Over the Sea [Dual Trilogy Book 1]

Maggie

I pulled out the last of the baked vegetables from the ovens, and dished them out on the eight--no, seven plates. Taking a deep breath, I used my wrists to push back the stray grey-brown hairs falling out of my bun before adding the stewed beef and potatoes.

"Jana!" I called. "These plates are ready to be served."

The little woman dashed into the kitchen with wide eyes. "I just heard they are in a meeting."

"Well." I looked down at the plates, and made my mind. I kept the fires low, and placed the plates on the highest racks to keep the food warm. "Do they seem to be nearing the end of the meeting?"

"Samuel told me he thinks not. He said they have been arguing for at least an hour." She came closer, eyes wide with excitement. "He also said Prince Kano stormed out, muttering it wasn't worth losing his dinner."

As if on cue, the tall prince walked through the door. "Maggie, have I ever told you how good your food is?" His smile didn't quite reach his eyes.

"Your Highness." Jana and I bowed. "Do you really think I would starve you and your family? Or disgrace this castle with food that has no taste?"

"You certainly hold the power." He sat down on a bar stool at the end of the counter.

I hoped my smile was kind while I shoved a plate in his direction. "Eat up, Your Highness. Should I send Jana up with dinner?"

He shoved potatoes in his mouth and swallowed. "Probably not. I'm not sure when they'll reach a decision." He continued eating. 

I began cleaning the kitchen while he ate. After a few minutes, I looked down at his plate and raised an eyebrow. "Would you like seconds?"

This time, his smile was genuine. "Maggie, nothing would make me happier." 

I winked and got to work, reheating the ovens and stove, putting more potatoes and beef into the pots and preparing the pans of vegetables. I turned around and noticed a bag around his shoulder, and a dark blue traveling cloak lying over his arm. 

"You are going somewhere, Your Highness?"

He nodded. "I don't think I can handle another minute in that room. I'm taking Zale for a ride. Don't really have a destination in mind."

"Prince Kano, you are not one to storm out of rooms when the room becomes a raging sea storm. Pardon my prodding, but what troubles you?"

He tilted his head. "I know you only care, Maggie, but I think Father wouldn't want me giving away too many details."

I tilted mine in return.

He sighed. "He's so keen to reach a decision about... matters that involve King Ronam." He raised his arm and a stream of water floated out of the sink towards his open hand. It moved in various shapes: long spirals, multiple droplets. I didn't pay attention to this display of power. I watched his face; the creases in his forehead went away and his jaw loosened. His shoulders lowered and his eyes became larger. Even his frown had a slight lift. "He's strongly considering taking these people up on their offer. And I think it's the worst idea. Not only because of the morality behind it, but these people... they're not genuine. They're fooling my father into some game, using my brother's death to benefit them. And he's buying into it."

His eyes became unfocused and distant as he held a conversation with Lily in his mind. I walked over to check on the food. "It's almost ready, Your Highness."