eyes looking at her intently. Somewhere beyond the grogginess, Valda’s muffled voice ended a conversation before the door closed. As footsteps got closer, Cerberus stood and smashed her head against Maris again, claiming her attention once more.

“Cerberus, you are crushing me!” Maris whined as she patted the cat’s flanks to coax her off.

“Cerberus! Off!”

The black cat tensed and ran to the foot of the bed, raising her head to bump it with Valda’s hand, which she had extended.

“Don’t let her get on you like that. She will kill you in your sleep.”

“Oh, please. She looks scary, but I bet she is a softie.”

“I am not so sure of that.” The queen wore a sleeveless, yellow shirt which accentuated her strong arms and tanned skin. Fitted pants covered her long, muscular legs, leaving very little to the imagination. Her feet were bare, and her hair seemed to be combed with her hands. The afterglow suited her, and Maris couldn’t help but smile, proud of her handy work.

“Morning,” Maris said, pulling away from the sheets and sitting up on the large bed. Cerberus went back to her, sitting on Maris’s lap and accepting all the pets.

Valda grinned and curled her finger invitingly at Maris. “Come eat,” she said, using the threads as a guide to sit at the small table.

“Again? Aren’t you insatiable?” Maris grinned, playing with the long, thin hairs on Cerberus’s tail.

“Maris…” Valda warned, unable to hide her smirk. “Come eat breakfast.”

Maris rolled her eyes. Evidently Valda was not in the mood to be playful. She got out of bed, but not before patting Cerberus softly. The cat took up as much space as her large body would allow while Maris walked to the closet. As Valda’s assistant she didn’t have to wear the maid’s uniform, but when she opened the walk-in closet, she was filled with a sense of dread at the sight of her clothing right next to Valda’s. Her worn-out linen dresses contrasted dramatically with Valda’s pristine clothes. It was mind boggling. Was it prudent to have her clothing in the same closet?

“You don’t need to get dressed just yet,” Valda said before taking a sip of her coffee.

“You want me to have breakfast nude?”

“Not like I am going to enjoy it,” Valda arched her brow, her face tilted away from Maris as she grabbed a strawberry and popped it in her mouth.