Then she explained, “Callum has been kind of busy. He hasn’t had time to tell me about the ways of your people and my people are very different. So, if you would, could you tell me what’s happening here because I need to understand it so I can…” Sonia trailed off, not knowing what to say then found her words. “Be a good queen.”
It sounded lame but the hope built in Maraleena’s eyes and, obviously not a woman who needed a lot of coaxing to talk, she did so.
“Well, you see, as King Callum’s mate you can decide to take the running of the castle, you know, the cooking and cleaning and stuff. Queen Regan did it for King Mac.” When she stopped, Sonia smiled and nodded encouragingly for her to go on and the hope dimmed as she began to get nervous but she sallied forth. “But, you see, this is my duty to my king but it’s also…” She hesitated. “My job. King Callum pays me to do it and Drogan and I just bought a bigger cottage because our pups are growing and we need the money so if you –”
“You can keep your job,” Sonia cut in swiftly and the light flared bright in Maraleena’s eyes before she pulled a surprised Sonia in her arms and hugged her.
“Really?” she cried then went on before Sonia could reply. “Oh, I’m so happy! I’d been so worried since I heard he claimed you.” She pulled back and looked at Sonia. “Drogan said we shouldn’t get that cottage because we never knew when the king would find his mate and if she’d want the running of the castle.” She beamed. “But I told him not to worry. I had a feeling all would be well and now you’re here and you’re so tiny and pretty and nice. And, I know it may sound crazy but I love my job, I love this castle and it’s an honor for anyone to be of service to our king.” She pulled Sonia in her arms and gave her another fierce hug with a whispered, “Thank you.”
Sonia hugged her back thinking she would like Maraleena which was something good in a world that looked pretty dreary and replied, “You’re welcome.”
Maraleena let her go and jumped up, quickly resuming work. “You better finish your breakfast. It’ll get cold and King Callum said you had to finish every bite.”
There it was. A reminder of her dreary world.
Sonia resumed her place in bed with her tray and she stared at the black patties.
“What’s this?” she asked, forking one up and showing it to Maraleena.
“Black sausage,” Maraleena answered after glancing at it and before zipping up another bag and setting it aside.
Something about her answer, though it probably wasn’t her answer, it was probably hysteria, caused Sonia to start giggling but she spoke through her laughter, “I can see that, Maraleena. It’s definitely black and it looks like a kind of sausage but what is it?”
Maraleena grinned at her again and said, “Black sausage, blood sausage, you know, sausage made out of blood.”
Sonia paled.
Maraleena laughed.
“It’s really good. Try it,” Maraleena coaxed.
Sonia gulped.
“Honestly, try it,” Maraleena prompted. “I only get the best in. You’ll love it. King Callum does.”
Of course Callum would love sausage made out of blood. He’d probably drink blood if he could.
Wanting to be a good queen and nice to Maraleena, wincing the whole time, Sonia nibbled at the patty.
It was delicious.
So she decided she hated it.
“Isn’t it lovely?” Maraleena asked with a smile in her voice, watching Sonia closely.
“Yes. Lovely,” Sonia agreed, made a comical face, Maraleena burst out laughing again and got back to work.
As she did so, Sonia forced down too much food that she didn’t want even though she hadn’t eaten in ages. Alternately, when she could get a word in edgewise, she chatted with Maraleena as the woman finished with two more suitcases.
It was while Sonia was gulping down the last bit of toast with a sip of coffee that Callum arrived.
Sonia looked at him and her heart leaped into her throat.
He was wearing the chocolate brown corduroy shirt she bought him for Christmas over jeans that fit him well and a pair of brown boots.
Since yesterday he’d had his hair trimmed but he’d also shaved off the beard.
Completely.