“Then at who?”
“Everyone else.”
I guess even Moth isn’t immune to a teenage emo phase. I wonder what the equivalent to blasting angsty music in your room is here? I can’t imagine the harp, or the lute, have the same effect as an old punk record.
“He consumed himself with the idea of being a king who made change,” Ruby says. “All the old traditions, the hunting, the hierarchy—he wanted to turn it all onits head.”
“He would have been a radical king.” Widow nods. “He never let things like status come between hisfeelings.”
“Isthat bad?”
“Well, at least King Atlas knew how to play the game.” Ruby drums her fingertips on the edge of her mug. Ugh, the evil uncle again; he really does have a hold on the people who live here.
“The kingdom really loved him, didn’t they?”
“They did. He was fair and kind, but firm.” Ruby nods. “He really wanted what was best everyone in the kingdom, which made it even more shocking whenhe left.”
“And Moth’s father?” I press, still trying to put the missing pieces of this world and family together in my head.
Oak and Ruby exchange looks, frowns appearing on each of their faces. Widow takes the moment to excuse herself, and the hum of her sewing machine cushions the growingsilence.
Queen Plume had a hard time talking about him too. He must reallybe missed.
“How do you think you’ll style your hair for the ball?” Ruby changes the subject after the long pause. “With your dress, I’d suggest something with waves, and perhaps flowers strewn through it.”
“Oooh, yeah I like that.”
We fill the conversation with small talk about different ways to adorn ourselves. Widow pipes in now and then, upselling bows, cufflinks, and hair clips to go along with our new ensembles. Body shimmer seems to be popular, and I think of the way Moth’s skin shines with natural gold freckles. On the way home, I pick up a jar in silver for myself with plans to use it as a highlight on my nose and cheeks.
Once through the castle walls, we run into Pepper—who, as usual, has their hands full. The kids circle around Ruby, who shows the little cuties what she picked up at the market.
“Unfortunately, I’d better get going,” I say, a pang of sadness radiating through my chest at the thought of having to get back to normal—whatever normal is these days.
“You are welcome to join us for dinner,” Ruby offers, scooping a toddler up in her arms and planting a kiss on her squishy cheek.
“It will be absolute chaos,” Pepper adds with a nod.
“In all the best ways.”
“Food will be thrown.”
“As appreciation for the fine meal,” Ruby notesseriously.
“Of course.” Pepper stiffens in mock formality before the pair share a private laugh.
“Okay, as much as I hate to say no to a good time, I really should get back to the castle. There’s a big fancy dinner tonight with a whole bunch of nobles who are in town for the ball, and I don’t want to throw Moth into their clutches alone.” As much as he might deserve it.
“You are better than me. I always found it cute to watch him squirm.”
“Does his eye still twitch when he’s in the spotlight?”Oak asks.
“Or that vein on his forehead.” Ruby laughs.
“Oh, I uh–”
“We have made you uncomfortable.” Ruby frowns. “Oh, I’m sorry. I know it must bestrange—”
“No, no no it’s not that.”
