Mercy, do they grow them extra tall here?
“Sorry,” I say as I scoop soup into his bowl. “I didn’t see you there.”
The warrior grunts, but I catch the hint of a smile.
As I move down the line of men, I wonder if this is what it feels like to be a mouse surrounded by giraffes. The gods couldhave given me some height. Then, I wouldn’t come to Cenric’s chest. I would be taller, more noticeable. Maybe then, he’d actually kiss me.
I shake my head, pushing away the foolish daydream. It’s not like a few extra inches would suddenly make him notice me.
I pause when I come across a familiar face.
Luc!
Like Cenric, his cousin, he has always been kind to my family, especially Kassandra.
Mirth twinkles in Luc’s eyes as he grins at me. “Well, well, look who it is. It’s Evie Bee. Cenric didn’t tell me you were here. Is your sister here too?”
I nearly snort at the use of my old nickname as I ladle soup into his bowl. “It’s just me. Kassandra’s back home.”
“Did you come all the way here to see me?” Luc teases.
“Yes, I trekked across half of Tarrobane, fell in a mud puddle, and nearly got myself killed just to bask in your presence.”
Luc’s eyebrows shoot up. “Mud puddle? Killed? Sounds like you’ve had quite the adventure.”
“Oh, you know me.” I wave my hand dismissively. “I live for danger and adventure, and nothing says adventure like being covered in mud.”
“Clearly.” He smirks. “Tell me, does this new life of excitement involve serving soup?”
I brandish my spoon like a sword. “I’ll have you know this is a very dangerous weapon. One wrong move and I could slightly inconvenience someone with a warm, tasty meal.”
The corners of Luc’s mouth twitch, like he’s fighting the urge to smile again. “Truly terrifying. I quake in my boots at the thought.”
“As you should.”
Luc’s expression softens. “It’s good to see you, Everly. How’s your family?”
The question sobers me as memories of our dilapidated cottage flashes through my mind. The leaking roof, the drafty windows, the creaky floorboards. “They’re...managing.”
It’s the truth, but it pains me to admit it out loud. We’ve always struggled, but lately it seems like the weight of poverty is crushing us slowly.
“And Kassandra? She’s well?”
My heart swells at the mention of my sister.
“As well as can be expected,” I say, trying to keep my tone light. “Still causing trouble and charming her way out of it.”
“Tell her I said hello when you write to her.”
“I will. Though, I might leave out the part where I threatened you with my deadly spoon. I wouldn’t want her to worry about your safety.”
He smiles. “Your secret’s safe with me.”
I move on to the next person in line, a burly warrior with a beard that could house a family of birds, possibly a possum, and a tiny raccoon. As I scoop soup into his bowl, I wonder if he’s ever lost anything in that facial forest.
Maybe a dagger or a gold coin?
The next man in line has arms like thick logs. I’m convinced he could snap my ladle in two just by looking at it. I give him an extra portion, partly out of respect and partly out of fear.
