Page 137 of A Queen's Game
“Then this is too inappropriate.” She moved her leg, but the King’s hand fell, stopping her.
“I’m only trying to help.” The King frowned, removing his hand. “I can stand if you wish.”
She sighed, clenching her eyes. “Fine—it’s fine.”
“You’re quite flustered.”
She opened her eyes, finding one side of the King’s mouth lifted to a smile. “I’m fine.”
“Fine enough to continue trading truth for truth? I do believe it’s my turn.”
“Ah, yes,” Marietta said, her eyes narrowing. “Right after you admitted you loved Keyain.”
“And you too loved him at one point,” the King reminded her, causing Marietta to glower. “How did Keyain become your bodyguard?”
Marietta sighed, tilting her head back to watch the mist furl above them. “I traveled all over Enomenos and hiring a new guard every week grew tiresome; so, I searched for someonepermanent. I was to meet with a Syllogi elf named Alyck, and he brought along Keyain. Let’s just say Keyain and I hit it off, and he offered to take the job.”
The King was silent for a moment. Marietta noted the slight pursing of his lips, the twitching of his brow.
“Do you not believe me?” she asked
Amusement flickered in his eyes. “I believe you, Marietta, but you wasted your next question.”
She gave him a leveling stare. “That’s not very honorable.”
“Fine,” he said, shrugging. “You’re lucky I’m such a gracious and honorable king.”
With a dramatic eye roll that earned a laugh from him, Marietta thought of her next question. “You said you did not slaughter the people of Olkia, so what happened during the attack?”
The King’s gaze drifted out towards the fountain. “While the majority of the army stormed the western side of the city, the attack was just a distraction. We deployed discrete teams to capture the leaders of Olkia and the Exisotis. When the city guard realized what happened, we offered mercy if they set down their weapons. Very few fought back.”
She searched his face, looking for dishonesty, for Queen Valeriya had said it was a slaughter. If that was truly what happened, did the Queen lie?
“Which city-state in Enomenos is your favorite?” King Wyltam asked, pulling Marietta from her thoughts.
She laughed, surprised at his question. “That’s your next question?”
“Indulge my curiosity,” he said, leaning in to her. At that distance, Marietta could see his eyes weren’t solid black but flecked with chips of amber. “Perhaps the deal was also to know you better as well.”
She forced her gaze onto her lap. “Well, Kentro is the heart of Enomenos and has the best nightlife. The best music troupes frequent their taverns. Avato to the north has the most curious people, mainly miners, who spend their days underground.” With a coy glance, she turned to the King. “Remaining underground most days changes a person.”
“I can imagine,” he murmured, amusement lighting his eyes.
“Then Rotamu offers the best ale by far—my top suppliers came from the river city-state. But the beaches in Notos are to die for, right on the coast of Evgeni Sea. I was planning a trip to visit my parents there before…” Marietta hesitated, swallowing hard before continuing. “It still doesn’t compare to the love I have for Olkia. For the array of shops and curious creators that make its vibrant markets.”
“Like you with your bakery,” he said, drawing her gaze. “Or Tilan with his smithy.”
Marietta didn’t dare breathe. “How do you know that?”
He chuckled, his hand falling on her leg. “Ah, you haven’t answered my question. Which city is your favorite?”
Gods, Keyain said no one was aware of Tilan, of her bakery. “Olkia,” she answered in a shaky voice. “It’s my home, my community. And you attacked it. You hurt the people I care about.”
“No wonder you hate Keyain,” he said with a raised brow. “Though he swears he loves you, he still attacked your home city-state and killed your husband.”
Her face blanched. “Keyain said you didn’t know. How do you know about the bakery? About Tilan?”
“Keyain told me of Tilan, though through my sources, I learned you married the human willingly. Keyain made sure to leave that part out.” He paused, glancing at her ankle. “He also hid that you left your traveling business to start a bakery.”
