I asked, figuring it would be a good way to break the ice with Paki. The sidewalk was, for the most part, abandoned, and I had an eerie sense of dÉjÀ vu creeping along my skin. Keeping my eyes peeled, I scanned the surrounding woods. He tilted his head toward me, looking confused. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what you mean.” I stifled a laugh and shook my head, grinning to myself. “Well … it’s Paki, right? I’ve heard of you. Your mother was queen before my sister. She didn’t want to give up the throne to her, the rightful heir. What did you think about all that?” I eyed him in my periphery and waited. If I had rubbed him the wrong way, oh well. I didn’t really care. If I hadn’t, it’d be interesting to hear what he had to say. Paki didn’t look my way but kept his eyes trained ahead. The only emotion he let slip out was the slight tension in his jaw as he thought about how to answer me. “Shade is the rightful queen. She’s merciful and forgiving. I’m pleased that she allowed my mother to live.”
