Kallias brings a mouthful of what looks like some sort of vegetable soup to his lips. “I see you’re making friends. Is acknowledgment everything you hoped it would be?”
“Too soon to tell.”
A servant places a napkin in my lap before resuming his position along the exterior of the room.
“You look exquisite today,” the king says, pitching his voice low. We’re separated enough that I don’t think anyone else at the table can hear.
“You’re trying to make up for what you said yesterday,” I say in an equally reserved tone.
“I’m merely speaking the truth.”
Well, it’s a start.
Down the table, I watch pair after pair of eyes pretending not to be watching me. The men wonder what I’ve done to have the king claim me. The women watch my every move, wondering how they could get the king to claim them.
My eyes land on Myron, briefly, who looks away as soon as he realizes he’s been caught staring.
Good boy.
I can’t believe how well the king has already delivered on his promise. Those letters in my room are a result of dancing with me, of speaking to me where we could be seen in the orchards. And after his announcement today? I can’t even imagine what doors he’s opened for me now.
“Do you suppose all the women will be wearing purple tomorrow?” I ask, before turning my attention to my food.
“I suspect they’ll try to pay off your maids to tell them what color you put on in the mornings.”
At that, my eyes narrow. “Is that what you did?” I look meaningfully at his attire that matches my own. “Or did you simply peer through the wall into my bedroom to take a look for yourself?”
Those teeth flash in the widest grin yet. “I promise it’s been years since I peeked in on ladies dressing. I’m not twelve anymore.”
I sample my own dish. It’s just as delicious as last night’s supper. “Were you caught?”
“Oh, yes. When Lady Kalfas spotted me, she ratted me out to my mother, who gave me such a scolding that I was never even tempted to try again.”
“What words could have possibly persuaded you not to try again?”
“She told me that if I persisted in looking, it was as far as I would ever get with the ladies. And she said no one would ever respect me if I didn’t respect them.”
I smile into my bowl. “And was it the idea of never getting respect or never getting to do more than look that did it for you?”
“Both,” he admits. “As well as the idea of ever having to discuss such things with my mother again.”
I laugh gently at that. Though part of me can’t help but wonder if he ever did get to do more than look. Intimate relations would be impossible when the law forbids anyone from touching him, wouldn’t they?
After a break in the conversation, I say, “Your council is watching us closely.”
It’s true, though they’re being more subtle about it than those seated at our own table.
“They’re put out because I forbade them from sitting with me during mealtimes. I have to talk politics all day, but I refuse to have it grace the luncheon table.”
“There are ladies on your council?” I say it like a question. I’d assumed they were part of the council, but I realize now that they could simply be the wives of the men. These are modern times, and ladies have more rights and liberties than ever before. Still, the monarchy tends to be slower to adapt than everyone else.
“Yes, Lady Desma Terzi is the royal treasurer. I’ve never met anyone better with numbers. And then Lady Tasoula Mangas is my liaison with the common folk here in the city. She keeps tabs on the merchants and the economy, apprising me of anything noteworthy.”
“And the other two gentlemen? I’ve already had the pleasure of meeting Vasco.” If I’m to run the kingdom one day, I will need to know the names of all those on the council.
“Lord Vasco can be protective. He was an old friend of my father’s. He’s the most well-connected man in the kingdom. If there’s a problem I need solving, he’s the first to have a solution. Then there’s Kaiser, the general over the men stationed here in the city. And lastly, Ampelios. He … gets things done.”
“Assassin?” I guess immediately.
Kallias takes a sip of his drink. “Among other things.”
We both watch as Ampelios takes a sharp knife to the meat in front of him, slicing the steak into even pieces and stabbing them with the point to place a morsel on his tongue.
“Those are the five individuals you are putting on a show for,” Kallias adds.
“I’ve been told I would have made an excellent actress were it not for my noble birth.”
“I don’t doubt it.” Kallias sweeps his eyes over the guests seated at our table. “I’ve placed at my own table those closer to my age. Not that it matters much with the distance I must maintain from them.”
I want to ask him why he must maintain such a distance. Why does the law prevent people from touching him? Does it have something to do with his shadows? But I do not know the king well enough to ask such questions yet.
CHAPTER
7
After lunch, I take a look at the schedule I’ve made myself to locate the soonest event. A troupe of performers is attending the Viscount of Christakos’s estate this Friday, and a party of guests has been invited to come watch a performance of The Lovers, a play in which two people find love despite all the obstacles keeping them apart.
Though Kallias will undoubtedly have received an invitation as well, it would be best to let him know I’m attending, so he may accompany me.
I pull a piece of parchment from a stack on the desk and select a pen. Knowing the letter will only be for his eyes, I begin.
Dear Kallias,
I have received an invitation to attend a play held at the home of the Viscount and Viscountess of Christakos. The performance is supposed to be the story of two lovers coming together despite outstanding odds. Wouldn’t it add credence to our ruse to be seen together at such a performance? I do hope you will accompany me.
Your friend,
Alessandra
It is not even an hour later when a servant finds me with a reply.
Dearest Alessandra,
Thank you for your invitation, but I’m afraid I must decline. A new problem has arisen, one that requires me to be in constant meetings all week long. I’ll barely have the time to break for meals over this one.
But do enjoy the play without me. I’m sure it will be splendid. At least I can work knowing you won’t be bored.
Your friend,
Kallias
I retrieve a fresh piece of paper.
Kallias,
What problem? Is there anything I can do?
Your friend,
Alessandra
Alessandra,
News will spread sooner or later, but it would seem the kingdom has a dangerous bandit on the loose. He’s attacking nobles on the road and stealing their money. Lady Mangas of the council informs me that there’s a sudden surplus in money flow among the peasants, so we can only conclude the bandit is stealing from the titled and giving it to the common folk. Naturally, I can’t have my own people fear traveling. I must put a stop to this at once.