The Queen of Stones

Chapter 7

Just like I did for Apollo, a few months ago I told Coldwell's daughter that she could choose her name and I would make sure that she would get it. This time it will be even easier since now I am the queen and have complete access to the votes. I just have to change the result.

"I want to be named Clementine," she says smiling. "It is from a movie that I⎯" She interrupts herself, overflowing in excitement. "Speaking of movies, I just got this new one. You guys have to see it with me today. I'm sorry, I have watched it already, but I couldn't wait."

Apollo laughs and leans in to kiss her cheek, but stops himself in the way, knowing that there are probably people watching.

"Clementine is a wonderful name and I will make sure you get it." I lick my lips. "However, I am not sure if I'll be able to watch a movie today. I'm very tired."

"Oh Adelaide, I know you don't care about movies," Clementine says shaking her head. This is probably the hundredth time I turn her down. "But you have to watch this one with us."

"Yeah, stop avoiding fun, Adelaide," Apollo says trying to imitate an angry look.

"I will consider it," I say. "In fact, I was wondering how much you pay for your movies. You buy them from the Cleaner, right?"

"Oh yes, he is really nice," she replies. "Always brings me what I've asked for and sometimes, when I don't know what to choose, he suggests great movies."

The Cleaner is the only position to preserve Earth that we still have in Asteria. Back in the day, the Cleaner was responsible for maintaining the balance between the number of people on Earth and of people on Asteria. However, now is just a facade so, if anyone claims that the crown is not doing anything for Earth, we can say that there is a Cleaner, even though he is more known inside the palace for bringing things from Earth to those who can pay, since we don't have a carrier. I don't even think I know who he is.

"That's nice of him," I say. "But how much do you pay?"

"Oh, sorry, I forgot," Clementine says. "I pay about 500 geads."

"Wow, that's a lot of money." Apollo gasps.

"It really is," I say. "You could buy a house with that money."

"A small house," Apollo says. "But still a house."

Clementine blushes. "Well, he is the only one who can go to Earth and bring these movies."

"Yeah, he probably knows that he can ask for any amount and people will still pay," Apollo says shifting his position. "Anyways, why do you want to buy movies?"

"Well, Davi's birthday is coming and I honestly have no idea of what to give him."

"You don't know what to give Davi?" Apollo says with wide eyes and raised eyebrows. "How could you not know? He spends the entire day on ⎯"

"Lady Coldwell," a guard says approaching us. "Your father, the Duke of Morwen, requests to speak with you."

Clementine's shoulders fall. "I'll be back in a minute."

She stands up and walks towards her father, who is standing near the food table. I and Apollo watch as her father starts to reprehend her about something while she analyzes the floor.

"Her father doesn't like me very much," Apollo says looking away from the scene.

"Well, the Duke of Morwen is always in the gentlemen's room at night," I say looking at Apollo. "So, he knows very well what happens in there."

"Adelaide, you know I'm never in the gentlemen's room at night." Apollo looks straight into my eyes. "I haven't been to those parties in years."

I raise my eyebrows.