Chapter 10. Night (part 2)

"False alarm," Papagalino said, handing me a small white envelope with gold trim. He wore white gloves and bowed slightly as he passed it to me.

"What's this?" I asked, surprised.

"A message for Lady Tibia," Papagalino said grandly. "Her Majesty apologizes for canceling the welcome dinner. She expects all her new concubines for lunch in the garden tomorrow."

"I hope she's alright. I didn't really want to go, but it's a shame that something changed."

"Are you crazy?" Papagalino switched to his dockworker tone. "This plays right into our 'ands. You'd've shown up all wrinkled an' knackered, babbled silly things at dinner, and the Queen would've swapped you out for a more agreeable favorite in no time."

"You think so?" I asked sadly, hardly understanding his accent.

"I'm not sure of anything anymore, but extra time is a benefit for us." Papagalino, remembering he is a royal servant, changed his language and started pacing the room, holding his chin.

"What are you thinking about?" His mood was rubbing off on me.

He looked at me, unsure whether to trust me, then sighed and said, "I used to think the Queen took concubines out of tradition. On one hand, it would show the people she upholds the kingdom's values, and on the other, it would demonstrate her purity as the virgin queen waiting for her fiancé to come of age, choosing female concubines..."

"You thought she wasn't a lesbian?"

"A what?"

"A woman who prefers other women..."

"Oh, you even have a word for that... We only have a term for men."

"Really? What is it?"

Papagalino looked at my probably naive face and cleared his throat delicately. "It's best not to say it aloud here; it's used as an insult."

I felt a wave of sadness. It's the same everywhere: people reject and oppress what they don't want to understand or accept, even if it's perfectly normal, natural, and beautiful like any expression of pure love.

"Don't be upset..." Papagalino began.

"I don't want to talk about it."

"But this is good for us... It's good that she kissed you... It means we have a chance to find a place in the castle."

I didn't reply. I really liked the Queen. I genuinely wanted to get to know her better, to eventually invite her and Papagalino to my world. Now, even if it would be awkward, I'd have to work my way into her favor amidst all the social inequality, homophobia, prejudices, and other state issues.

"I'm sorry," Papagalino said sincerely again. He seemed to sense that our conversation had made me sad, but he couldn't pinpoint why or what exactly had caused it.

"Let's talk about this tomorrow. I want to sleep," I said in a hushed voice.

Papagalino brightened up. Here he knew his role and what to offer: "I'll help you undress and have the court water bearers draw you a bath..."

"No, let's just lie down right now..."

"Are you sure? I could..."

"No-no, thank you."

"Then I'll go to my room. Don't worry, it's right across from yours. There's a bell if you need anything..."

"Stay, please..."

"You're very beautiful, but I prefer older women. But if you insist, who am I to resist if a lady asks..." He took two steps toward me.

"Oh, shut up!" I threw a pillow at him.

"Then what shall we do?" he asked slyly, squinting one eye, my pillow in his hands.

"Sleep separately."

He obediently flopped onto a small sofa by the fireplace and covered himself with a soft blanket. I noticed his feathers ruffle when he stretched and smooth out when he curled up.

"Did you manage to eat properly?" I asked, since I had eaten with the Queen.

"Yeah, don't worry," he said evasively. He probably ate what was brought for me.

I smiled, slipped off my jeans under the bed, and since I wasn't wearing a bra, it was comfortable to sleep in just my t-shirt. Without my usual plush toy, I hugged one of the small neck or maybe leg pillows.

"Thanks for letting me stay," Papagalino said unexpectedly.

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