Page 27 of Ruby & Onyx

“I apologize for keeping you waiting, Your Highnesses.” My attempt at a smile gets lost in the thrum of my nerves.

“That’s alright. And please, call us by our first names, Eleanor and Vani. There is no need for formality among family,” says Eleanor affectionately.

How could they consider us family? The idea of it is downright preposterous. I have one family. Or, correction, I had one family. They may be gone, but they cannot be replaced.

A servant sneaks up behind me and fills my cup with coffee, closely followed by a second attendant with a plate of sausage, ham, and eggs. It appears to be all for me, since neither Eleanor nor Vani so much as glance at it.

I’ll never be comfortable with such large meals being served so frequently. But when neither of them moves, I’m struck with even deeper discomfort.

Am I supposed to eat alone? I wait another minute to see if they grab anything, but they remain still. Finally, Eleanor inclines her head toward the spread and says, “Please, eat something.”

I attempt to eat as gracefully as possible, if only to avoid a repeat of yesterday’s fiasco with Olly. But, if I’m honest, I don’t know how to eat gracefully. In front of Olly, I shoveled down as much food as I could. Maybe if I do the opposite of that and eat slowly, taking one tiny bite at a time, then I can pass their test. So that’s what I do, taking one tiny scoop of eggs at a time and chewing for as long as I can hold the food in my mouth without swallowing.

They carefully watch my every move without interjecting or offering icebreakers to ease the tension. I’m surprised that I was able to eat anything at all with my nerves pumping this wildly.

Only once I set my fork down on the plate does Vani say, “Olly informed us that you used magic yesterday.”

“Yes.” My cheeks flush. Of all of the ways that this conversation could have started, why did it have to be about my temper tantrum at the breakfast table? I want to downplay what happened, if not dodge the question altogether. “He challenged me to try it, and I was successful.”

Please leave it at that.

A crooked smile creeps to his lips, cracking the cool exterior for the first time since we met. “We’re happy to see that you’re testing your power so soon. And that you’re putting Olly in his place.”

I nearly spit juice into his face. “That certainly wasn’t my intention. I’m so sor-” I start to apologize, but Eleanor interrupts.

“I see no need for apologies. We are thrilled to see you developing your magic.” She reaches across the corner of the table to place a hand on top of mine, squeezing it gently. “We would love to see you develop it further, so we found a tutor to help you master your skills.”

“Thank you.” Despite my jitters, I feel a hint of relief, maybe even excitement, at the prospect of developing my magic. A tutor can nurture my skills and help me understand my supposed gift. Throwing a pie at Olly might be impressive, but it’s not the type of power that would interest a king. There must be something else, something greater that I cannot yet see. “Might I have other powers? Besides throwing food, that is.”

They exchange an indiscernible look. “Yes, you might, but only time will tell,” Eleanor responds. “You will begin your lessons with Sir Magis this afternoon. Your lady’s maids will fetch you when he arrives.”

“Thank you. I really do look forward to it.”

At this, the two abruptly rise from their seats, and I start to panic. I didn’t get an opportunity to ask the questions burning a hole in my mind. Can I leave? Do I have a choice? I need to know. And before I can stop myself, I shout, “Wait!” They freeze, wearing expressions of bemused surprise as they turn back to me. “I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to yell. But I have… a question.”

I just yelled at the crowned regents of Mendacia. Gods, have I lost it? They could have me thrown from the cliffs or locked in a cell for such insolence.

“Go on, then.” Vani lowers back into his seat a bit unevenly, as if he has some stiffness or injury hidden in his bones. Eleanor stands beside him, resting her arm on the back of his chair and casually leaning against it.

Their focused attention makes me squirm, and I consider backing away from the conversation completely. No, I have to do this. I have to face my fears and speak to them if I want any chance of owning my future.

I try to ease into the conversation with flattery. “You have both been so kind and welcoming. I appreciate it, really.”

“Spit it out. We have meetings to attend,” Vani barks impatiently. “Or have you forgotten that we waited an hour for you to grace us with your presence?”

This is not starting well. Swallowing hard, I summon the courage to ask my questions.

Be direct.

Be clear.

“When it comes to the arrangement with Olly, do I have a choice?”

“No,” he grunts. “Anything else?”

The shock moves through me like poison, seizing hold of my entire body. His response was so quick, so cold. That can’t be the end of the conversation. There must be a way to negotiate.

“I can work for you,” I hastily offer as an alternative. “Once my powers develop, I could become an employee. Whatever powers I may or may not have could still be used at your disposal, only without taking the marriage vows or becoming the future Queen of Mendacia.”

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