And What I Found There - Book Two

8. Every One of Us Has Messed Up Too

 I frown as I pick at the food on my plate with my fork, it all looks fantastic, but it doesn't smell appealing and it really tastes like ash and dust, ugh...disgusting. I feel so lightheaded from not eating and drinking but I just can't gag anything down, I feel like I'll throw up if I do.

"So how is training coming?" King Darious of Spades asks me, it's dinnertime and, as usual, I'm everyone's favorite topic to discuss.

I smile a bit. "It's coming along pretty good, I think." My voice is still hoarse from earlier, but I don't think anyone notices. "In fact, Quill taught me how to control element earth and I managed to make a -"

"Grand!" The Queen of Hearts cuts in. "Speaking of which, I think it would be wise if someone from the Court sits in on little lamb's training sessions! Just that way we know what to prepare for."

"Why would we do that?" Queen Eastyn of Diamonds asks. "We've never done that before. That'd be intrusive and distracting for the girl."

"Well, we have never had an issue like this one before," the Queen of Hearts points at me with her knife.

I frown and look out the window, captivated by the soothing, beckoning darkness...

"True," King Darious of Spades says. "It might not be an entirely bad idea if one of us pops in on one or two of the Alice's sessions."

"But who has the time?" His husband objects with an eyeroll. "I mean, we all have plenty of work to do daily."

"I can attest to that!" The jolly Queen of Clubs laughs.

"Well," the Queen of Hearts pipes up. "Why not let one of our Princesses or Princes watch for us? We all know they could use some more training," she chuckles and glances at her daughter. "What about my fair baby angel?" Adisonia glares at her mother, Mummy's eyes flash in response as she strokes the Princess's head as if she's a cat. Freaks. I shudder.

"Oh?" Queen Lyna of Diamonds raises an eyebrow. "But really, my Prince is already watching and even teaching Alice -"

"But he is a White Knight apprentice." The Queen of Hearts cuts back in.

"Does it matter?" Queen Eastyn of Diamonds nearly snaps. "Quill is still the Prince of Diamonds and if his mentor agrees to this... bothersome idea of yours, then Quill can inform the Court of the Alice's training progression."

Whew, I thought for a second there that Little Miss I Have an Attitude was going to be spying on me.

"I hardly think he'll do." The Queen of Hearts sniffs.

"I beg your pardon?" Queen Eastyn of Diamonds demands.

"I just said I hardly think the Prince of Diamonds will -"

"Enough." Cornelius says quietly yet everyone stops their bickering. "I think that the Queens of Diamonds are correct. We already have a member of the Court watching and reviewing Adara's training. If you all suddenly have an interest in Alice affairs, then I would suggest speaking with the Prince of Diamonds yourselves for details."

Quill blushes as everyone turns to stare at him.

The Queen of Hearts scoffs. "Oh please, your apprentice is hardly a member of the Royal Court."

"What?" Queen Eastyn of Diamonds snaps. "Quill is just as much of the Court as your daughter."

"Oh, I don't think so..." She takes a sip of wine before going on. "The Prince isn't even your real son -"