I raised an eyebrow. ‘Are you though?’
He gave a dramatic sigh. ‘Oh, please.’
The rest of dinner went by with only the occasional jab exchanged across the table. Watching the two brothers bicker made it impossible not to see the resemblance. How had I missed it before?
Later, when I left for my room, a restless curiosity kept me wandering the corridor instead. If I were to live here, I ought to know my surroundings. I needed to know where the library was, the kitchens, and the little corners no one else visited. Ortensia’s castle had always been a cage of whispers and glares; Fogoya already felt freer.
The dim portraits along the fourth-floor corridor drew my attention. Some bore a striking resemblance to the brothers, though only one stood out. King Louis—River’s father. The curls were unmistakable, though the man’s eyes lacked the warmth that would have softened his harsh features. Instead, they took on a cold hue similar to Michael’s. All I needed to complete the picture was a glimpse of their mother.
A creak sounded behind me, and I turned sharply. The elderly woman I’d seen days ago emerged from a side corridor, smiling.
‘Lady Avari.’ She curtsied, which felt wholly unnecessary. ‘It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. I’ve heard wonderful things.’
‘Pleased to meet you too.’ I waited, expecting her to introduce herself.
‘Ah, where are my manners?’ She placed a wrinkled hand over her chest. ‘You may call me Maddie. I’m the king’s chief of staff.’ She hesitated, as if debating whether to offer her hand.
‘I think I saw you a few days ago,’ I said, remembering her pink apron.
‘Yes, I move around quite a bit to keep things running smoothly. Please, if you have any complaints, I’ll have them sorted immediately.’
‘No complaints,’ I assured her. ‘You must be doing a wonderful job.’
Her face brightened at that, and the pure joy in her expression almost made me smile. Though the more I looked at her slightly pointed teeth, the more I wondered what she was; it felt impolite to ask. Besides, the pride she took in her work reminded me of River’s remark about having a praise kink, and my focus shifted.
‘Thank you,’ she said warmly. ‘It means a lot. I see you’ve found the portraits. They do look alike, don’t they?’
‘They do,’ I agreed, glancing back at the painting. ‘Does the former king still live here? And the queen?’
Maddie froze mid-breath, her smile faltering before it returned a fraction too tight.
‘Not any more,’ she said simply.
She didn’t elaborate, and I knew better than to press. Whatever story hid behind that look, she clearly wasn’t ready to share it.
Instead, I asked, ‘Maddie, would you mind telling me if there’s a library I can use?’
Relief softened her face. ‘Of course. We have several, but the largest is on the top floor, opposite His Majesty’s office. You can’t miss it; go up the stairs, then turn right.’
‘I actually have another request,’ I added hesitantly.
Her brows lifted, curiosity twinkling in her turquoise eyes. ‘Yes?’
‘Could you tell me where the kitchen is?’ I asked, almost whispering.
‘The kitchen?’ she repeated, clearly surprised. ‘It’s on the second floor, at the end of the left corridor. Do you have any complaints? Or are you hungry? I can send for something.’
‘No, no, the meals are wonderful. I just… I’d like to learn how to make simple things. Maybe I could use the kitchen after the staff leaves. If that’s not allowed, I completely understand—’
‘You can use it any time,’ Maddie interrupted kindly. ‘I’m only surprised. I’ve never known a royal who cared to cook. But you don’t need permission, my lady. It’s my understanding that you’re part of this court now.’
‘Thank you,’ I said quietly as she excused herself.
I wandered for a while longer, the night deepening until the world outside turned black. The castle felt calm, even comforting, but was I really a part of it?
River had said so once, but I’d assumed it was just his way of justifying my captivity. It was a smart strategy, keeping the one witch who could summon a dragon far from her villainous mother’s reach.
The thoughts kept drowning me until my stomach gave a sharp pinch. I hadn’t eaten much at dinner, prioritising banter. Socialising wasn’t something I was accustomed to.
