Page 62 of The King's Menagerie

Shafiq would probably enjoy the full performance, solo or ensemble. Maybe he could do it properly before he left.

The flurry of words that followed him out of the room this time was louder than usual. Probably because by this point everyone was fairly drunk, unless they'd been properly pacing themselves. That seemed a strong part of the entire drinking culture—measured sips, careful savoring, matching with the pace of the food and conversation. And then there were those who simply drank and drank, with little mind paid to anything else, and they definitely were looked at askance.

All so complicated and interesting. Nevermind memorizing all the different types, sub-types, and the ridiculously florid names. There was so much to learn, even before getting to the many people and countless relationshipsand how they all tied to business and government and more. A complicated puzzle, at the very least.

By the time he was finished, he was sore and sweaty—and there was still one more dance to go. Still, the applause was always a rush, and there was more cool water waiting for him, and he liked to think he wasn't imagining Shafiq's eyes lingering on him.

What a delight it must be, to have that sort of attention whenever you wanted it. And to have your wishes respected when you didn't, because Shafiq had certainly proven himself capable of that.

"We'll have food waiting for you when you finish your last set," the servant said with a smile as he returned to the antechamber. "Normally, I think you would be invited to finish the meal with them, but it's not that sort of meal and… well, some of them are free with their hands, no matter how often they are admonished and disciplined for it." He shrugged in thatwhat can you do, rich folksway that was the same the whole world over.

"Food would be wonderful," Jankin said. "I swear sometimes I could eat the entire contents of a pantry after I'm done performing. My trainers always insisted that such levels of eating are essential to maintain the strength needed to dance so much. I don't work quite that hard anymore, more selective in where and when and what I perform, but I still eat quite a bit." Many had teased him for it, insisting he was a glutton and would get fat, but especially when he was younger, he simply danced and practiced and moved too much for that to ever really be a concern. Maybe in another decade or so, when his joints started to weaken, limiting his movements.

For the present, he drank water, waited for the summons, and then poured all the energy he had left into dancing forShafiq, eager to please, to make easier, if only the slightest bit, whatever he was trying to accomplish here tonight.

This final dance was especially known for being sensual. Usually it was put in the middle of a performance, bringing the crowd to a climax before being followed by one to three dances that gradually cooled them off again. Paired with his costume and the setting, it was definitely not for public performance.

He was heaving for breath when he finished, dripping sweat that made him itchy and caused the shorter strands of his hair to stick to his skin. The applause was gratifying, and the sinuous way Ender approached him bearing wine was better by far.

"Beautiful performance," Ender murmured, the words only for them. "Hopefully next time we can invite you to linger. For now, though, my king wishes you a pleasant night and sweet dreams."

Jankin wondered how often a king did that, wishing others sweet dreams.

Instead of asking, he only smiled and accepted the wine, still not used to drinking from another's hands, and bowed to Shafiq before saying, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

"Thank you, Master Jankin."

Jankin withdrew, smiling fleetingly at Ender, and returned to the antechamber. As promised, food had been laid out on the low table on the opposite side of the room, along with still more water and three different kinds of wines. "I wish I knew anything about these wines."

The servant brightened. "I can show you! I'm actually going to school for it, many of us do, since it's such an intricate matter, and you can't go far in the palace without knowing your wines."

"I can only imagine, just on what I've seen in my short time here so far. Join me, please. What's your name?"

"Vahid," he replied, and took a seat, pouring them both wine from the stack of many dishes set next to the carafes. "These are evening wines, meant to be drunk during or after dinner, all light to go with the food and encourage relaxation." He touched each one in turn as he added, "These are Whispered Secret, Fading Song, and Gentle Lullaby."

Jankin listened avidly as he explained the regions they came from, what was unique about those regions and the wines they produced, how they were categorized, arranged, chosen, and so much more. By the time they finished the meal, he was all but falling asleep where he sat, but between the dancing and the dinner, it had been a wonderful night. "Thank you for spending so much time with me, Master Vahid."

"Just Vahid is fine."

"Then Jankin, please. Thank you again. I will leave you to find your bed."

"I can walk with you a ways. I have to head in that direction anyway."

"Marvelous. So what do you do when not working?"

"I'm betrothed!" Vahid said excitedly as they walked through the halls. "The contract was signed just yesterday, and there is an engagement celebration being arranged for the end of the month."

"Congratulations. If you need a dancer, I'm happy to oblige for a friend."

Vahid stumbled to a halt. "Really?"

"Really," Jankin said. "If you feel you must compensate, I'm happy to have more wine lessons."

"Deal!" Vahid hugged him, which took him by surprise, as it wasn't the sort of overt casual affection he'd seen much on display in Tavamara so far.

"If you need anything, at any time," Vahid said as they came to halt where their paths diverged, "please feel free to ask for me by name. I am happy to serve as long as you require."

He'd imagine that would also be a feather in Vahid's cap, being personally requested. "I will do that. Thank you and goodnight."

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