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I don’t need to look inside it to know it’s constructed from luxurious materials. Gold. Marble. Crystals.
“I can see why so many people spoke of the yearly masquerades,” Kai says with wonder as he studies the space. “I bet the event was dripping with lavishness.”
Confused, I tilt my head. “Why are you acting like you’ve never been inside the palace before?”
Kai’s serious eyes swing my way. “Because I haven’t.”
This is news to me. “You didn’t attend the ball or military meetings after Zander and Kirian established peace?”
“No.”
“How is that possible? Surely a warrior at your level would’ve been invited.”
“I didn’t say I wasn’t invited. I just never accepted because… reasons.” The way he reluctantly mumblesreasonsleads me to believe he doesn’t want to be here anymore than I do.
He might be able to admire the palace, but he’s avoided it until now.
Well, that explains how we never met before today. I didn’t leave the castle, and he stayed away.
Suddenly, a growl comes from my stomach, and it’s loud enough to startle us both. At the sound, Kai takes up a fighting stance with his sword while I jump.
Laughing self-consciously, I press a hand to my rumbling abdomen, embarrassed by my body’s rude complaint.
“You need to eat,” Kai states, patting his sack of snacks. “I don’t have much, but we can at least get you a small meal to tide you over.”
Aiming my voice at the ceiling, I boldly goad, “I wonder just how extensive Armand’s skills are. If he’s as good as he thinks he is, there might be food in the kitchen. Do you hear me, Armand? I dare you to prove your talent.”
I’m sort of joking. Sort of not.
Motioning to a short hallway beneath the staircase, I show Kai to the kitchen. I start to push the wooden swinging door open, but Kai puts his hand on mine to stop me.
“Allow me to go first but tell me if something doesn’t seem right. Anything out of place could be a significant clue to the challenge.”
After I nod, he has me stand back while he looks left and right. Once he deems it empty of threats, Kai shuffles into the room while I hide behind him.
My stomach growls again when I breathe in the sweet evidence of recently baked goods in the air, and peek around Kai.
Just as I remember it, the kitchen is large but not fancy. This room isn’t meant for royals. Royals don’t cook their own food.
The space is practical with an ice box, an industrial-size stove with eight burners, and gray cabinets I know to be filled with fine plates and cups. The large farmhouse sink is filled with batter-covered bowls, utensils, and soapy water as if the cooks had just finished making a meal.
My hungry gaze goes to the long table where four shiny silver domes sit on top of the gray tablecloth. At one end, there are stacked crystal plates and a pile of polished silverware.
Like it’s a feast just for us.
Did Armand seriously take me up on the dare? He wouldn’t actually give us something nice, would he?
“Is this usually here?” Kai waves at the spread.
I shake my head. “No. These domes and dishes are reserved for big banquets in the throne room. The staff would never set them up in the kitchen.”
“Fuck.” Apprehensive, Kai muses, “It’s probably another trick. Anything could be in there.”
He’s right. The domes could be concealing a swarm of bees. More flowers with teeth. A monster.
There’s no end to the nightmares Armand can create.
“I’m sorry,” I say, stressed. “It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have provoked Armand.”
