Page 20 of Ghosts and Ginger Tea

I supposed that was one thing Keanu and I had in common: we both cared for our families.

“I thought his parents handed down the throne,” I said.

Malakai shook his head. "Our grandfather picked his parents, but we always understood that he would then pick the next ruler after they died. He picked Keanu as the next leader. Keanu was always a natural at it.”

“If Keanu died, who would take his place?” I asked.

Malakai gave me a look. “Why, you would. You’re the queen.”

“If I died, would tutu kāne pick someone else to rule the kingdom?”

“No,” Malakai said. “Our grandfather passed away several years ago. He picked one of my other cousins to be next in line to the throne should something happen to Keanu or his family and posterity.”

“Why didn’t he pick you?” I was confused. Back in my village, leadership ran through a family line. That his grandfather had handpicked was a concept I had never heard of.

Malakai shrugged. “I never possessed the political depth and candor that Keanu did. He believes second chances are empowering. I believe brute strength is far more important. Without a strong army, anything can happen to the kingdom.”

“Oh.” I took a drink of my lilikoi juice, then, with hesitation, asked, “So if you’re closest to him, what do you know about me?”

He seemed surprised by the question. “Everything.”

I blinked. “Everything?” Did he truly know everything? About the bargain, the riddle, and Keanu’s murder?

Malakai nodded. “I’m not clever like Keanu. He was always quick on his feet. Witty. Smart. When he told me the riddle, I did not know how to help.”

I relaxed a little. So Malakai did know about the riddle. Which also meant he probably knew that Keanu had been killed and bargained with me.

“How did he die?”

“Someone stabbed him in the back, so he has no recollection of who did it.”

I shuddered. Who wanted Keanu dead?

Malaki began gathering his dishes, making it easier for the servants to take and clean them. I followed his example. “Have you figured out the riddle?” he asked, then added, “You have little time, and if I know my cousin well, I’d say he gets impatient quickly.”

“What do you mean?” I knew I asked a lot of questions, but Malakai was willing to answer them. It was all information I desperately needed.

“Your days are numbered,” Malakai said, his expression grim, as if he felt sorry for me. It was the first protective and meaningful look I’d been given, besides from Kiki. Like he knew this wasn’t a joke or a game. My life was really at stake. “But just because you have twenty-something days to live doesn’t mean my cousin will wait that long for you to figure out the riddle.”

This time, I frowned. Was Malakai bluntly telling me the truth about my mysterious husband? “What do you mean?”

“Like I said, he’s never been patient,” the young man said. His eyes grew dark. “If I were you, I’d be careful.”

My hair stood on end again. Questions sat at the edge of my tongue. Could I trust Malakai? I was like an unmoored canoe, drifting on unknown seas.

Who can I trust?

“Am I in danger?” I asked.

Malakai paused, thinking. Then he said, “Every person who has ever been close to Keanu is in danger.”

“From who? Who wants to hurt them?”

Malakai gave that sympathetic look again, as if he worried about me. I couldn’t help but appreciate Malakai for taking my situation seriously.

“Keanu has been king since he was fifteen years old,” Malakai said. “He knows what it takes to keep his power and preserve his people.” Keanu’s cousin leaned in. “And he’s not afraid to pay the price for it.”

Malakai meant me. Keanu was ever so willing to take my days for his own.