Under the Stars

by Rebecca A. Rogers

  “Now the fun begins,” I whisper to Malik. He grins, watching the men handle the dishes with ease.

  We begin the feast with a light pairing of sautéed red and yellow vegetables followed by a never-ending supply of buttered rolls the size of my hand. For our second course, we’re served grilled mangal over a bed of sugared rice. And our dessert? Caramelized brown sugar dusted on top of diced cocoa beans.

  My stomach is so taut I think it might pop. Malik is battling with the same. He groans, but seems determined to finish every last bite. He must’ve been starving.

  King Zarek waves, and the footmen come running. As soon as the plates are taken, he speaks. “Malik, do you like to cook?”

  “I’ve never done much cooking,” Malik replies. I suppress a giggle when I think about the gypsies magically preparing their food.

  “If you show promise with your new position, I’ll have you promoted. Possibly to an altogether different post.”

  “Thank you, Majesty.”

  “I’m sure that family of yours will no doubt be satisfied. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have business matters to attend to.” He stands and eyes us over his shoulder. “I really am pleased you two could join me for supper.”

  Before King Zarek and his advisors exit, he warmly smiles at me. Malik looks like he might be sick. Like, really sick.

  “Are you okay?” I ask, grabbing hold of his arm. He’s somewhat bent over the table.

  “I think I ate too much,” he wheezes.

  “C’mon. Let’s get you to your room so you can lie down.”

  We have to walk slower than a snail, though. Malik says he might throw up. If he does, I’d lose mine, too.

  But we make it—even through the twists and turns, and feeling like the draperies are smothering us. Malik collapses onto his bed with a grunt.

  “Get some rest. You’ll have a long day tomorrow with your new job.”

  He nods.

  In my room, Lucy sits on the balcony, sipping a fragrant drink; the smell spirals through the air.

  “How was your meal?” she asks without so much as a glance toward me. She won’t even stand.

  “Filling.”

  “If you don’t have any further need of me, I’d propose dismissing me for the night.”

  This is the time I wish I had Daphne back. I miss her company. Not this spoiled castle brat. While she is still a maid, there is that fire in her that tends to consume me so that all I see is red.

  I don’t like her. I want her gone…permanently. She’s only going to distract me from my ultimate plan—not that I actually have one yet.

  “You are released from all duties pertaining to me. Honestly, I don’t know how you’re still employed.”

  Lucy’s facial expression is a smug one when she stands. Her shoulder fall back, her nose rises toward the ceiling. She glares at me like I’m a rodent, and there’s a trap set somewhere for me to step in.

  And then the wench snorts, placing her mug on the table beside her.

  “You don’t even deserve a maid. I’m surprised Zarek hasn’t put you to work. This high and mighty act doesn’t bode well with him.” As she walks by, she makes a point to whisper, “One day I’ll be queen, and you’ll be my maid.”

  Before I can stop the words from tumbling out, I say, “I would think that His Majesty would reward you for your services. But look at you. You’re still a servant.”

  Her voice falters when she says, “We’re all servants to the King.”

  “You can leave now.”

  The little princess leaves in a show of frustrated screams and pounding of fists against the double doors.

  “What was that about?” Malik asks.

  I jump, not realizing he had been standing there. “I thought you were in bed.”

  “I was, but I wanted to watch the chick fight.”

  I roll my eyes. “You feeling better?”

  “A little.” He hesitates, like he wants to say something. “Andy, what if I’m not cut out for this?”

  “You’ll be working in a kitchen. I doubt you’ll do the cooking, just the delivery. The only thing you have to worry about is the prisoners trying to kill you.”

  “Wow. I feel so much better now.”

  I giggle. “Seriously. It can’t be hard, right? Plus, if you do well, you’ll be promoted. That’s always a good thing. You came here for your family to have a better life, and for you to give back. Think of them.”

  He purses his lips. “What if my family can’t visit me?”

  “You can ask what if until your voice fails, but it won’t get you anywhere. Time will tell. Surely King Zarek wouldn’t be so cruel.”

