Page 33 of Eternal Craving

“Is this one of your jokes?”

“No, but I can’t accept it.”

Miguel peeked at the official parchment. “Is it real?”

I nodded, just as baffled

He lowered himself down onto one knee.

“Don’t.” I gestured for him to stand. “I didn’t earn it.”

“The king doesn’t bestow such an honor unless?—”

“Evidently he does.”

“Well, you did sell him all our best horses. Only you would consider refusing a royal command. You don’t get to decline.”

“Maybe I do.”

Miguel stood and headed for the door. “I’ve had enough stress for one day. Feel better. They are bringing you food. Eat.” He left the room.

I wondered if it would be considered heresy to tear up the scroll and refuse the honor of knighthood. My mind raced to unravel the chaos.

It was a day that split itself in two – equal parts brilliant and brutal. The kind that leaves you not knowing if anything is real. My fingertip traced the royal crest over a waxed seal that seemed genuine.

Although my memory had fractured, I recalled being at the senator’s residence. Those injuries had seemed so real. I’d lost a week and hated the feeling.

Annabelle appeared in the doorway, a vision of loveliness as light from the corridor illuminated her.

“Daumia, how are you?” She came closer, reached for my hand, and kissed it. “Thank you for letting me stay here.” She refilled the cup on the bedside table and gave it to me.

“You’ve been treated well?”

Her eyes watered with emotion. “Yes. By everyone.”

“How long have you been a dancer?” I tried to work out her age.

She lifted the net out of her way again and sat beside me.

“My father sold me to the Romany. I’ve danced for them ever since.”

I was about to ask her to dance for me again but couldn’t after hearing that truth.

She gazed about, as if taking in the room.

“It wasn’t always this way for me,” I said, unable to keep from staring at her.

“This wasn’t your family’s home?”

“No.”

She frowned. “Then how did you end up as master?”

“A mixture of luck and,” I scratched my head, “hard work.”

“Miguel told me it’s because you work alongside the ranch hands that the staff admire you.”

I drank the rest of the water.