Page 48 of The Lost Nation

Erik blushed, and the other man (who could only be his brother, with the same dark hair and eyes) glanced at me with interest.“Kay doesn’t have to—”

“I’ll help,” I interrupted, my eyes darting between everyone. “My own living quarters were unaffected since they are up at the palace. I want to help if I can. Erik has been very kind to me, and I don't have any family who needs me.”

His brother’s eyes sharpened further at that, and his mother gave me an appraising look. “Very well, you can get started with Thomas. Erik can help lift some of these heavier things.”

She pointed to Erik’s brother, and I nodded and hurried over. He looked to be sorting through clothing, filling up a large basket with what could be salvaged, and making a pile in the corner of what could not. He huffed at me. “Pick out what you can, then we will hang it outside to dry on the tree limbs. We’ll keep at it until we’ve gotten everything.”

I nodded, and tried to focus on the task at hand. But it seemed Thomas wanted to chat.“So you work for the witch queen, I wager?

“THOMAS!” His mother shrieked, appalled. Thomas rolled his eyes as he dropped a wet pair of breeches into the basket with a wet smacking sound.“I’m sorry, theblood queen.”

My face went white, and Erik snarled.“Last time I checked," he began, his voice a dark rumble, "no one actuallydiedfrom the flood except the demons. Perhaps your anger is a tad misplaced.”

Thomas went red, and ducked his head. I wished the situation were different, because I wished I could put my arms around Erik and thank him for defending me. But that wouldn't make sense, so I gripped the damp skirt tighter to my chest.

No one had every really defended me before.

We continued in silence to pick through the clothes, until I couldn’t take it anymore. Thomas's anger burned through him, and I wanted to understand where it came from. If I understood it, then maybe I could help.

“What did you lose then?” I asked, because Erik had a point. Thomas was angry aboutsomething.

“It’s nothing. It’s stupid.” He grumbled.

I touched his wrist. “Tell me.”

He froze, and then shook me off. “Don’t blink those doe eyes and me and think you’ll get your way. You people from the palace are all the same.”

Heat rushed to my ears, and I backed away like he'd struck me. If I was back at the palace, the guards would already be dragging him away.

“Hey Thomas.” Erik’s voice was playful, but with a dark undertone.

Thomas looked up, wary.“What?” He sneered.

“Shut that hole in face, or I’ll do it for you.”Erik bit back.

Thomas glared at me, but was blessedly silent as we continued with our task.

???

“Sit down before you fall down.”

Erik’s mother lightly pushed me down onto a bale of hay, and stalked off to get some dinner. We’d gotten most of the cottage cleared out today, and then Erik and Thomas had shoveled out the dirt and grit. His mother and I then laid down a new covering of fresh straw, and that was when I realized many of my people didn’t havefloorsin their homes. I’d have to ask Erik about it later.

I felt accomplished,trulyaccomplished, though it was hard tohide how badly my muscles ached. I’d never done so much physical work in my life, and I was praying it didn't show.

“Here.”

I murmured my thanks as she shoved a warm bowl of soup into my hands, along with a healthy chunk of bread. I took a sip, my eyes widening at the burst of flavors against my tongue. I ate it enthusiastically, and she chuckled.

“Different than palace food, eh?”

I gave her a shy nod, and tore into the bread. Looking around, I allowed myself to simply pretend for a moment that Iwasa part of this thriving little community. They were the poorer sect of Aldur for sure, but everyone had been sonice! And not just to me, but to each other.

“When you don’t have much, there’s more to go around.”

I blinked at her non-sequitur, not sure what she meant.She down heavily next to me, wiping her brow.“My real question is if you’re gathering information for something, or if you’re interested in my son. I can’t think of any other reason for a queen to be out here sweatingand cavorting with us."

I froze, my spoon halfway up to my mouth. I lowered it slowly, carefully meeting her gaze.Inwardly my heart thudded like crazy.“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I stuttered.

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