Flowers
Kate Fernandez
“Now, Cara,” Miss said, a note of warning in her voice. “I want
to make it abundantly clear regarding what I expect from you. It’s
not every day the king visits.” Miss proceeded to outline precisely
how she wanted me perform, down to the number of inches my
rear was to be from the ground when I curtseyed.
Bored by her lecture, I ignored her and turned to evaluate the
gray sky. It had rained yesterday and for most of the night, and the
result was a wet muddle, no matter where one travelled in Jarn.
Gloomy clouds hung low in the atmosphere, threatening future
showers.
“Gods above, Cara. Are you listening?” Miss’ sharp voice
cut through my musings, scattering them like the crows bronzeskinned Asim was pursuing. Before I could respond, Miss directed her attention towards another of her adopted children. “Asim,
stop that this instant!”
Asim, proud as ever, turned towards Miss with one dark eyebrow cocked rebelliously. He loved to invite her wrath, and he was
my first choice whenever my plans to cause disorder required a
partner.
“Come here, Asim,” Daleen commanded. Sixteen and beautiful, she was the oldest of Miss’ seven charges, myself included.
Her blond hair was intricately braided, and a wreath of flowers
and pink ribbons graced her forehead as if she were fairy princess.
When Asim presented himself before her, Daleen began to reprimand him for his mischief.
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