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The broader figure huffs. “Maybe. I heard they haven’t even consummated yet.”
Gossiping cowards.
My pulse beats a heavy rhythm in my temples while heat floods my cheeks.
“If you don’t consummate, the marriage can be annulled.” The smaller man continues.
I clench my fists. They aren’t saying anything I don’t already know. We are nearing a month as it is, and I am no closer to the king now than I was before I got here.
“How he copes with being married to such a spoiled brat is beyond me.”
“I agree. Too good to even leave her rooms, much less speak to anyone.”
“He doesn’t deserve the likes of her. After all he’s done for us, all we wanted was someone who would make him happy.”
Another reminder that I seem to be the only person he chooses to unleash his ire on. Well, me and Odger.A duo I’d prefer not to be part of.
“Here, here. She's nearly as bad as the other one --”
“I beg your pardon!” Another more familiar voice echoes off of the walls, causing the men to freeze.
Leif. His limping form comes into view, and the other two men give a slight bow in greeting.
Interesting.
“We do not speak so cavalierly ofthat woman.”
Somehow, I don’t think I’m the one he means, unless he, too, holds a deep level of loathing for me. I sigh inwardly. Perhaps he only hides it better than his king does.
“I would think the two of you had more to do than gossip like schoolgirls,” he chides.
Both beaked faces sag toward the floor.
“It just isn’t right, Sir. After everything, that he would get stuck withher.And after we all pushed him into this.” This is from the wider one, his tone dripping with remorse.
Leif heaves a sigh and puts a hand on each of their shoulders.
“You’re good lads, but you’re young yet. Marriage is hard enough for anyone, let alone with a whole castle weighing in.” He allows a moment for that to sink in. “Give them their time, especially the girl. It can't be easy for her.”
So, I hadn’t read him that badly. Between Leif and Sigrid, at least there appeared to be two decent people within these walls.
They bow again, and he nods before turning to leave the room. All is quiet as the two men finish their cleaning until Khijha sneezes and it catches me off guard. I jerk away too quickly from the wall and crack my forehead against the stones.
Sirens!
If they hadn’t heard her already, they most certainly heard that.
A hush falls over the men.
“You shouldn’t say such things so publicly!” the taller one whispers more quietly, while glancing around the room for the intruder.
“Me? You had just as much to say as I did, to be sure.”
They continue in this vein for another minute or so before the dishes are done and they vacate the kitchen.
I rub the aching spot on my head. It stings, but not as much as their words had.
I think back to the king's words about how I am the only reason the people are unhappy.
