Chapter Twenty-Nine

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I seems a long minute before I pick up my leaden feet to exit the library. Vaguely, as I leave, I realize I've left the books I was studying strewn about the small room, but my determination keeps me from returning to tidy the books. My movements are slow but determined as I move silently down the tower stairs. One singular thought dominates my mind until I reach the base of the stairs, where I am met by Aeryn.

"Onyx!" she exclaims. "The queen--" She stops abruptly, noting the look on my face. "Are you well?"

It takes me a moment to register what she's said. "What does the queen require?"

"You don't look well," Aeryn evades my question. "I'll tell the queen--" She turns to leave but I grasp her wrist.

"What does she ask of me?" I ask again.

"She has asked you to attend a private dinner with the king and herself, but if you aren't well, then I can tell her so." Her persistence is admirable, and I manage a small smile in response.

"I do not know when I will be well again," I say quietly. "Besides, I must speak to the king. What time do they dine?"

"An hour from now," Aeryn answers quickly. "But Onyx, you really don't look well."

"Do I not?" I quirk an eyebrow and grin, but she is not so naive, frowning at me skeptically.

She stands surveying me for a minute, but I keep my fake smile strong until she concedes, shrugging. "Her majesty requests that you dress formally."

I frown. "I've changed my mind. I'm deathly ill."

Aeryn laughs lightly, a lovely sound. "I've picked a minimal gown for you."

I smile, genuinely. "Thank you, Aeryn."

"Doesn't it seem odd?"

I've nearly slipped back into my thoughts when Aeryn's question reaches my ears. "What?"

"Zuri," she clarifies. "She dislikes you, and yet she would go so far as to ask you to dinner."

"Perhaps it is Leandry asking through her."

With no reply to this, we traverse through the castle quickly, Aeryn's quick, short steps keeping up with my long, casual ones. We return to my room, which I have been given as a guest of the king, and I find the minimal gown strewn across my bed. The gown is forest green in color, with silver trim, but otherwise unadorned. I am grateful for Aeryn's understanding of my simple taste in clothing. I undress and dress quickly, the words I must speak to the king playing over and over in my mind.

I nearly forget Aeryn's constant presence, as she helps me tie my hair half back in a pair of waterfall braids. She pokes several small, white flowers into my hair. While I am grateful for Aeryn's attention to detail, I care very little of my appearance, only the words I must speak.

Lost in my thoughts, time passes like a blur and the time comes for me to depart for dinner. Once more, Aeryn asks, "Are you sure you're alright?"

I smile, a weak attempt at a positivity that I do not feel. "I may never be alright."

I stand from my seat where Aeryn has finished plaiting my hair, subconsciously grateful that I can carry my blades with me at all times, unencumbered by a belt and sheathes. The dress swishes around my legs quietly as I walk in a sort of daze through the castle, my footsteps inaudible beneath the light folds.

Having memorized the layout of the castle in days previous, I have no trouble finding the private dining quarters of the king and queen. I find the door to the small, exquisitely furnished dining room left ajar for me. A servant I do not recognize closes the door behind me as I stand before the king and queen, who are already seated. I curtsy more politely than I ever have before, my movement slow and graceful. The king, acknowledging my respectful demeanor with a nod, motions wordlessly for me to sit at a chair where another servant obediently waits to seat me.

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