Page 170 of Sky’s Edge

“Cream, no sugar,” Barret said tightly, her discomfiture obvious.

“One sugar,” Camaryn said, his tone much the same.

I accomplished this, handed them their coffees, made my own and grabbed an almond croissant before I sat back.

As per protocol (should I actually be queen), they waited until I took food before they took their own. And they waited until I bit into mine before they did the same with their own. Therefore, I didn’t waste time taking that bite.

And I began.

“King Tanyn has explained to me he’s sent word I’m to be treated as a being in a certain position while I’m here. Correct?”

They both nodded.

“That was a lovely thing for him to do,” I continued then gave them another smile. “Jumping ahead a bit, but lovely.”

Neither said anything.

But watching them, I saw, in fact, I’d been wrong.

They weren’t giving off the vibe that they were wary of me.

They were openly terrified of me.

“Did Tanyn hire either of you?” I asked curiously.

“I’ve been employed at the castle for thirty-two years,” Barret said stiffly.

“I’ve been here ten,” Camaryn added.

And now their fear was explained.

“Okay then, I sense Tanyn is not fired up to dive deep into the running of the castle. Instead, I think he wants you just to do your jobs. And I can share I do too.”

Barret blinked in shock.

Camaryn’s lips parted.

“With only one change,” I added.

Both instantly went back to being suspicious.

“I am not queen. I am not royalty or aristocracy of any kind. That might come about, but for now, I’d appreciate it if staff didn’t curtsy to me.” Another smile, this warmer, because of the subject matter. “If Tanyn and I get to that point, well…then things will be different. But for now, what I’d like is to meet each member of staff. I’d like to learn their names so I can address them appropriately. And I do believe both of you understand who’s who in all who come to the castle. Therefore, I can trust you to instruct the staff fittingly as to how they’re treated. For instance, when my friends come, outside of Laura, it’d make them uncomfortable to be formally announced, for they’re like me. Not aristocrats or royalty. This is the king’s castle, I know. It’s also Tanyn’s home, and I hope we can work together to make his guests comfortable here.”

Neither of them had a reply, and it was clear to see they didn’t because I’d shocked the hells out of them.

“I’ll also need to rely on you,” I continued. “For you’ll know who’s who, and in many cases, I won’t. Though I suppose I don’t have to request that. The relying-on-you part.”

“No, of course,” Barret pushed out.

“Excellent,” I said and took a sip of coffee before finishing, “Then I think this will work very well.”

“You want to meet the staff?” Camaryn asked.

“It doesn’t have to happen today, obviously, since it’s the weekend. When you can fit it in. Though, when I see them from now on, I’ll be chatting with them so we can get to know one another.”

They shared another glance.

“If that’s okay with you,” I carried on.