  “He doesn’t know me that well. For all I know he could be using me for another purpose.”

  “Why would he do that?”

  He shrugs. “I don’t know. Sounded like a good idea a moment ago. Like, what if he’s using me to get to you somehow?”

  “I hate to crash your party, but I haven’t gotten anywhere with King Zarek. And it’s likely I won’t at all.” After glancing down each hallway, I motion for Malik to step inside and close the door. “Between the two of us, I don’t know what this trip is all about. I still haven’t learned what he and Lazar spoke of in Legora.”

  “Give it time. You can’t expect to talk things over as soon as you arrive.”

  That’s what I like about Malik. He’s so level-headed.

  “Anyway, I’ve got to get some rest before tomorrow. Good night.” He hugs me, and then retires to his room.

  I can’t help but wonder if he’s right. Should I be patient and let things play out? What will happen if I wait too long?

  36.

  My eyelids won’t open this morning. I stretch and yawn, but nothing gives. It takes me forcing them to obtain a result. Squinting against the sunlight pouring through the balcony door, I estimate what time it is. Has to be close to noon. I’ve missed breakfast.

  I bolt up. What if Malik tried to contact me before they sent him to another part of the castle? There’s only one person to talk to.

  I fix myself the best I can and trail through the never-ending labyrinth of hallways. King Zarek should be in his office. Hopefully.

  Two guards block me from entering.

  “Do you have a prior arrangement?” one asks.

  “Well, uh, no. I don’t, but—”

  “Then you can’t see His Majesty.” He eyes me cautiously, as if I’m going to perform a stunt to continue through the doors.

  “Can you at least tell him I stopped by and need to chat?”

  “We aren’t messengers. I suggest you wait until His Majesty wishes to speak with you.”

  Well, this is going nowhere. Now what am I supposed to do? I guess I can stroll through the gardens. It’s not too awful outside with the dome surrounding the castle. Seems like it prevents more than just critters and falling stars.

  Through the maze of towering hedges I come upon another area with a fountain, except this one has a black granite demon. Water arcs from its open mouth. The longer I stare at it, the more I believe it might come to life.

  “Enjoying the gardens today?” someone asks behind me. I pivot around to see King Zarek.

  “I tried to visit you, but—”

  “Yes, my guards aren’t lenient with visitors. I apologize for their lack of manners. When I heard your conversation outside, I came to see what the fuss was about, but you had taken your leave.”

  “It’s nothing, really. I just wanted to speak to you about Malik.”

  “Oh?”

  I squint against the sun’s rays. “Well, I didn’t get to say goodbye to him this morning before he left for his job duties. I wondered if I’ll see him again. I mean, he will be returning to the guest room beside mine, right?”

  “I’m afraid not. When someone is relocated to a different position within the castle, they are moved to a room near their job area. Makes it easier for work purposes.”

  I weave my fingers together. In and out
and around. “Will I get to see him, though?”

  He laughs in a way that makes me feel ignorant. “I’m not going to tell you there isn’t a specific location you cannot see.”

  I exhale a sigh I hadn’t realized I’d been holding in. “I’m glad to hear that.”

  “Come. You and I have matters to discuss. And I have a proposal for you.”

  “I’ve heard those words before.”

  He chuckles and wraps one arm around my shoulders. My body slightly tenses. “I promise this will be greater than my last proposal.”

  “That doesn’t help me.”

  “It will be a rather considerable decision. I hope I’m not spoiling this for you, by any means. I want this to be your choice.”

  What is he talking about? What could possibly be bigger than him offering for me to stay in Valyad until we reach a decision on supplies? And right now, I still don’t know if that’s why he wants me here.

  “Okay, well, when will we have this meeting?” I ask. Hesitant about it, though.

  “Anytime you think you’re ready. It won’t take long, but I’d prefer we do it after dinner. How does that sound?”

  “I’m a sooner-rather-than-later kind of girl, but if that’s what you insist we do—”

  “I do insist.”

