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"Well, Helyn, Ravelyn is a kingdom made of two islands, so naturally, we eat a lot of fish,” the duke explains. “The temperature is harsh on both parts of the country, so we can't grow many crops. Trade has changed things in the last few hundred years, as it does, but in the old days, Ravelyn’s food mostly consisted of dried or frozen meats and grilled fish. We get flour and produce now, but our cooks aren't quite sure what to do with it yet."
I find his friendly, open demeanor suspicious. He's a noble of high rank—what's more, a demi—and he's as chatty and jolly as Old Pop Bill down the lane.
The man's a little old for Neleda, but he's attractive enough for a fifty-something year old, and they make a pretty picture together. The family dining room's too rich for my blood, as are the silver cutlery and porcelain dishes, but the food on my plate's no different than what Grandma Lyn cooked for me when we could afford bacon.
I know there's a trick somewhere. I just can't pinpoint which part.
"I don't eat fish often," I offer. The man’s friendliness makes it almost impossible not to be polite, despite the freakish circumstances. "But I love it."
He seems to take that as a personal compliment. "You'll enjoy our food, then. We prepare fish a thousand different ways, all of them delicious." He sighs. "Though I admit, it gets tiring after three centuries."
"You're three centuries old?" And here I thought he looked a little gray. The man's ingreatshape for his age.
"Three hundred and twelve next winter." He grins, piling his plate with pancakes. "How about you? Your mother said you're eighteen?"
Figures she doesn't remember when she gave birth. "I'm nineteen. Probably a baby to your eyes."
"Not really. After a while, a grown woman is a grown woman." He shrugs. "So, tell me about yourself, Helyn. Pancake?"
I shake my head. I ate more for breakfast than I normally eat in an entire day. "Nothing much to say. I'm your typical girl from the undercity."
"Bah!" The duke drowns his pancake in syrup. "No one's typical, and everyone has a story. Your mother tells me you have a good memory, yes?"
My eyes cut to Neleda. Sitting at the head of the table, she's barely eaten a thing, while we pigged out to either side of her.
I didn't know she was aware of that."Yeah. I don't forget stuff."
"You know, I know people who paid witches their weight in gold for that skill."
I shrug both shoulders, not particularly proud of something I haven't earned or practiced. My brain just works that way.
"You're humble." He turns to Neleda and smiles at her teasingly. "Are you sure she's your daughter?"
"Hardly." Neleda attempts to return his smile, but it drops fast. "I didn't raise Helyn, my mother did. She's more of an estranged sister, if anything."
So she was honest to her husband about her role in my life—or lack thereof.
The duke puts a steadying hand on my mother's lap, comforting her. I'm more and more baffled by the situation I walked into.
"Well, maybe we can remedy that, hm? At least the estranged bit." He looks between us. "Listen, Helyn, you're wary, and I get it. Nel told me everything she did, and didn't, do to you. It was shitty, but we're going to fix it."
I stare at him for a good while before chuckling. "If only saying it would make it so, sir."
"Call me Salvar—Sal, if you prefer. And it is so. You're my wife's daughter. The curse that ages me also prevents me from having children, and there's no way of breaking it, so as of six months ago, you're my heir, whether you like it or not.” He throws his hands up in the air in a theatrical gesture. “It's done."
What the hell?"Just like that, huh?"
"Just like that." He sets his knife and fork to the side and wipes his mouth. "It's sealed and filed already. You can return to the undercity and carry on with your life, you'll still be a lady of Ravelyn now, and duchess of Elandheart after our deaths."
I'm too stunned to even think of an answer.Me, a duchess? And of somewhere I hadn’t even heard of two days ago. It makes no sense whatsoever.
The duke is all business now. "Here's what I propose: the occasional dinner to make your mother happy, some court appearance to pave your future, and in your free time…" He glances at his wife. "Whatever you like. Your mother said you might be interested in school, yes? I went to Five myself, and I’d be happy to recommend you for admittance. You might have to study a little to pass the entry test, but I’ll finance your studies if you wish to attend."
This offer comes with strings. He wants me to play the dutiful daughter to a snake I'd rather not see again. But the benefits…
I could study. AtFive. The Five Kingdoms’ Superior University, where the rich, the titled, and the crowned send their heirs. And maybe I could make a difference, like Alva said. After hearing all that, I need a moment to think.
"In my experience,” I say carefully, “if something sounds too good to be true, it generally is."
