Page 31 of When Wishes Bleed

“And what would an escort and citizen from the Thirteenth Sector know about ruling the Kingdom from which they attempt to remain separate?” King Lucius asked.

Brecan surprised me by offering an apology. “Nothing, Sire. Pardon my interruption.”

I knew he hated every second of being here. Of dining with the rulers of our kingdom, of even admitting we were part of it. But he was steadfastly playing the role for which he volunteered.

“Nautilus has enjoyed centuries of peace, but slowly, things are going awry – within the Kingdom, instead of without. There is a chasm between the upper and lower sectors, which widens by the day.”

“They’re too separate,” I said quietly.

The King nodded. “And Thirteen has nearly cleaved itself from us entirely. In the past, the witches and non-magical always worked together. But now? It is becoming harder to even speak with the Circle members. The four of them walked out during our last meeting, and haven’t replied to any correspondences I’ve sent since. I’m starting to believe they might secede from us altogether. Have you heard any talk of it?”

I hadn’t, but I wondered if Brecan had and didn’t mention it to me. “I am not a member of the Circle, and as such, am not privy to their conversations.” I glanced at Brecan pointedly, but his expression gave nothing away.

My stomach began to churn. I had no idea there was such strife between the crown and the Circle. I smoothed my palms down the satin fabric covering my legs as everyone chewed in strained silence.

Queen Annalina sawed her carrots into tiny bites and chewed each bite thoroughly. I took this quiet moment to read the residue her touch left behind on my palm. It explained why each time her eyes met mine, disdain roiled within their depths. She and Tauren were close, and he never mentioned to her that he would extend an invitation to me. But it was also because I was from Thirteen. Because I was… different from the other witches with whom she’d come into contact, though she couldn’t place how.

Her eyes snapped to mine as if she knew what I’d felt from her. I held them for a beat and looked to the King, calling on his residue. Lucius was firm, but not cruel like his father had been. He wondered if that was why there was a growing unrest within the Kingdom, and within his chest. He eased a palm over his heart and swallowed a wince. He was angry with Tauren for extending an invitation to me at first, but what was done, was done. Now, he planned to use it to his advantage.

There was something else about them both, an underlying apprehension. I wasn’t sure what caused it. They’d seemed welcoming enough, considering the fact that my presence must have surprised them.

I ate slowly, focusing as much as possible at those around the table. Mira was in heaven with the unexpected flavors of the meal and the general splendor of the palace she’d seen from afar, but never close up.

Brecan… I didn’t want to know what he was feeling.

Under the table, Tauren’s fingers brushed over mine, igniting a fire over my skin. “Is the meal to your liking?”

“Yes,” I said, after clearing my throat. “It’s delicious.”

He grinned. “Wait until you taste the dessert.”

“There’s dessert?” Mira excitedly gripped the table’s edge.

“Your favorite,” Queen Annamarie told Lucius. The two were obviously in love. The way he looked at her was more than a stiff thank you. There was appreciation, gratefulness – not for what she’d requested for him, but that she’d thought of him at all.

A tender look passed between them, and the Queen’s smile lit the room. She was truly lovely. A ruler plucked from the sectors. From Five, according to Mira’s chatter as she’d dressed me for dinner. Her family were renowned sculptors. Did she feel as comfortable with a hammer and chisel in her hands as she did holding a scepter? Was that why every time she looked at me, her face looked more like marble than skin and bone?

King Lucius’s favorite dessert was decadent and delicious. Fit for a king, but simple. I wasn’t sure if it was pudding, sweet bread, or a mixture of both, but the hard sugar crust was my favorite part. I hadn’t eaten much of my dinner, but scraped the small dish that had held my dessert until no speck of the confection remained. With the last swipe of my spoon on the ceramic, I looked up to see that everyone was staring. Even Tauren, who wore a smile.

“You like sugar,” he guessed.

“I don’t eat it often, so this was a treat,” I explained, my cheeks blazing under their attention.

When dinner was over, the King and Queen excused themselves, each promising to speak with me soon. I just can’t wait for those conversations, I thought dryly.

Tauren leaned in to me. “The invitees are waiting in another room. I need to greet them briefly.”

“How generous of you to spare a moment of your time for them,” Brecan said derisively.

Tauren straightened. “If you cannot mind your tongue, Brecan, I will have you replaced.”

Brecan fumed, but remained silent. I wondered how long he could hold his tongue, and if Tauren would follow through on the threat if pushed far enough.

“Tauren, go meet with them,” I said, trying to smooth the tension Brecan’s fat mouth had caused.

“That’s the thing… I need you to accompany me,” he replied apologetically.

“Do you fear them?” I asked.

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