  “Yes, Majesty.” I complete my address with an over-the-top bow. “I’ll see you at dinner.”

  He returns the mocking bow, and then winks.

  Now, I have more problems. What is this other proposal? How is it going to change everything? I need to visit Malik. If only I knew directions to the kitchen.

  The afternoon hours are spent exploring hallways I’ve never seen. Some I don’t remember. Some I probably shouldn’t be in. Almost all of Valyad’s citizens glare at me, as if this is no place for someone to be poking around.

  Right. Left. Right. Long. Short. All with ornate tapestries, different people. And none of them leading me where I want to go. I work up the nerve to ask a passerby where the kitchen is located. Maybe I could at least catch a glimpse of Malik, then.

  “You have to take the second western corridor,” she explains, pointing to the opposite side of where we stand. “Go down the hall and take a right. It will open up into yet another hall. Follow it to the end. You should be able to find your way from there. It doesn’t branch much further.”

  “Thank you,” I say, and return the way I came. But all of the passages begin to look like the last one and soon I’m lost again. I aim to go back, but I take a wrong turn, ending up in an empty ballroom. Gradually sliding down against the wall, I decide it’s best I just stay here. At least until I’ve regained my composure and can find a way out.

  Right now I want to know what Mama and Mattie are doing, if things are getting better or if they’re worse.

  “I failed you Mama,” I whisper aloud. “I failed all of you.”

  How am I supposed to convince the King we need help when he won’t give me five minutes to talk? It’s always, I have matters to attend to or I’ll see you at dinner. That doesn’t get me anywhere. And now Malik is in some distant portion of the castle that I can’t reach. Who can I speak with?

  At this very moment, I grapple with the idea that I’m hopelessly alone.

  Bam, bam, bam.

  Pounding against the doorframe startles me so that I jump up and open the door.

  It’s Daphne.

  “Thought I saw ya come in here,” she says.

  I throw my arms around her neck, squeezing tightly. “You have no idea how much I’ve missed you.”

  “I’ve missed ya too, miss.”

  Pulling away from her, I say, “I got lost so I just hung out in here. I looked for the kitchen, even stopped a lady and asked her for directions. Still couldn’t find it.”

  “What ya doin’ lookin’ for the kitchen?” Her fists rest on her hips.

  “I’m trying to find my friend, Malik. I wanted to make sure he’s okay. I didn’t get to say goodbye this morning.”

  “Ah, he came with ya this time, did he?”

  I nod.

  “Ya can’t go in there, ya know. But I’ll show ya where it’s at.” She motions for me to follow.

  “Thanks, Daphne.”

  “So tell me. Have ya had any luck with the King?”

  “I’m afraid not. Every time I try to talk to him, he says we’ll speak later, but we never do. He did come to Legora, though.”

  “He came ta yer town?” She takes a step to the left, wide-eyed.

  “He doesn’t usually do that, does he?” I guess.

  “No, miss.”

  “I’m still unsure as to what he and our town leader arranged. They met for a few hours, but, as usual, King Zarek won’t tell me anything.” I shake my head in disgust.

  Daphne expresses concern that maybe Legora will have to give up something in return for supplies, and perhaps that’s the reason why Malik and I were sent here. To work or pay off the debt. But I explain to her that obviously Malik is already working and I’m not. So, if that were the issue, why wouldn’t I be sewing clothes or preparing food?

  “He told me he has a proposal to offer,” I say, following Daphne through every twist and turn of this massive structure.

  “What do ya think that’d be?”

  “I’m completely lost. The first time he had a proposal was when he offered for me to come back with him. And here I am.”

  “Can’t be too bad, miss.”

  “Hopefully not. He wants to discuss it with me after dinner.”

  Daphne stops just outside two doors that are smaller than, and not as elaborate as, the others I’ve seen in the fortress.

  “Here we are, miss. But we aren’t allowed inside.”

  “Oh.” I contemplate how I’ll know Malik’s in there, when another idea rattles my brain. “Do you know where these people would stay while working here?”

