Page 126 of Caressed By Sin
A woman handed me a glass of wine. I took a large gulp. Surely, it was sweet wine, but the liquid ran sour on my tongue and scorched a path down my throat.
Yet, I drank more hoping to warm the fearful chills within me.
This feast needs to end so I can ask for help and get back to save Azar.
Taking another gulp, I faced forward and noticed my father watching me.
Disappointment blazed in his gaze.
It appeared my father still had not forgiven me for leaving with a vampire.
Zoe nudged me with his elbow. “Are there any other customs or anything I need to know?”
Thankful for a reason to look the other way, I nodded. “I will walk you through everything.”
“Good.” Zoe rubbed his flat stomach. “Because this food looks amazing but no one is eating.”
“You have to wait until the wash basin appears. Then, we clean our hands.”
“Aww.” He searched around. “I am glad you told me that. I may have drunk water from the basin.”
I grinned. “Definitely not a good idea.”
“So. . .” Zoe leaned closer. “Your father and mother are on stools because they are the king and queen?”
“Exactly. For us, seating is often a matter of hierarchy.”
“Interesting. Then, I’m close to the king, therefore—”
“You are important.”
Zoe beamed. “I am.”
“You are.” I sipped more wine.
The water basin arrived.
Zoe and Jade watched everyone wash their hands. Then, they followed.
Not hungry, I gestured for the woman to pour me more wine.
Several servants hurried over and dried Zoe and Jade’s hands. Then, went to everyone else. My father and mother had special people to wash and dry their fingers.
When all the servants left, I told Zoe, “Do not begin eating until my father does.”
Zoe smiled. “Very good to know. Because once again, I was about to dig in. It has been ages since I have had a proper meal.”
Everyone watched my father.
Slowly he leaned forward, grabbed a piece of lamb, and ate it.
My mother nodded and did the same.
“Go ahead.” I nudged Zoe and Jade. “However, only eat from the section of the bowl in front of you. Never reach across the bowl to get something from the other side.”
“Alright.” Zoe began to reach with both hands.
“Oh.” I shook my head. “Only eat with the right hand.”
