Twenty-five

Three weeks have passed since I returned to Korgenyegia hidden inside the bench of a carriage. Both Cam and Otreg have kept me hidden and fed. Otreg has even snuck me into my room to bathe. They kept me posted on Unda's plans for Zargis which were to be wed as soon as possible.

It just so happens that day is today. I watched from inside a wall thousands upon thousands of people file into the throne room where the ceremony would be held. All of Korgenyegia was invited and they were to dance all night in celebration of their King's reunion with Unda. Some people were talking happily, while others seemed wary of what was taking place.

Otreg had shown me which paths to take and made sure I remembered before now since he was supposed to be Zargis's best man. So, I was alone, waiting for the right moment to blend myself in with the crowd. It was hard because I didn't know most of Zargis's people and I didn't want to awkwardly jump into a group and introduce myself either. So, I waited.

Luckily, a few of Cam's friends appeared and I hurried out of my hiding spot and sidled up beside them, instantly jumping into their conversation while I looked about. I couldn't see the throne room yet, as people were still in front of us, but I was anxious.

Finally, we entered and I nearly choked on the perfume of flowers Unda had picked out. It was way too strong, and to my surprise, others didn't seem to like it either. Besides the horrible flowers, banners were strung in pinks and whites. Streamers lined the doorways and the arch the couple would be standing beneath. The dais, where the throne of fire rested, was now decorated with pink petals and another, much feminine chair. I gawked at what Unda was considering for a throne. It was more a child's plaything because it had feathers and sparkles and it was just so pink!

The music started as soon as everyone was inside and we all turned to wait for the bride. I glanced back to find Zargis and Otreg standing by the alter, both wearing just black slacks to let their wings show for the occasion. I was awed by Zargis's wings, red and black. Otreg's wings were silver and white. It was hard to tell where one color started and the other ended, but they were beautiful. I could only imagine what his dragon would look like.

Gasps could be heard and I thought the musicians faltered a moment before resuming smoothly. When I saw Unda, I understood why. I put a hand to my mouth to hide a giggle. She looked like a large pink bird. She had on a veil of pink, a crown of pink feathers, and her dress seemed to be made of feathers and lace. It was the most ridiculous outfit I had ever seen.

We were told to be seated once Unda was beside Zargis. Otreg caught my eye and I nodded, then focused on the couple. Unda kept Zargis's hand in hers and seemed anxious about something. I wasn't sure since she couldn't know I was here. But I saw her looking around, then looking at the priest and doing a hand motion to speed him up. He ignored her, probably so he didn't have to hide his laughter.

After a long speech and the vows, the priest offered anyone to give objection to the ceremony. The couple glanced at us, the audience. Unda was glaring, daring anyone to stop her victory.

I smiled and stood. "I'm sorry, Sir. I don't mean to be rude to anyone, especially on a special day like this, but I just can't approve of our King being married to a large pink bird!"

There was laughter all around me as Zargis's eyes came into focus and he slowly smiled. Otreg did his job and held Unda back as Zargis came to me through the crowd and hauled me into his arms. "You're back!" he breathed in my ear.

"I am."

He pulls back and cups my face with both hands. "I don't understand. Last I knew, I was talking to Unda. Then, you're calling her a large bird!"

I smile. "I'll explain everything, I promise. Just let me have the pleasure of doing something with said large bird?"

He kisses me and I melt. Sensations I can't explain run around in my body until he pulls away. I'm slightly dazed, but get a grip on myself. "Just don't let her near me," he whispers. I thought I detected some fear in his voice and led him to the front of the crowd, well away from Unda, who was struggling against Otreg with vicious ferocity.

When she sees us, she glares at me with so much hatred, I thought I'd be electrocuted or shot dead. I could tell she wished my death, and wasn't surprised when she hissed, "I should have splattered your brains the moment you came to Sellan! The moment I saw you with him, I should have drove a knife into your heart and watched you gasp for life!"

I put a hand to my heart. "Aw! I never knew you cared so much!" Her look of confusion made me laugh, then I turned serious. "Unda, I have a question for you." Everyone held their breath while they waited for me to give her the question. She stared at me. I took out the lipstick and waved it in the air. "Is this your lipstick?"

She squinted at it, then glanced down at her gown, where she dug in a hidden pocket for the lipstick I had Cam sneak into her bedroom last night. Unda looked confused. I smiled. She glanced from one to the other and glared at me again. "What of it?"

I shrug then open the lipstick Cam stole and pain my lips with it. "Tell me, Unda, what happens when you use this lipstick?"

"Nothing!" she denied.

I raise a brow.

She crossed her arms. "Besides, you can't prove that's mine! I obviously have mine and you are trying to trick me!"

"Would you like me to prove it?" Unda stuck her nose in the air. I whistled and Cam along with another maid came into the room carrying Unda's mirror and her box. "Are these from your room?" I asked.

Unda was not happy. "You had maids in my room!"

I go to the box and find the receipt Cam told me about last night still in the drawer. I read the items on the list aloud, then gave it to Zargis to verify. He read it and looked up. "Theila isn't lying about this receipt."

I smiled then read the label on the lipstick I held. "What does yours say, Unda?"

She squinted at the lipstick she had and shrugged. "Same."

I put a finger to my chin as if I forgotten something. "Are you sure? I'm sorry, maybe you could read it again. Make sure you read it carefully."

Behind Unda, I could see Otreg trying not to break down into laughter. Unda looked closer to her lipstick and I knew she found the misspelled word I tricked her with. Without a warning, she lunged at me.