Chapter 42
Jasmine's POV
“Hello again! I’m glad that you came. To avoid crowds I’ll ask you to line up. Don’t worry, nobody will leave here empty handed. On the table you can find samples of the sizes. You can try them on to see which is the perfect for you. I got the list of the names. If for some reason someone is absent we’ll look for the cause. I wanted to do this alone, but it seems like I’ll need some help. I hope there are at least three people from higher classes who will help me out. The guards are on the way with three more tables. I need someone to distribute the toys, books and food at these tables separately. I’ll be responsible for the clothes. Those who are willing to help me out, please come forward.”
“My Queen! We would like to help you. We belong to the middle class and we don’t have anything else to do.”
“Thank you, I appreciate your help! Each person has to get one from each item you see in the boxes and bags. If you see that something won’t be enough, tell them to the guards and they’ll write it down. Until the items arrive, please tell the people to wait. They’ll get everything today or at least I hope so. I still have to figure out who’ll bring the items, but I’ll worry about that. If someone's giving you trouble, call me and I’ll sort it out.”
“Please stand in line and come forward. We’ll do this in an orderly manner. There are four tables all together. The first person or family steps forward and the others wait patiently until they step to the next table and then come forward. If you get tired of standing there are chairs on the side where you can sit down for a while. I want this to go as smoothly as possible, so please refrain from doing things that might sabotage today.”
“As if they deserve all this. We should be the ones getting these things and not them.” - a woman from the crowd said. She must have been an aristocrat.
“Excuse me! Who said that? Please step forward and let’s talk face to face. I told earlier if someone has problems he or she has to talk to me about them and not behind our backs. But I understand if you’re a coward and you want to hide in the crowd. If that’s the case I ask you to shut up and don’t talk nonsense.”
As expected, she didn’t step forward and we finally could start. Families after families stepped forward and profusely thanked me. I was smiling from ear to ear seeing the happiness. I learned that the three girls were called Hera, Erica and Ana. They were a huge help. There were only a few families left when we ran out of the items. Ajax disappeared somewhere and I needed him.
“Girls, do you know how I can call Ajax? He disappeared somewhere.”
“You just have to think about wanting him here. The higher-ranking the person is, the sooner he will come. You’re the Queen and unless he’s with the King he’ll come. It’s strange, but he can feel the rank of the person calling him.”
“My Queen! How can I help you?”
“I need you to go to Luna Regina’s pack house and give this list to Macy or Ro. They’ll know what to do with the list. It might take some time, but they’ll go shopping and return with the stuff which you need to bring back. One of my guards will accompany you to show the way.”
“Of course, I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
I didn’t go anywhere as I waited for Ajax to return with the remaining items. Until then I sat down, shut my eyes and relaxed. I didn’t hear anything from Dimitri, so I assumed that the council meeting was running late. I had no idea what time it was, but it had to be at least 6 p.m., because I was starting to feel hungry. I was too lazy to search for my phone in the bag.
“My Queen! These are the supplies and I have a message for you from Macy. Axel called and said that Sybill was found dead in her house. She was poisoned and they’re investigation whether it was suicide or murder. Also, she sent you some dinner.”
“Thank you, Ajax. Can you inform Dimitri about this?”
“Of course, I’ll take my leave then.”
I didn’t have time to dwell on this too much, because I still had something to do. And at this moment it was more important. Soon I was finished with the three girls’ help and all I wanted to do was take a bath and bury my head into my pillow. Slowly the square became empty, only the guards and I were there. The sunset was beautiful and I didn’t want to leave yet. With the last rays a beautiful sight was happening. From West a crescent Moon was rising and from East a full Moon. I had no idea that in this realm two Moons were present at the same time.
“Neither of the two Moons is the same as the Moon on Earth. One is always crescent, one is always full. It has been like this all the time, without any changes in them.”
“It’s beautiful. Is there a story behind them?”
“Not one that I know of, my Queen.”
I was almost asleep when Dimitri arrived with Ajax. I could hear that he asked something, but I was too sleepy to comprehend it and answer. I could feel that Dimitri picked me up and I was out like a light. I couldn’t hear and feel anything. I knew I’d be safe with him no matter where we were.
Next morning I woke up to the sound of shouting and I was groaning, but didn’t open my eyes. Who the hell was it again and what was going on? I wanted to strongly suggest to that person if he or she values her life to shut up. I peeked through my eyelashes and saw that the Sun was just above the horizon. I could feel arms around my waist as someone was hugging me. If that was possible the shouting became louder and I angrily sat up in the bed. I was in Dimitri’s bedroom in the castle. He was already up and looking at me. This moment would’ve been perfect if not for the yelling.
“What time is it?”
“According to time on Earth it’s around 7 a.m.”
“Too early. And who’s shouting? Why can’t he just shut up?”
“It’s Hector. Apparently he has something to say, but the guards aren’t letting him in. Everyone knows that the King cannot be interrupted before sunrise and after sunset. Hector is the only one who takes this rule literally. Nobody else is that insane. Try to go back to sleep.”
“I can’t sleep anymore and Hector will be the one suffering because of this stunt of his. I didn’t like him the first time I met him and now I like him even less. Can someone bring me a dress I can change into? I don’t want to be in the same one as yesterday.”
“Of course. Just ring the bell and a maid will come.”
“Oh, how convenient. After I deal with that imbecile Hector we’ll have breakfast in peace then I have to go back. Sybill was found dead.”
“As you wish, Vasílissa mou. And I know, Ajax told me. I think she was murdered and didn’t commit suicide. Someone must’ve discovered that we know that she was in Barbie’s inner circle and got rid of her before we had the chance to question her.”
“I believe that you’re right. Sadly my powers don’t work on the dead. Now wait here for me and we’ll have breakfast in bed.”
I freshened up and changed in the bathroom and left the bedroom. I stepped inside the elevator after I told the guards where I wanted to go. Hector was still shouting when I arrived on the ground floor. He had strong lungs and vocal cords made of steel. The guards bowed and told me that Hector was in the tea room, waiting.