JEREMIAH

After the party, I stayed around to help the staff clean up. It was how I could get to spend time with Kenneth and not be scolded for it. I would help carry back dirty platters and what was left of the food all while making jokes with my friend. I had very limited time with Kenneth and I didn’t mind spending it helping with his work.

Just as I was coming back out from the kitchen a hand grabbed my shoulder. I jumped but relaxed when I saw who it was. Ky. “Don’t jump out of nowhere like that. Did you talk to the Princess about-”

He cut me off. “Yes, and she had no idea what I was talking about.” He crossed his arms over his chest and frowned at me. “I was coming to ask you if you’re sure you heard what you thought you heard.”

I crossed my arms just as defiantly as he did. “Yes I’m sure. Are you sure she wasn’t lying?”

“You didn’t talk to her. She couldn’t lie to save her life,” Malachi snorted. Ky was really good at seeing lies. It was one thing I’d never question about him. He could read even the slightest change in someone’s expression.

“Well, I know Master Ivar doesn’t say things unless he thinks they’re absolutes,” I replied. I scratched my head. “Do you think he has the wrong princess?”

My brother laughed. “Could be. I think we should tell Mother about this though.”

I let my arm drop back to my side. “She’s going to be mad that I was hiding from her.”

“We have more important things to worry about.”

I wanted to argue with him, but I couldn’t. If Ivar had this weird idea, our mother should know about it. I’ve been taught that every detail matters, even if it doesn’t seem like it's significant. Mother would know if it needed to be investigated further or not. I poked my head back into the kitchen to tell my friend I had to go and I followed Malachi. We headed to the western wing. The only residents in this wing were the royal family. Guards patrolled the halls more often than the other wings. We passed about three as we walked along. When we reached the queen’s chambers, Ky knocked on the dark wood door.

After a moment it cracked open. Mother softened when she saw it was us. She hated when anyone saw her in her day clothes. “Come in boys. I can’t imagine you’re visiting to tell me to sleep well. What is it?”

We stepped in and I shut the door behind me. I made sure it was locked. Father got up from where he sat as well to join us. “Good morning Malachi, Jeremiah.”

“Good morning Father,” I mumbled. Ky glanced over his shoulder to the door to double check it.

“What’s wrong?” Mother asked. Both our parents looked concerned. Father rested a gentle hand on Mother’s shoulder as they both waited for our response.

“Tell them Jer,” Ky nudged.

I recounted what I heard in the library that night. Mother didn’t look very pleased that I had been hiding from her but she didn’t scold me this time. Which was a relief. Ky retold his part as well. Father looked at Mother. Her eyes remained on the ground, her hand cupping her chin pensively.

“Do you think he was talking to-“ Mother whispered.

Father interrupted. “I surely hope not.” His frown deepened the lines in his face. “I should hope this isn’t as big as I think it is.”

“Ky, Jer, don’t tell anyone else about this,” Mother instructed. “The Princess might be in danger if too many people find out.”

“So she does have two blessings?” I asked. I felt my heart skip a beat.

Mother shook her head. “I don’t know. Rey would be the only one you could ask for certain, and you know how that old elf is.”

Ky audibly sighed and shoved his hands deep into his pockets. “Regardless if she has one or not, she doesn’t know how to use it. If she isn’t aware of it then it’s as if she only has one.”

“You will be spending the most time with her. Make sure to keep an eye out,” Father told him. He turned to me then. “And try to stay out of places you aren’t supposed to be. You can put yourself in a lot of danger.”

“Yes Father,” we said in unison.

As we left to go back to our respective rooms, I felt a chill down my spine. Was I truly put in danger by overhearing Ivar that night? I had been scared enough of him not to reveal my spot. What was a home if you couldn't feel safe?