The Picture of Hilarity
“What have I told you about drawing, Aileana?”
My tutor’s voice was filled with reproach as I glanced at him, the tiny piece of charcoal momentarily forgotten in my fingers. Black dust coated my pale skin, providing ample evidence of my crime.
I dropped the charcoal as though it was on fire, hiding my black hands in my skirts. The gown’s fabric was ratty and torn; the hem reaching no further than my ankles. I wondered if the king would find it within him to give me a new gown. This one was tight and made it hard to breathe.
Sighing, I closed my eyes as I recited the reproof I knew was coming. “His Illustrious Majesty High King Edgar gives me charcoal to learn my letters so that I can be a good wife to Prince Remington when the time comes.”
“And?”
“And it is my duty to be able to read and write. Charcoal is not to be used for frivolous activities like sketching.”
Orvyn ran his hand down his face, grimacing. He shook his head. “You are correct, Aileana. Now, give it to me.”
Frowning, I placed the charcoal in his waiting palm. I watched, eyes wide, as he slid it into his pocket.
“Do you… do you have to tell the king when he comes to see me?” My voice cracked on the last word as I instinctively flinched at the thought of seeing the king again.
I despised the way my voice sounded weak and wobbly. I was ten, for Kydona’s sake. This was beneath me. I should have been able to control my emotions by now.
It had been three weeks and five days since the last time the King visited me in my tower. That meant he was due for a visit two days from now.
Only two days.
Orvyn winced, and I didn’t need any words. He and I both knew what would happen when the king found out I had disobeyed him. My tutor’s eyes were lined with pity as he studied me. “You know I do.”
My eyes filled with tears, but I shut my lips and nodded. There was no use crying over what was to come. After all, I couldn’t do anything to change it.
I was the king’s pet, and I belonged to him.
* * *
“Aileana, wake up.”
Warm hands shook my shoulders as pain ripped through my muscles. Every single part of my body was sore, including ones I had no idea existed.
Wincing, I rubbed my eyes. It was still dark, but the sun was beginning to peek through the trees just outside the cavern.
“What’s going on?” I asked, my voice raspy.
Xander was sitting across from me, his legs outstretched before him. He was eyeing me, his head tilted to the side as though I was a puzzle he was trying to figure out. “You were crying out in your sleep.”
I sucked in a breath as remnants of my dream came back to me. “It was a painful memory.” I shrugged. There was no need for him to know that nightmares plagued me more often than not. I added as an afterthought, “Thank you for waking me.”
“Of course.” He nodded, a thoughtful look in his eyes. “Do you want to talk about it?”
“Not really.” I wasn’t ready to give my nightmares a voice. Not yet. Maybe not ever. His mouth twitched downwards, and I hurried to add. “It’s not you. I just…” Coughing, I shuffled on my feet. “Is there somewhere I could take care of my needs? Alone?”
Understanding filled his eyes moments before the blood rushed to his cheeks. “Oh yes, of course. There is a clearing just beyond the grove of trees near the river. I’ll take you.”
We walked in silence, and Xander was the perfect gentleman while I emptied my bladder. He kept his back to me, only turning once I said, “Thank you, I’m done.”
Having relieved myself, I bent before a river running through the clearing. Reaching in, I began to wash my fingers in the running water when footsteps came from behind me.
Moments later, Xander came and knelt next to me. He ran the water through his fingers, splashing it on his face. “Are you feeling better?”
I nodded, relishing the way the cool water felt as it ran through my fingers. “Yes, thank you.”