“If we are inviting the village, the servants should also be able to attend,” Holly says with unexpected softness toward the people whowork here.
“But then how will we manage to keep the party going? Even with the food out on platters, it will have to be replenished.” The queen pinches the bridge of her nose in a gesture that reminds me even more of Moth—who, besides the subtle eye contact at dinner and that jealousy-fueled hand kiss, has barely spared me a glance since our fight yesterday. “Again, this is not a ‘no,’ my darlings. I just cannot see how to manage it.”
“Magic?” I suggest with an unsure uptick ofmy voice.
“That is not how magic works,” Holly snorts.
“Well, since no one has really explained it to me, I’m taking my best guess over here!”
“Children, please save your squabbles for after we have a solution,” the queen orders. The two of us fall silent, like toddlers fighting over a toy at daycare.
“I mean, you do have a lot of nobility, right? No offense, but if Lord and Lady Webworm are any sort of indication, they seem alittle...”
“Unbearable,” Holly says with a roll of her eyes that makes her look more like an overdramatic teenager than captain ofthe guard.
“I was going to say ‘out of touch’ but, honestly? Yeah,totally unbearable.”
“I fail to see how they will help the situation,” Queen Plume says, her eyes closed tight as she pinches the bridge ofher nose.
“Well, hear me out: I think everyone should work in the service industry once in their life. Even I did a summer as a barista in high school, and yeah, it was mostly for the cute barista aesthetic and to do cute little doodles on mugs. And yes, I quit after a customer screamed at me for not making his cappuccino dry enough. Coffee is supposed to be wet, right? You shouldnotyell at peoplefor that.”
They haveno ideawhat I’m talking about—and ugh, I canfeelMoth’s judgy gaze asI ramble.
“Okay! Summing all that up, what I’m trying to say is maybe they could use a little empathy. They could do shifts during the ball,” I spit out, the pressure in my head building. Ugh, I might have to finally admit to myself that the choices I’ve made this week are causing the telltale signs of aflare up.
“Heather, it’s a wonderful idea, but how do you suppose we get themto agree?”
“There are plenty of soldiers who signed up, as Heather said, foraestheticpurposes. They are of noble birth and do not show up for training. I would be happy to make them a part of the list.” Holly beams at the thought of potential vengeance. It’s a great idea and a reminder not to get any further on herbad side.
“But I would like everyone to come.” Holly frowns, stabbing her needle into her embroidery hoop. “Even my soldiers who are only enrolled to shine their armor.”
“Hmm,” I pause, trying to think of a solution. My thoughts are like wading through grape jelly,but maybe…
“I once worked a table at an event that had everyone do four-hour shifts, so we could all still enjoy the weekend. Blocking out time like that so that everyone could enjoy the ball would be helpful,” I muse, remembering the long weekend filled with makeup samples and florescent lights.
“That is … very sound.” Queen Plume nods. “Yes, yes, I believe that would work.”
“The palace kitchens may overwork themselves if they provide food for the entire village,” Holly chimes in, stabbing violently into her embroidery.
“Oh, that is a problem.” I shrink, unsure if this is how Holly relaxes or if I’m being directly threatened. “What if we brought in some stalls from the night market?” I suggest, thinking about the candy floss and pastries Moth and I shared on our walk. “If they organize a shift schedule, they can enjoy the festivitiesas well.”
“Do you have any suggestions on how to accomplish this?”
“Oh…” I let out an exhale. One more thing on my plate, just whatI needed.
“I will draw up some contracts and see if they would be willing.” Holly shakes her head as if sorryshe asked.
“Moth,” I begin, and when he looks up, the air goes still between us. It’s the first time I’ve said his name all day, and with the blank look he’s giving me, I’m not sure he wanted to hear it. “Uh, is there anything you think we should add?”
“The three of you seem to have covered it all while I have languished away on these keys,” he says in the usual melodic way, giving me no hint at what his true thoughts are. I wouldn’t mind just a littleof praise.
“Your languishing has been very inspiring!” Queen Plume says with a sharp nod ofher head.
“It is good to hear you play again,” Holly agrees, the dewy spark of admiration returning toher eyes.
Sprout barks in agreement, not bothering to pick his head up from its place near Moth’s feet. He’s been camping out there since wesat down.
The conversation picks up before I can chime in, and I’m glad. As much as I would love to swallow my pride and compliment him, seeing those strong fingers glide across the keys has been distracting in the worst kind of way.