  “There are several rooms they’re put up in,” she says. “Can’t narrow it down, though.”

  “Too many,” I assume.

  “Yes, miss.”

  “Well, I can’t say I didn’t try.” I smile. “Thanks for helping me. At least I’ll know where he’s at. It gives me a little bit of relief.”

  “Who’s takin’ care of ya?”

  “What?”

  “Who’s yer maid?”

  Will she laugh if I tell her the story about Lucy? I decide it’s better to keep quiet. “Nobody. I’m alone.”

  There she goes planting her hands on her hips again. She scoffs, too. “The nerve! They should have someone takin’ good care of ya.”

  “It’s okay. I’m used to providing for myself.”

  “Ya sure ya don’ need somebody?” Her eyes narrow.

  “I’m sure. But I do miss your company.”

  The double doors burst open and a man with an unkempt beard and round waist stares at both of us. “You two shouldn’t be here. Go on.”

  “See if I ever eat yer food again, Ray,” Daphne says.

  “Aw, c’mon.”

  She huffs, but in a cute way, like she’s flirting with him, and then storms off. I turn to see Ray’s arms still outstretched toward her.

  “Did you two…” I begin.

  He clears his throat. “Once upon a time, yes.” He looks from me to the direction in which Daphne left in a hurry. “Well, go on. Nothing to be seeing here.”

  I figure Daphne will be waiting in the nearest hallway, out of sight.

  She isn’t.

  It’s not until I reach my room that I find her sitting in one of the chairs on my balcony.

  “What was all that about?” I ask, approaching her and stopping in the doorway.

  “Nothin’,” she lies.

  “Mmhmm. I can see right through you. You know…if you hadn’t pranced off so quickly, I would’ve thought you two were just friends.”

  “Ya don’ know what yer talkin’ about.”

  “I know exactly what I’m talking about. And so do you. You have feelings for him. It’s
cute.”

  Her face glows when I say his name. “Ya think it’s cute?”

  “It’s always endearing to see two people who like each other do nothing but fight. And not even real fights. Like the one back there—fake.”

  “I’ve liked him for a while,” she confesses. “My work has kept me in another part of the castle, so we can’t see each other.”

  “You two could sneak. It’d be romantic. Like, forbidden love.”

  Her eyes expand to an unnatural size, cheeks flush. “Oh, that’s excitin’. What should I do?”

  “Leave him a note. You know where his quarters are, right?”

  “Yes,” she says dreamily.

  “Good. Slip it under his door so when he retires to his room tonight, he’ll see it.”

  Daphne agrees it’s a good idea, but she’s still in her euphoric state. I only hope it works out for them, because that’s the only trick I can think of right now; I need to focus on what I’ll say to King Zarek after the banquet.

  37.

  Daphne stays to help me prepare for dinner. She says if I want to impress the King, I have to look my best, and that tonight is the night. She makes it sound like we’re about to engage in a sullied action.

  “Where do they have you working now?” I ask.

  She twirls a strand of my hair around the long piece of iron. “Mendin’ clothes. Between us, I miss doin’ this.”

  “I bet it’s a lot easier.”

  “Yeah.” She sighs peacefully. “And the days are shorter.”

  “Even though I want to be with my family again, I’m still going to miss this place.”

  “Do ya ever think you’ll come back ta visit?” She combs through my curls, creating a softer wave.

  “I hope so. You should come visit me, too.”

  “I will, miss. As soon as I get the money.” With one small fluff, she says, “There. Yer ready.”

  It might be her best work yet.

  “Wish me luck with whatever is up his sleeve.”

  “Good luck, miss. And thank ya for yer help with Ray. I’ll see ta it he gets that letter.”

  I wink. “Have fun.”

  She covers her mouth while giggling.

  In the dining hall, the silverware and dishes are still being set in their rightful places. Candles are lit, creating a soft glow across the room. Tapestries are lightly beaten to remove dust, and then cleaned with a damp cloth. Footmen stare at me, as if I don’t have any business here.