Page 8 of The Court of Secrets
A second man, who appeared to be a baker, wore a brown apron and carried the aroma of freshly baked bread. “Majesty.” He bowed awkwardly, removing his hat as he did. “Uh, it’s good to make yer presence. We’re glad yer back from the battle and won. Knew you would, we did.” He glanced around nervously.
“Thank you. What is your name?”
“Ferguson, Majesty, but my friends call me Furg.”
“What has brought you here today, Ferguson?”
Adius grabbed the thief’s arm as he attempted to move.
“He stole my new bread. The thief.” He pointed at the carefree man. “Cost us a pretty coin, he did. Refuses to pay for it, and it’s already in his belly.”
“He’s been charged with petty theft,” Adius stated.
The baker nodded, white-knuckling his hat. “We caught him red-handed,” the baker explained, his cheeks flushing red. “It’s been hard to make a living nowadays, ain’t it? And the likes of him thinks he can come and take what he wants.”
I turned my attention to the thief, who looked far too pleased with himself. “Why did you steal the bread?”
“Hunger,” he replied, implying obviousness.
The heat from the freshly lit fires warmed the throne room, fogging the stained-glass windows across from me. The walls glistened with thousands of gray-and-white crystals glimmering light onto the marble floor. Guards stood on either side of the three steps.
“You should watch your tongue.” I glared at him, then clicked my tongue.
He took a step closer, arching his heel back as he rocked toward the bottom step. He was either brave or stupid. I couldn’t yet tell.
Lowering his voice to a whisper, he uttered, “A queen as beautiful as you, I’ll do what you wish, accept any punishmentyoudish out.” His eyes glinted, and I’d had enough. Stupid. Definitely stupid.
Adius nodded and slapped him on the back of his head. “Talk to Her Majesty like that again and you’ll be sent to Ironwall, then beheaded.”
My face paled. I hadn’t realized he could inflict such punishment. Was flirting with a queen truly treason? It wasn’t acceptable by any stretch but not punishable by death.
I cleared my throat, gripping my fingers into the arms of the throne. “I should have you locked away in Ironwall.”
The color left his cheeks. His grin faltered. “I fought for you!” His tone sharpened. “I came to fight, but I’m just one of the faceless—”
“You were in the battle?”
Adius shook his head. “Please, Your Majesty, don’t listen to him. He wasn’t. He was probably passed out drunk somewhere or playing the flute on someone’s farm. He’s known for this.”
“Then Ironwall it should be.”
“Come on. It’s just bread.” He shot an aggravated look at Adius.
At least the baker looked pleased with the verdict.
I gathered a deep breath and let it sit at the back of my throat, calming my rage. It was a hefty punishment for bread, but he was treating me like a fool. “Three weeks service to the Crown,” I snapped, turning away from him. “I don’t care what service he does, whether it be cleaning the stables or attending the homeless,” I told Adius, who was looking from me to the young man. “Just get him out of my sight. If you catch him stealing again, send him to Ironwall.” I turned toward the thief. “That’s not just for the bread but for your manners too.”
Adius nodded, then grabbed the thief by the scruff of his shirt and dragged him while the boy complained. Accusing eyes watched me from my small audience at the back of the room. I hated these court trials. I despised them when my father held them, and I didn’t like them now.
“Thanks, Majesty. Greatly appreciated,” Ferguson said.
“The Crown will compensate you for your bread.”
Vahaga scowled. I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to do that. I had never heard my father doing it, but I hadn’t attended many.
“That was a little much,” Cedric said, leaning in closer. “Three weeks service?”
“He undermined me. No one keeps power by being friends with everyone. I have to show strength.”
