Page 9 of The Court of Secrets
“He was hungry.”
I rolled my eyes. “Didn’t you see his silk shirt, or are you so used to not noticing these things? He’s from a wealthy family. Probably refuses to work and steals for thrills.”
Cedric fell silent.
Vahaga spoke as the thief was pulled out of the double doors. “Young man.”
Adius turned his head, and the thief followed.
Vahaga approached them, unsteady in his gait. “You will not steal again. The ancestors will know if you have.” He lowered his gaze. “I will know.”
“I won’t!” he promised, staring behind at me.
You have our forgiveness.” Vahaga shook his hands. “Your family will compensate the baker man for the bread you took.”
He nodded, and a plump woman—the thief’s mother, I presumed—clasped her hands together and thanked Vahaga for his understanding. I’d been right. He was from a wealthy family. The woman was dressed in beautiful fabrics of red and silver. She stood out from the dreariness surrounding her.
“Don’t.” Cedric clasped my wrist as anger almost forced me out of my throne.
“He undermined me in front of everyone.” Tears struck my eyes.
“Don’t cry. Not in front of him. Don’t give him the satisfaction. He’s waiting for you to break., testing you.”
I exhaled slowly, and Vahaga turned to look at me as the young thief was let go. “Is there a problem,Your Majesty?” he inquired.
I forced a smile. “None at all. It is not a weakness to be forgiving, Vahaga. I wouldn’t hold it against you.”
“Good,” Cedric whispered. ‘Dignified.”
The people in the room looked from Vahaga to me. Vahaga stared me down. Uncertainty lingered on him.
I cleared my throat. “If you’re going to change my convictions, however, I see little point in me continuing for the day. My advisor will confer with you after.”
Cedric smirked. “I will.”
Vahaga looked as if he might murder someone.
“Cedric.” I took a deep breath when I stood. “Let’s go find some lunch. Vahaga can handle things from here.” I smirked when I caught him grimace in my direction.
“Good,” Cedric remarked. “I’m starving.”
“Perhaps some cake?” I asked when we walked past Vahaga. “After, you should show off your wings. I bet so many here would love to see them.”
Cedric leaned in and whispered once we were out of earshot. “Perhaps you should stop.” He looked from me to Vahaga, who was about as red as blood. “I’m afraid if you don’t, he might explode.”
We both chuckled, then turned away. We walked to the adjoining room. I could feel eyes watching me as we left through the arch. Tables had been filled with food and beautiful glass domes encasing delicious treats. I was pleased to see some things hadn’t changed.
“I couldn’t help it.” I shook my head. “He’s such an asshole.”
His eyebrows raised. “Winter Rose Mortis, cursing…”
Everything Vahaga had said had been an attempt to make me look weak. I balled my fists, no longer feeling playful or sarcastic. I was mad. “I hate him. I wish he wasn’t high priest.” I groaned; glad we weren’t around anyone who could hear my blasphemy. The darkness inside of me relished it and pushed me to feel more, to give in to the anger. “I wish he was—”
“Don’t.” Cedric placed his hand on my shoulder, his eyebrows knitting together. “I know you don’t mean it, not even about him.”
I swallowed thickly. Was it the darkness making me feel that way, or was it me? I didn’t want to find out. Suppressing my feelings, I sat at the top table, and my stomach rumbled.
“What friends have you made?” I asked, wanting a change of topic.
