excerpt:
Just then the servants began to clear away the remains of the banquet with a minimum of noise. The feasters ate silently as well. One would think that such a feast would be abuzz with conversation and laughter, but everything was oddly quiet, as if no one were allowed to speak above a whisper.
This was not a happy party.
Then the queen looked up and, seeing us, nodded her head.
At us.
At me.
Onle the queen matters. I heard Pierre's voice in my head.
"Your majesties, honored lor and ladies of France," Uncle declared, "we present to you the renowned skills of Troupe Brufort, as witnessed in the courts of Italy, Burgundy, and Spain."
I did not show on my face what was in my mind. I did what Uncle wanted.
I smiled.
He waved us forward and our first-and only- performance before the King and Queen of France began.
Just then the servants began to clear away the remains of the banquet with a minimum of noise. The feasters ate silently as well. One would think that such a feast would be abuzz with conversation and laughter, but everything was oddly quiet, as if no one were allowed to speak above a whisper.
This was not a happy party.
Then the queen looked up and, seeing us, nodded her head.
At us.
At me.
Onle the queen matters. I heard Pierre's voice in my head.
"Your majesties, honored lor and ladies of France," Uncle declared, "we present to you the renowned skills of Troupe Brufort, as witnessed in the courts of Italy, Burgundy, and Spain."
I did not show on my face what was in my mind. I did what Uncle wanted.
I smiled.
He waved us forward and our first-and only- performance before the King and Queen of France began.
