Free In the Time of Dragon Moon by Janet Lee Carey Page A

of home brings up the matter we need to discuss,” Lady Olivia said under her breath. “It is a matter of discretion between the sexes.”
    I felt my spine go taut as a tugged rope.
    â€œI spoke with Sir Geoffrey at breakfast this morning. He told me about the incident between you and Prince Desmond in the ship’s galley.”
    My jaw dropped before I said, “Incident?”
    â€œHe was right to come to me with his concern. It is Sir Geoffrey’s job to keep an eye on Prince Desmond, and mine to watch out for you.”
    Her explanation did no good. I felt betrayed. I’d thought of Sir Geoffrey as a friend, or at the very least as someone who wished me well. I’d made it clear I hadn’t wanted Prince Desmond’s attention.
    â€œKip? Where’s Kip?” Tabitha called in a singsong voice, peering through the bushes.
    â€œI do not know what your customs are regarding unwed men and women back home in Devil’s Boot,” she continued in a half whisper. “We’ve talked before about courtly manners. I thought you understood our strict rules of decorum. I was shocked when Sir Geoffrey told me—”
    â€œI did not approach the prince, my lady.”
    â€œYou must have done something to attract him.” Her shrill voice had risen above a whisper.
    I shook my head. “I don’t know what Sir Geoffrey told you, but—”
    â€œHe told me very little. He is a man of discretion.” She had a bitter look, as if she’d eaten hax root. I knew she expected her daughter, Bianca, to marry the prince someday. I’d seen Bianca and Prince Desmond together often my first months at court, and I’d heard the rumors flying. His Highness made it clear he was interested in the prettiest girl among the eligible maids. He’d given her one of the finest horses in the king’s stable. I hoped Lady Olivia didn’t think I was trying to lure him away from her daughter. If anything, I felt sorry for Bianca.
    â€œPlease believe me, my lady. I did not seek his attention.” I scraped my shoes in the gravel like an impatient mare wanting to run.
    â€œListen closely, Uma. You will keep your distance from now on. He is royalty. He is the Pendragon heir. You are a queen’s servant.” Her face was growing redder. “You should do nothing more than curtsy when he passes you in the hall. I’ve taught you how to behave in court. I expect you to comply with my instructions. Your life depends on your actions both medical and moral in these next few months.”
    â€œOf course I know that! My lady,” I added in a brutal whisper.
    â€œGood,” she snapped.
    A child’s high-pitched scream came from the hedgerow. Kip ran out of the greenery, crying, “Bee! Bee stinged me!” Pippin followed, barking at his heels.
    Kip’s screams turned to tears as we ran to him. I joined Tabitha, who was on her knees.
    â€œWhere did it sting you, honey?” she asked.
    â€œMy . . . my neck.”
    The tiny stinger protruded just below his ear. “Let me,” I said to Tabitha over Kip’s sobs. Pinching the stinger between my nails, I carefully pulled it out.
    â€œOweee!” Kip cried. Tears rolled down his pink cheeks. I looked at the red spot. It didn’t surprise me that the bee had stung his neck. Egrets are slender-necked, and necks are vulnerable in Egret Moon. But I was glad to see the swelling had already stopped. This wasn’t the kind of dangerous reaction little Melo had back in Devil’s Boot, just an ordinary sting.
    â€œPoor little Kip,” the queen crooned. “It must hurt terribly.”
    â€œHe will be all right soon, Your Majesty,” Tabitha said. “You’re a brave boy, aren’t you, Kip?” Her little brother was still sobbing.
    Queen Adela flicked my shoulder. “Run and fetch an ointment for him, Uma.”
    She considered my medicines hers, and