AllFreeNovel
Share Us
His dark eyes narrow. “Cake?”
“Chocolate cake is her favorite treat. I bet if you asked Paulia, she could show you how to make it. Tell her I sent you.”
A small smile graces his lips. “Thank you, Ziva. I will try that straightaway.” He turns to leave.
“Wait! I need your help first.”
He pauses instantly. “What is it?”
“Can you take me to see your brother?”
“Yes, of course. May I ask why?”
“I need access to a forge.”
“I honestly think he’s been dying for you to ask that very thing. Follow me.” Petrik yawns as we round a corner.
“Are you sleeping?” I ask.
“Not well. I’m reading up on sieges and battles in times past.”
I’ve seen Petrik carrying armloads of books to and from the palace—likely borrowing volumes from the Great Library. It’s within walking distance of the palace.
“Have you found anything to help us yet?” I ask.
“I don’t know. I guess we’ll see when the time comes.”
Petrik leads me to what must be the prince’s rooms, nodding to the guards on either side of the door. They knock for us.
“Your brother to see you, my prince,” one calls out.
“Send him in.”
We enter.
“Should I stay or…?” Petrik asks.
“Would you?” I ask.
“Of course.”
If I thought the rest of the palace was beautiful, it is nothing compared to the opulence of Skiro’s rooms. Bright greens, blues, and reds call attention from every corner of the receiving room. Statues, paintings, taxidermies, and much more cover the space. Skiro adores beauty, and he’s filled this room with all of it. I can only assume the rest of the master suite to be the same.
The prince looks up from a finely carved table, where he is finishing up his lunch. The same carrot and potato stew the rest of us had.
“Ziva,” he says excitedly. “Won’t you sit?”
“There’s no need for that. I only wished to ask if I could have the use of your forge?”
“You are welcome to whatever you may need! Hail down a servant to show you the way.”
“Thank you.” I turn to leave, pause, then turn back around. “Why?”
“Hmm?” he asks as he takes a sip of his tea.
“Why do I get whatever I need?”
“Because you asked.”
