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PART I
CHAPTER 1
I was trying to teach a lesson on Avivian verb tenses to some rowdy twelve year old boys when Curtis came bursting into the classroom. “Truly!” he called enthusiastically. “Truly, Pops wants to see you right now!”
“Close your books students, and I want to see the proper conjugation of those verbs tomorrow,” I told my pupils, ending the tutoring session. Curtis’ father was the king, and if he was summoning me, there was no delaying him.
As the boys whooped gleefully and scampered away down the corridor, I hurriedly gathered my books and notes, and started off toward the throne room. Curtis bounded beside me, keeping up a running, one-way dialogue as he always did.
He had reddish-brown hair and an infectious smile that made him impossible to dislike, and we had been best friends for years. “Do you know why your Father called for me?” I interrupted Curtis.
He grinned impishly. “You will see. Something important, I think. But gee, I forgot the details!” He winked, and I couldn’t help smiling.
“Just tell me. You know.” I playfully pushed his arm.
Curtis gasped in mock horror. “A lady pushes a prince? Best watch yourself, m’lady, or you will end up being tortured in the dungeon!”
I chuckled. The castle’s dungeon hadn’t been used in more than a century. But I quelled my laughter as the impressive throne room doors loomed closer. I drew a deep breath, nervous about my meeting with the king.
Before I raised my fist to knock on the doors, I closed my eyes, trying to compose myself to look more mature than the fifteen-year-old girl that I was. I reached out my hand, then Curtis leaned down and whispered, “You may want to get that spider out of your hair before you go in.”
I yelped and began to swat my long hair wildy with my hands, causing most of my language books to tumble to the ground. Curtis doubled over, hooting, and I realized that there was no spider. “Curtis!” I hissed, half annoyed at his prank, half relieved that there was no spider.
Curtis gathered up all my fallen books and papers, and piled them neatly into a stack. “Just thought you looked a little nervous about going to see Pops. He doesn’t bite, you know.”
I held out my arms for my books, but Curtis held onto them and gestured me on. The throne room doors were pulled open from the inside by a guard, and I straightened up, trying to look as dignified as Father always did when he spoke to royalty.
“I thought I heard you, son.” King Edmont’s voice was deep and even. I walked on the scarlet carpet leading up to the throne as sedately as I could, with Curtis bouncing ahead of me. Curtis never walked; he always bounded as if he had springs in his shoes.
“Just giving Lady Truly some tips on how to ruffle your feathers!” Curtis said, grinning as usual and giving a lavish bow with much twirling of his book-free hand.
Prince Hubert, Curtis’ older brother and heir to the throne, cleared his throat, frowned, and shook his head disapprovingly. Curtis and his brother were as different as night and day. Where Curtis was always bursting with energy and laughter, Hubert was solemn and pensive. Curtis was tall and gangly, with freckles all over his face. Hubert had the typical crown prince look—tall, but dark haired, well-muscled, and tanned.
“I am sure you were.” King Edmont looked as though he wanted to laugh. “Did you also tell her why we asked her here?”
“And spoil your big surprise?” Curtis acted appalled. “I would never stoop so low.”
Hubert’s scowl deepened. It was no secret that he thought Curtis was too lighthearted and easygoing about serious matters. Hubert thought every matter was serious. Curtis’ friendly, charismatic personality made him perfect for his duties as “The Commoner’s Ambassador,” in which he would visit with farmers and shopkeepers about their problems, and then report his findings to the Council. He was very well-liked by all the kingdom’s subjects.
King Edmont addressed me. “Lady Truly, please step forward.”
I stepped forward and curtsied. “You Majesty?” I asked.
“You father speaks very highly of your linguistic capabilities,” the King stated. I blushed, but didn’t know what to say, so said nothing. He continued, “The Council has agreed to appoint you to the position of Official Court Linguist, with your first assignment on the next journey to Avivia with your Father, should you accept.”
My mouth fell open, and the King smiled. “Congratulations, young lady. I am sure you will honor our kingdom.”
I was stunned. An official court linguist? That was a big step up from tutoring children and tagging along after Father as an apprentice when foreign delegates came to our country. I would be expected to do all the translating for a foreign dignitary! To discuss matters of state! “Th... Thank you, Your Majesty,” I stammered.
King Edmont waved his hand at the door, and the guards opened it, signaling my dismissal. I curtsied again, and moved in a dream-like state down the hall.
Curtis caught up, still clutching my pile of books. “So, Miss Official Linguist, how does it feel being all high class and noble now?”
I laughed shakily. “It doesn’t feel real. I can’t believe it.”
“Well, believe it! You deserve it—you were always the smartest one in classes.” He reached out and squeezed my hand, and I blushed scarlet.
“Thanks.” I said shyly. My hand tingled. When we reached my family’s chambers, Curtis finally handed over all my books.
