i just might love you (a hosie royalty au)

Part 22: "They're taking bets in the kitchen."

A/n: hope none of u saw the chapter I accidentally published OOPS.
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Lurking in the shadows wasn't always a favourite pastime of one raven haired troublemaker. Granted, she loved the gossip it allowed for her to eavesdrop on. You'd be surprised the amount of things people give away, whether through their body language or speech. When people aren't trying to hide anything, they reveal so much. The sous-chef has a crush on the stable boy, the third footman used to have a gambling problem, and Lord Vardemus had many secret mistresses. Okay, he wasn't married and it was mostly a guess. But the amount of letters he received, and the way Penelope caught him sneaking around sometimes, she couldn't help but to think it was odd. Or at least her instincts told her so. Just as they had directed her to lurk outside of King Niklaus's office on this very night. She may have also heard Raphael and Landon discussing the creepy circumstances of their next "test". She had not been able to sneak into the King's office before he got there, and no one seemed to know what this test was. A shovel talk, to see if they would crack under pressure? Klaus was intimidating even at his worst (best). Poison? That would probably get the King in more trouble than even he would want to be in. He was unpredictable at times; volatile. The bakers were taking bets on who would survive, but Penelope had turned down the offer to join in. Whatever puzzle they were to be presented with, she doubted the ability of everyone here, choosing to save her coin rather than squander it. Okay fine, they didn't allow her to bet against everyone, but saving money in this economy? Always a plus.

A guard approached, leading Jed to the door and then opening it for him. The knight was dressed in simple clothes, allowing for flexibility if necessary. He was probably hoping for some test of his athleticism. Before he entered, he took a big breath, keeping his chest puffed up as he took the first few steps in. The guard turned around once the doors had been shut, jumping slightly and touching the hilt of his sword before he realized it was Penelope.

"All hells ma'am," He said, looking back over his shoulder at the door before turning fully to her. "I wish I could stay and see what happens. Regale us once you're through?"

"They're taking bets in the kitchen." She motioned to the door to the passageway down the hall. "I'll be delivering the news there first, where are you posted?"

"East tower, but I'm getting rotated out at last light. It can't go on that long right?"

"Who knows." Penelope shrugged. They exchanged a smile that only those who had suffered through a deployment under King Niklaus could understand. "I can get a runner to tell you if anyone dies."

"I'm sure the walls will know by then." He smiled, then nodded his head. His face returned to stoicism as he walked off. Was his name Jake? Jacob? He was kind of cute, maybe Penelope would look him up later. But this wasn't the time for that. She turned her attention back to the door, melting further into the shadows, without magic of course. No, using magic this close to the King was a death sentence. Especially after the siege debacle. Her brethren were still feeling the consequences, she was not. Hope's friendship couldn't get her out of another mishap... But Hope was also the reason there was trouble to begin with. Sometimes she could get so focused on winning. But it wasn't the glory, it was the preservation of life. It would've taken too long, it would have costed too many lives within and outside the walls. Penelope only had one regret, and that is not acting fast enough. Surely avenging something lost would've meant something to the King? Perhaps changed his view. Alas, an opportunity missed. She shook her head then, focusing on the room in front of her. She couldn't hear anything. Then, muffled voices began to rise, and someone was stomping towards the doors. They flung open, Jed storming out with tears running down his face.

Okay, that's weird. Before the doors closed she was able to peak inside the room, unable to see any contraptions or cups or anything strange. Niklaus was just sitting at his desk, a neutral expression on his face as he shuffled around the papers in front of him.