Page 89 of Wingless Crow: Part 1

That didn’t mean I couldn’t fish for some information from him. He’d been a great source for that so far.

“Well, spring has finally come,” I said.

Topics on the weather were considered safe and neutral. Not in Sky Kingdom, however. Voron’s brow furrowed.

“About time,” he huffed into his tea.

“How exactly does it work? If the weather depends on the king’s moods, why did it take this long for the clouds to part? I mean, I’d seen King Tiane laugh and smile before. In fact, he seems to be in a merry mood often.”

“The weather isn’t as fickle as the king’s facial expressions, Sparrow. The clouds can’t jump in and out with his every smile. I’ve read there are some differences from king to king but, generally, the weather is attuned to his overall state of mind.”

“So, he could be partying and laughing, and looking like he’s enjoying himself, but that wouldn’t mean he’s truly happy?”

He nodded. “Not all smiles are genuine, little bird.”

Maybe he was right, but I had a hard time believing some deep sorrow was buried in King Tiane and that I somehow helped him overcome it last night.

“Queen Pavline said there is a prophecy about the king needing to be fulfilled to become great,” I said, remembering the king’s words about fulfilling a prophecy with me, just before the gap in my memories started.

“Right.”

“What exactly does it mean? How is he supposed to ‘fulfill’ himself?”

“Don’t we all wish to know that?” Voron smirked. “There are many interpretations. The one most favored by the queen and the king himself is that he’s not to be denied anything.”

“An excellent excuse for excess and indulgence.”

“That’s exactly what it is, dear Sparrow. Our King Tiane is heading to greatness by having as much fun as he can physically stomach.” He set his teacup aside and flicked his thumb up toward the sky. “At least the rest of us get to enjoy the sunshine once in a while.”

I finished my tea, too, and put down the dainty teacup onto the equally delicate saucer.

“Shall we proceed with the lesson?” Voron collected the dishes onto the tray and moved it aside to open the game table.

I’d asked him for these lessons with the intent of learning the game War of Kings, hoping to impress King Tiane one day. I never expected the lessons to become far more important to me than the end goal.

I smiled at Voron, helping him open the playing fields. “Sure. Let’s see how many levels I’ll last today.”

ChapterTwenty-Three

SPARROW

Iwas dragging my feet on the way to the royal dining room. It’d been three days since the night I’d spent in the king’s chambers. The sunshine hadn’t lasted long. By noon of the same day, it was cloudy again, though the weather kept getting warmer as the spring had been gaining strength.

Despite the clouds, everyone around me still seemed elated. Brebie and the maids had chirped excitedly, getting me ready for dinner tonight. The queen was all smiles when I ran into her on my way to Voron’s rooms yesterday.

“Your presence in Elaros is highly beneficial to the crown,” she’d told me. The queen certainly approved my joining the court in their mutual striving to please the king at all costs.

Yet I entered the dining room with more dread than anticipation. When King Tiane waved for me to approach, I had to force my feet to move in his direction.

He flashed me a bright smile, dragging me into his lap. Before they even served the first course of the dinner, his right hand ended up under my skirt.

“How have you been, my sweet baby chick?” he murmured, stroking my thigh.

I stared straight ahead and gave him the only answer he’d want to hear. “I’ve been well, Your Majesty.”

The tips of his fingers slipped between my legs. He prodded along my right inner thigh, pressing gently, as if searching for the cuts he’d left there. Only I’d already used the healing cream he’d sent to me. I’d slathered it on my skin several times a day until every trace of those scars was gone.

He nuzzled the side of my neck. “You please me greatly. If there is anything you wish for, all you need to do is ask.”

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