I barely touched my plate at dinner.

Dread lay like a stone in my stomach, and I could do nothing to settle it.

Bad. Hurt. Afraid.

What could have happened to make the wolf—the Champion of the Pit—afraid?

Before I took my seat Roland pulled me aside and asked what I remembered about the dungeon. I told him I knew Odd Gran's name, and that she collected samples from the animal after testing its healing abilities. I said nothing about the nightmare that followed or the warning the wolf had given.

The prince was removed from dinner almost immediately after it had begun, and was taken away by a physician while complaining of a sharp pain in his knee. The king acknowledged his leaving with a curt nod before returning to his conversation with Roland.

"Prone to argument, but pliant in the end," I heard Roland say.

"What about the wolf?"

My ears perked up, but I kept my eyes on my plate so the men wouldn't notice I was listening.

"It's not yet clear if the animal has the same dull quality of mind—"

"The boy is dim?"

"Incapable of comprehending a simple game of chess, even after many tries. He has curiosity, but he's judgmental and lacks ambition. No mind for tactics or secrets. He won't be a problem."

"Tell me more about the animal."

"They share memories, or perhaps they experience things simultaneously. My theory is that it goes both ways, and the wolf likewise knows the boy's past and present."

"What about its nature?"

"I've seen nothing to prove it's not tame. I believe the beast is controlled."

"And your theory about its power?"

"It heals cleanly and with remarkable speed."

The king turned to me and it took all my cunning not to reveal I was listening. I pushed food around my plate with my fork as I held my breath and waited for the king's attention to pass.

"When will we test it?" he asked Roland. 

"I was told something might be ready tomorrow, but—"

"Tomorrow then."

"These are delicate matters. We don't want to rush."

The king turned back to the physician, and I knew his temper was rising.

"You're commanding me to wait?"

"I'm suggesting that we may not have the perfect combination at first. We don't want our initial tests to be on someone important."

"Find someone of no consequence."

"I already have one in mind. But, if I may, now might be the time for our guest to learn our intention."

"Then talk to him."

"I think it would be best coming from someone above my station."

"Me?"

"Who better to tell than the only one he can't refuse?"

"I see."

With the matter settled, the men turned their discussion to politics and war, but that quickly devolved into vulgar joking that I had little interest in listening to.

I looked over at Interra and Amatha. I wanted to ask if they knew about Odd Gran and her dungeon but decided it was a question best left for a private meeting.

"How are you this evening?" I asked them.

"We are well, thank you," replied Amatha. "How are you, Josiah?"

"I am well myself. I wanted to visit your room today."

"Your tapestry is still there," Interra said, "and will remain until you finish it."

"Thank you. How is your own work coming along?" 

I was referring to the unfinished pieces on the two large looms.

"Marvelously," Interra replied.

"And quicker than expected," added Amatha. "We'll be finished sooner than planned."

"Will it be displayed in your room?"

"No, it's our wedding gift to the king. Upon completion, it will hang in this hall, right above the table we're sitting at."

I smiled. It was fitting, I thought, that their beautiful work would be in a place where all could admire it.

"We have something for you," Interra said, "but we cannot give it to you here, so you better visit us soon."

I blushed at their kindness. What would they give me? Perhaps I would be able to choose one of their tapestries to place in my bedroom—

"What are you whispering to my brides?"

The king's voice cut through my thoughts. I turned to him but kept my eyes from meeting his. 

"We were talking about tapestries, Your Highness."

"Eh? Why do you care about that? It's not fit for men—or boys."

I pushed a forkful of meat into my mouth to keep myself from saying something I would regret.

I hoped the king would grow bored with my silence and turn away, but he waited with uncharacteristic patience. After a moment he poked my arm with his finger.

"Answer me, boy." His breath was foul with ale. "Why do you care about women's work?"

"I don't care," I lied. "I was just making conversation."

"Make conversation somewhere else."

"Yes, Your Highness."

"They're mine and no one else's. That's the only thing you need to know about them. Do you understand?"

He leaned in, and the finger digging into my arm turned into a hand that grabbed tightly.

"They are exquisite...aren't they?"

I didn't answer.

"Mine...all mine..." He whispered the word several times before sitting up and draining his mug of ale. He snapped his fingers and in an instant a servant was there to refill his drink.

I assumed he was done with me, but he leaned over once more.

"Amatha. Interra. Truth be told I can never remember which is which."

"Interra's eyes are green. Amatha's are red."

I was trying to be helpful, but I was a fool to think the king would be pleased. The color drained from his face. I flinched, expecting the weight of the world to come down upon me.

The twins saved my life.

"Don't waste your attention on the boy," Interra told her husband-to-be. "He knows the color of our eyes because we told him just now. He addressed us as 'twin brides', which, as you are aware, we take as an insult unless it comes from you. We corrected him so he wouldn't repeat the offense."

"He's a curious but dull child," Amatha added, "and he asked how we spent our time. We told him we were building you a wonderful wedding gift on the loom. He asked us about the loom, and we were just about to tell him to mind his own business when you turned to us."

"Do not grow cross in front of us, my love."

"Yes, please do not."

Their voices were gentle, as if speaking to a child. Together, they flashed a smile at the king.

Fortunately, their charm proved effective in soothing his anger.

"I see," the king said with a nod. "What use could a boy have with my brides anyway?"

"Exactly right," Amatha agreed.

"Couldn't have said it better myself," Interra added.

The king reached out and pulled on my collar. He brought me close and lowered his mouth to my ear.

"If I catch you whispering to them again, not even a wolf will keep you from my wrath."