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It was wonderful to have someone so invested in helping me learn for once. Someone who cared about enjoying time with me and having conversations that I would have loved to have with a parent teaching me about a shared mutual interest.
But there was a war going on.
A war that probably weighed heavily on the king’s mind always, even in the moments where I escaped from it.
“When this is all over, of course, Your Majesty.”
The king’s usual chipper demeanor faltered momentarily and the sadness in his eyes almost made him look like he aged a bit before me. “One day, I will make sure you do, Cora. This world was once beautiful, and it can be again. It will be again.”
He sipped his drink, staring out the window, and I stayed quiet, giving him a moment’s peace. I wasn’t sure how often that was something he had.
They were a people at war, and he still made time for me. A human. No better than a slave to many of his kind. And yet, here we were.
My eyes prickled as I stared at him. How strong and resilient he was. The kind of man who let his wife appear so powerful in court. That it didn’t bother him or make him jealous. Instead, his reign and adoration from his people was all the greater for it.
Noah was so much like him. In so many good ways. Even with the similarities in stubbornness he shared with his mother, there were traits the king had given him that shone brightly.
“Ah,” he said touching his ear. “Here comes Phillip with the food.” His jovial smile faltered before fading.
I jerked my head toward the door as Phillip came rushing through. He set down a tray, performing his duties as he normally would, only his face was tight. He wrung his hands together before standing straight up, clasping his hands behind his back.
“I apologize for my tardiness, Your Majesty. But I come with urgent news that can’t wait.”
Phillip’s tense stance only increased the panic that swirled inside of me.
“I can leave.” I rose, stepping forward to pick up my teacup and saucer quickly as I spoke.
I’d take it with me—I refused to treat Phillip like a servant when I was a feeder too. No matter what his designated role was in the castle.
“One moment, Coraline.” The king’s voice was followed with a gentle hand on my shoulder.
His other hand reached around me and lifted the small pile of books I’d gathered during our short time.
“I apologize we were cut short. Don’t forget these. For the hard days when stones may trip you up.” His warm smile amazed me, given that he was most likely about to receive news that wouldn’t be good.
Phillip was calm, collected, and quiet most times I’d seen him. He always had a smile for me, but I knew something was truly wrong because of the nervous twitch at the corners of his straight-lipped mouth and the paler color of his face.
I tried to hurry, balancing my teacup and the books.
The king had turned his attention back to Phillip and I passed close by them. “Thank you again, Your Majesty,” I whispered. As he turned, the strong scent of pipe tobacco and a hint of vanilla hit me. I shook my head, moving toward the door and leaving.
“It’s no longer a what if, Your Majesty,” I heard Phillip say. “It’s how quickly can you assemble to leave.”
