“A whatty what whatter?” She gripped my arm and leaned farther to the side. Her eyes widened as she took in the four-legged, fanged fish with the billowy forked tail. “Why is it looking at me?”
“I assure you, it’s not.” I lifted its tail and dropped it, making a wet slap against the platter. “It is but a dead fish.”
The guards backed away as she stepped up beside me. “That isnota fish.”
I raised a brow at her. “It is. And it is delicious. Try some.”
Her lip curled in disgust. “Absolutely not. It looks disgusting.”
The servants gasped and the room grew quiet.
“Calista.”
“Don’t say my name in a condescending way.”
The servants gasped again. They’d never heard anyone speak to me in such a manner and get away with it. Fear radiated through the room as they awaited if I would punish my chosen.
“You are being rude,” I said under my breath for her benefit, but I knew they could all hear me.
“I don’t care.” Her jaw tightened, and her hands balled into fists. “I’m not eating that!”
I took a breath and let it out easy, reminding myself that all of this was new for her. Otherwise, I’d take her over my knee the way the elders would do to me when I was being an erratic child.
“What would you like to eat, milady?” a gentle voice came from the other side of the table. The defeated cook stood with his head bowed. “I request another chance to make you something of your liking.”
She glanced my way, and I gave a nod of encouragement.
“Um, I would love pizza.”
“Pizza?” he asked, perplexed, tasting the foreign word on his tongue.
Calista covered her face with her hands. “Of course, you don’t know what that is.”
The cook jumped at the chance to try something new. “Explain it to me. I will make it for you.”
“It would be much easier if I showed you. Let’s go to the kitchen.”
“Milady, no! You don’t belong in there.”
“Nonsense.” She waved him off and went to the tapestry where servants’ heads peeked out, watching our disastrous dinner. “I cook my own meals daily.”
“Calista,” I said, stopping her. She surveyed the shocked expressions around the room and stepped back. “Allow Ziggy to do this.”
Sheepishly, she returned to my side and explained to the cook what she wanted. He made a face here and there as she spoke but seemed to understand his assignment.
“Pizza coming right up.” He bowed to her then turned to the servants. “Clear the platters.” They rushed to hide the offending offering.
“Come. Let us walk in the garden while they cook our… pizza.”
Calista
Down the hall from the dining room stood another open archway carved in the stone wall. Astaroth guided me through it onto a dark path. Like the previous nights, not a single star glittered overhead. The only light came from softly glowing orbs interspersed along the path, disappearing in the foliage ahead. Creatures called out to one another in the distance, their songs terrified and enthralled me. Those unique cries struck a chord inside me, triggering a rush of memories that took years to repress. My body went rigid, tense and ready to fight or flee, as my sight adjusted to the darkness. I didn’t realize I had backed up until I bumped into something.
Fists up, I whirled around on the balls of my feet, ready to swing and run back into the safety of the castle. Jessandra stared down at me, unfazed. Astaroth’s companion stood next to her with the same deadpan expression. They had been so quiet that I didn’t hear them behind us.
“Walk. Nothing will enter with the likes of us here.”
I believed her. I’d witnessed what she was capable of, and she was frightening. But him, how could he save me? He was maybe three feet tall and looked to be a hundred with his leathery, wrinkled face and arthritic hands. Trembling, I shuffled backward, thankful that Jessandra was on my side… or at least not my enemy. After our little dispute earlier, I was uncertain how she viewed me, and that made me more wary ofher than the creatures baying outside the castle walls. Astaroth would ensure I survived an attack. He wouldn’t let his precious broodmare be maimed or killed.
