“Your crown is made of the people’s bones and hunger.”

“Is it?” the king reaches up, tapping his crown with a mixed look of curiosity and disgust, “I thought it was made of gold.”

“That’s…not what I meant.”

“Well, good. If it had been, I would’ve needed a new crown. I am 𝘯𝘰𝘵 wearing a crown of people’s bones!”

“Um, Mr. King, sir,” says Adam, showing no back bone whatsoever, “Layna just meant to maybe consider the townspeople more.”

“The townspeople? Why?” The king asks, shifting in his throne.

“Well,” says Adam again, looking over at me in a desperate cry for help, “‘cause, y’know, it’s hard for us. With getting enough to eat, and live and stuff.”

“Nice job, Adam,” I glare up at the king, “you don’t even care about us! You just sit on your throne of gold-your 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭 throne of gold!” I wave my hand, gesturing to his giant, ornate chair, glittery jewels strewn all around it and in scattered piles.

“Yes, sorry, your point is?” The king raises an eyebrow, “I don’t see anything wrong with having extra money.”

“We want you to treat us better!” I cry, exasperated.

Narrowing his eyes, the king challenges, “Oh, so you’re going to order around your king?”

“We’re literally 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨! We have no way for-“

“Silence!” he demands, raising a heavy hand.

His order echos through the marble room.

“You and your…what was it? Friend?” The king blinks, impatience and confusion stuck to his face.

“Yeah…” I say. How does he not know what a friend is? What is this?

Adam leans over and whispers in my ear, “Are we sure he’s fit to rule over us, if he’s never had a friend, or knows what it means?”

I bite back an agitated response, and try to keep my voice flat as I reply, “No, Adam. Obviously not.”

“Stop talking to each other!” The king whines. “Regardless, you and your friend won’t stop pestering me lest I give you what you want, correct?”

“Absolutely not. Or, wait, yes? We won’t stop bothering you. Yeah, that one.” Adam stammers.

He stamps his foot, “Fine! I’ll tell someone to send you more food, or whatever it is you need.”

I huge surge of relief crashes over me, I can’t believe we did it! Adam and I quickly make our departure-with a signed promise from the king, of course-before he can take back his word. Maybe we’ll survive this year.