Straw and Apple returned to the mansion and could not find Berryanna anywhere. It was past 4 when they arrived. The afternoon light stretched across the floors, long and quiet. They were both in the living room when a guard informed them that Vinegario and Berryanna had gone out and would be back later.
Straw's lips pressed into a thin line. Her fingers curled slightly at her sides. Berryanna had not told her she was going out, yet she had taken permission from her earlier. The thought sat heavily in her chest. It was small, but it scratched.
"King, do you mind if I ask you some questions?" Straw said.
Apple did not look up immediately. He adjusted the ribbon of his medal, turning it between his fingers.
"No. You keep asking me," Apple replied.
Straw shifted her weight. "Please, I need to have some info. I don't know what goes on in this mansion, and as a member of the family I should know."
Apple glanced at her briefly, then away. "What do you want to know?"
