The Last Dragon King (Kings of Avalier #1)(23)

I scrubbed quickly, making sure to get the healing wound at my back, which I could now barely feel. I wanted to hurry, not wanting to soak in the man’s blood that I’d killed. When I was finished, I got out and donned the clean blue cotton dress that was folded on the chair and the golden tinted leather sandals that were a half size too big. I looked like I was going for a stroll in a garden. How a proper lady should dress, I supposed.

There was a hairbrush, scented perfume, and makeup on the counter that I wanted nothing to do with. I wouldn’t know how to put on makeup. My mother never bought it or wore it, but I did brush my long hair; otherwise it would knot up. I’d had a moment to think now about how ungrateful I must have seemed to Narine about not wanting to marry the king. In her mind, even being considered would be a great honor, and I needed to be more grateful. He was in fact paying five hundred jade coins just to have me here for a moon’s time. I decided to go in search of Narine to apologize and possibly explain my side of things.

It was not easy to be ripped from your home into a new land with an expectation that you might marry a stranger and carry his children—even if that stranger was your king. Not to mention that my mother had warned me he might kill me if he detected my magic which had yet to present itself. I had good reason for saying what I said, but she didn’t know that.

I stepped out of the washroom and through a hallway before I came out into the living room. I was about to open my mouth and call out Narine’s name when I heard her voice coming from the front entryway.

“My girl won’t stop crying, I don’t know what to do,” an unfamiliar voice said.

“My girl doesn’t even want to be here or get married. So I can kiss my prize money goodbye,” Narine called back to her.

Prize money?

“Oh, Narine, I’m so sorry. I know how much you needed that money to pay for your little sister’s wedding.”

Narine growled, “Doesn’t matter anyway. No matter how well we do their hair and makeup, and teach them to be proper, the king will pick the most powerful one anyway.”

“Annabeth gave us both Cinder girls. She must hate us.”

Narine snickered. I’d heard enough.

I cleared my throat loudly and Narine jumped three feet into the air, slamming the front door shut and facing me with her head hung low in shame.

“My lady! There’s no excuse for what you heard. I’m so sorry and—”

I waved her off. “What prize money? Is that why you were so upset with me? You get some prize money if the king picks me?”

She swallowed hard, her brown eyes meeting mine, and nodded. “As an encouragement for the maids to do our best in preparing you to meet the king and get through the competition, Annabeth has promised the winning maid one hundred jade coins prize money.”

I nodded. That made sense why she’d suddenly gotten so pissy when I’d said I didn’t even want to get married.

“And you need the money to marry off your sister?” I asked.

I knew weddings were different here in Jade City. A much bigger, more elaborate affair.

She nodded, chewing her lip. “My mom passed in childbirth. Dad died two winters back serving in the king’s army. I raise my sister alone, so it falls to me to pay for her wedding.”

Well, Hades, if that wasn’t going to make me feel bad, nothing would. I could relate. I took care of my family too. My mom’s payments as a midwife were sporadic. There just weren’t babies’ born routinely enough in Cinder Village.

I frowned. “I’m sorry. I can see now how it would have upset you to meet me, and the first thing out of my mouth is that I hope I do not win the king’s heart.”

She shook her head. “Still, there is no excuse for what you overheard me say. If Annabeth knew—”

I scoffed. “I’m no snitch! Your secret is safe with me. We all need to vent to someone. I’m glad you have a friend.”

Her head snapped up as shock ran across her features. “You’re not mad? You won’t tell?”

I shrugged. “I mean, I don’t love that you made girls from Cinder sound like bottom feeders, but nah, I’m not mad.” I collapsed onto the couch and kicked my feet up onto the little table in front of it.

She sighed in relief. “Thank you, my lady. I’ll be more respectful from now on, I promise. And nothing against Cinder Village. I just assumed they wouldn’t have the most magically powerful women there since it’s mostly full of humans and half-breeds.”

Cinder was known for that, so I couldn’t be mad at that assumption.

I rubbed my chin. “I’m assuming there will be fancy balls and dinners I’ll go to?”

Her eyes lit up. “Oh, yes, miss. Annabeth has coordinated multiple events to help the king get to know all of the ladies present.”

“And I assume I will be given a fancy dress for such occasions?” I motioned to the day dress I wore now. Even though it was only cotton, it was dyed an expensive shade of blue; ruffles at the neckline and hem were fancy detailing we didn’t do in everyday dresses in Cinder Village.

She bobbed her head eagerly. “Oh yes, I’m supposed to take you to the dressmaker now so that she can get your measurements.”

I grinned and stood. “Then I’ll tell you what. Each and every dress I get or any other gift, I will wear once and then give to you so that you can sell it to help pay for your sister’s wedding.”