I’m deceptive, stalking, with lethal bite.
My mighty stabs, my stinging whip,
Catch my enemy in their brutal grip.
But sweet delights draw me out in haste,
Luring me, naked, with seductive taste.
Honey, wine, cakes so sweet,
Sugared cookies, fruited meat,
But desire’s tug can seduce me too,
I’m always searching for a kiss that’s true.”
This time there were no mutterings. Several mouths hung open. They were either stumped or words like naked, seduce, and kiss had sent their minds skittering in breathless directions. I noted the bare hint of a swallow in Montegue’s throat. His eyes sank deep into mine. He knew the answer.
“A rather lofty riddle for such a simple piece of flesh,” he finally said.
“Simple?
On the contrary, Your Majesty. The tongue outlives the body. It can topple kingdoms—and create them. It can lead armies and destroy them. Its power is not in its size or beauty, but its cleverness and enduring strength.”
“How can something be powerful if it’s easily seduced?”
I shrugged. “Maybe that’s the curse of our humanity. We all need sustenance of some kind, don’t we?”
“A true kiss?” Garvin called out, laughing. “Do you really believe in such a thing?”
Yes, you backstabbing asshole, though I would never expect you to experience anything true.
But I tilted my head thoughtfully and answered, “It’s only a simple riddle, Garvin. Meant for entertainment. Take from it what you will. But just because you’ve never experienced anything true doesn’t mean it couldn’t exist. You’ve never washed behind your ears either. It doesn’t mean that, by some miracle, it couldn’t one day happen.”
Everyone laughed. Montegue only offered a small distracted smile. His mind was elsewhere.
* * *
Dessert tables were filled, and guests once again meandered in circles, chatting and laughing. I was ready to poke my eyes out with the glut and pretense. All I wanted to do was excuse myself and return to my room, but then Oleez swooped in at my elbow, pretending to refill my already full glass. She smiled as she whispered, “I understand I should speak to you.”
My heart kicked against my ribs. He did it. Paxton had convinced the king. He said he would pass the word to me through Oleez. I had seen him and the king leaning close during dinner, deep in conversation, Montegue absently rubbing his cheek in thought.
“Yes,” I answered quietly, looking around to make sure we were a safe distance from any prying ears. There was no time for more than the barest details, so I kept my instructions short. “Tomorrow morning you will be sick. Vomiting. Unable to accompany the children where we are going. You’ll suggest to the king they’ll be fine on their own with one of the guards watching over them. You must be convincing. Once we’re gone, you’ll leave the inn and go into hiding. It won’t be safe here for you anymore. Do you have someone you trust who will hide you?”
She nodded.
“Good. Then you must disappear completely. And tell no one.”
Her eyelids creased with fear. “I’ll be safe, but what about the children?”
“Keep smiling, Oleez. You never know who is watching,” I warned, then laughed, trying to undo any damage her stricken expression may have done. “I will do my very best to keep them safe, but it won’t be easy or without danger.”
“They’re already in danger. He hates Ballengers,” she whispered through a smile. “All of them. I see him stare at the children sometimes. His expression frightens me. Every day I worry that he will—”
She stepped away, the carafe she held sloshing with her quick movement.
“I need you in my study.” I whirled to face the king. “There’s something we need to discuss. Now.” He walked away without looking back, knowing I would follow.