Page 13 of Pippa of Lauramore
Sir Kimble shrugs. “It’s only an hour, and Archer ishandling the archery tournament, so I’m not needed right now.”
I feel my blood boil just hearing his name. When I get my hands on him?—
“Now.” Kimble cracks his knuckles and grins. “What should we learn today?”
“Tell me about somewhere far away.” I lay my head on the map. “Tell me about Ptarma again.”
Ptarma, my mother’s kingdom, is the most beautiful kingdom in the world, at least in my mind. It’s weeks and weeks to the west by ship. I’ve never been there, though Mother has been back a few times.
I met two of my uncles once, and my grandparents have visited many times. While here, they told me about the large white marble cliffs, brightly blooming flowers as big as your fist, and herb gardens that flourish all year because it never gets cold.
When I was little, I thought they were the most beautiful people. Their hair ranges from blond to brown, but they all have copper in it like Alexander. Mother’s hair is a rich, deep auburn—a much-envied color, Grandfather told me. They all marveled over my dark red hair and its gold ends, making me feel special. Mother told them it fades because I spend so much time in the sun. But Grandmother told me it’s because I was kissed by a fairy as a baby.
I like her theory better.
“Let us talk about Vernow,” Sir Kimble says, suddenly serious.
My head jerks up. “Don’t you start with me too!”
“Lionel is a good match, Pippa, and he’s expected towin.” His forehead creases, and he doesn’t look happy about the idea. At least one of my family members isn’t as mad as the others.
“He’s horrible, Uncle.”
He scowls. “I’m disappointed you would judge him on his looks. You are wiser—and kinder—than that.”
My eyebrows knit, and I squirm a little. I think it over before I respond. “You are right. I have been critical of that, and that’s not fair to Lionel.” I pause, and Sir Kimble nods. “But it’s not just that. It’s his character. He’s so bitter. I don’t understand it. He was kind as a child. Even when I was young, and Percival and Alexander didn’t want a thing to do with me, he would keep me company and point out insects and rocks and tell me what they were. I wasn’t terribly interested, but at least he was nice. He’s hard now—and cold.”
“Vernow is a huge, wealthy kingdom rich in trade, fertile land, ore, and fish. Being the heir to that kind of empire would be a great blessing and a heavy burden.”
I shake my head. “Percival isn’t like Lionel.”
Sir Kimble sighs. “Your father isn’t like his father.”
I’m feeling thoroughly scolded, which often happens with my uncle. He lets me think about what he said, and I trace the map with my finger. After a moment, I look up. “I still can’t marry him.”
He nods. “I know.”
We’re silent for several seconds.
“So…what kingdom are we going to review?” I ask, getting back to the subject at hand.
He smiles. “Glendon is very nice.”
I glanceup from my embroidery, irritated my thread has knotted, and find Anna rubbing her temple. She’s pale and purposely facing away from the window—not the position you want to be in to do needlework.
“Are you all right?” I raise an eyebrow, but I already know what’s wrong.
She’s getting one of her headaches. Mother gets them, and I do as well. Anna says it’s a family curse. Poor Anna gets them more frequently than either Mother or I do, though.
“My vision is a little spotty.” She waves her needle at me as if she’s fine.
“You need to lie down.”
She pins me with her eyes. “And leave you here alone? That’s likely.”
“Your stomach will feel ill if you don’t,” I argue. “Go rest. I’ll go to Yuven and get you some tea.”
“You swear to me you’ll come right back?”
