A Fool's Tale

Chapter 35 - A Damning Confession

Pickles eyed me after we entered. "What's wrong with you? You're acting all jumpy."

"I don't know. I guess I'm nervous about performing for the king."

"We can still switch it up if you want."

"No," I snapped. "I'll be fine."

"See, that's what I'm saying." She laughed at my discomfort. "I know there's something else going on."

I shook my head. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Fine, keep your secrets. This place is getting boring anyways. If you've got something in your pocket to liven it up, then Pickles is ready to enjoy the surprise." Her mouth creased with a maniacal grin before settling back to a more mischievous smile.

I winced at how close she'd come to the truth and wondered if she'd actually noticed the odd lump in my tunic or it was just a coincidental play on words.

Kyla seemed relaxed today, and wasn't acting in character as Pickles at the moment. She kicked her feet up on the table and asked me where my uncle's farm was, and how I'd ended up at Castle Brimstone. I answered her questions, and also told her about the glade I met Talia, and that she'd taught me how to read. My responses were distracted, as I was worried about the king, although I did notice Kyla seemed somewhat troubled when I told her my memories of the glade and Talia. It surprised me, as I'd expected her to warn me once again about not trusting royalty. Perhaps she was finally realizing they weren't all so bad.

I paced around the room anxiously as we talked, and when Gilles knocked at the door I sprang toward it, bursting into the dining hall. I assumed that Pickles was behind me, but didn't look. I was focused on the head table and tumbled into the room, maneuvering quickly to the royal family.

The seating arrangements were different then the first feast. King Roland and Queen Vivien were still at the centre, but Malacor was beside the Queen and Serpen Rose to the left of the king. I frowned. It seemed the advisor had somehow ensured he would be next to King Roland. Fortunately, Talia had managed to get a chair beside the advisor. She caught my eye when I entered and gave me a subtle nod of encouragement. I took it as a sign that Serpen hadn't done anything untoward during the cocktails and relief flooded through me. Best of all, with Talia sitting beside him, I was confident I could focus on entertaining the guests for a while.

I capered along the left side of the table and helped myself to bits of food from the guest's plates. Some of them saw me coming and protectively guarded their appetizers. I grinned madly and was quick to tease those who hoarded their meals.

When I approached Serpen his face grew sour and he made a shooing motion with his hand. "Get away from me, fool." He bristled.

The advisor turned toward Talia and leered. "Don't worry my dear, I shall ensure he doesn't bother you."

A nauseous look flashed across her face, but she quickly hid it behind a fake smile. "Thank you, Master Rose. You are too kind."

From what I could see, Serpen didn't seem to be paying any attention to the king's goblet and I wondered if he'd changed his plan after being seated next to Talia.

At that moment, Malacor rose from his seat. "Good evening," he called out in an authoritative voice. "Seeing as it is our last night here I would like to call your attention to a small illusion I have created as a final farewell to our most gracious hosts." He nodded toward King Roland and Queen Vivien.

The room grew quiet in eager anticipation. His last illusion had been impressive, and although it had offended the king, the castle folk had talked about it for days afterward.