Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 233

Chapter 233 Voting the Princess Into Dish Duty 

45 Pearls 

“Of course you two were talking about me. Do I need to hear it to know?” Holly huffed and gave Ava a slow, disdainful once–over. “And you didn’t even do anything The guys made dinner–you just stood there giving instructions! Why am I the one being called lazy? I alreally said I wasn’t feeling well. How can you still expect me to work when I’m sick? Ever heard of compassion?” 

Ava set her bowl down and stood up in one quick motion. “So what if I was talking about you? You really did do nothing today. Kenneth simply stated the truth–what part of that was wrong? You can’t even keep your mouth shut long enough to cat, complaining about everything. Even Tylissa Clark is doing military training, and who exactly do you think you are?” 

Ava Morren!” 

“No need to call me, I’m not your friend. Captain Oestergaard, she clearly has the energy to argue with everyone–she doesn’t look sick to me. I say we put her in charge of washing the dishes.” 

After a brief vote, Holly was forced to do it. 

Ava sat down elsewhere with a basin of seasoned pork filling beside her and a neat stack of dough that had already risen. Malory stood next to her, eyes sparkling. Ava, if I were a guy, I’d definitely try to win your heart! You’re too capable. Your life skills are maxed out. Is there anything you can’t do?” 

Ava pinched off a piece of dough, rolled it flat with a makeshift wooden rolling pin, scooped in a spoonful of filling, and folded a pasty in a few swift movements. The moment she placed it on the plate, Malory leaned 

111. 111. 

“That looks easy,” Malory said, rolling up her sleeves. “I’m learning this.” 

She washed her hands and jumped in–but theory was easier than practice. Her first attempt was a lopsided monstrosity. “Ava, why isn’t it behaving in my hands?” 

Ava laughed. “It’s your first one. Make a few more and you’ll get it. I’ll slow down–watch carefully.” 

She gathered another piece of dough and demonstrated step by step, explaining each fold. Malory’s second attempt looked noticeably better. She immediately shouted, “Mom! Look at me! I can make pasties now!” 

Off to the side, Holly washed dishes alone, sniffling intermittently, then dried the utensils and finally–after realizing no one planned to help–finished all the work she’d been assigned. When she was done, she flung down the rag and stomped toward Linden.. 

“Captain, I’m done!” 

She didn’t wait for a response and stormed back to her tent. 

Once she was gone, Elio leaned toward Linden. “Out of all the girls here, she acts like she’s royalty. Did nothing all day, and still throws a fit.” 

Linden didn’t want to entertain that topic. Instead, he asked, “Did you tell the others we need a rotation for night watch? Different group tomorrow night as well.” 

Elio spread his hands. “Of course I told them, Captain.” 

Then he glanced toward the two girls and lowered his voice. “What’s Ava’s background anyway? She’s down- to–earth, but she’s got fire. Interesting combination!” 

1/2 

10:48 Fri, Jan 23 

Copter 233 Voting the Princess hote Diah Duty 

Linden shot him a look “Why does it matter to you? What does it have to do with you?* 

Eho scratched his head. Just curious. I heard she’s really popular in her girls squad. And Malory–they supposedly fought on day one, but now they’re all buddy buddy. I thought they were enemies, 

Linden glanced toward the firelight. Ava and Malory were talking, faces warm under the glow of the flares. He turned back quickly. “Elio, as a friend, let me remind you–don’t poke into people’s private lives” 

Elio blinked. “I’m not digging into her private life. Why do you make it sound like I’m some kind of creeps” Then he waggled his brows. “Come on, you don’t feel anything at all? School’s the easiest place to fall for someone. Five years together, then graduation–after that, finding someone won’t be so easy? 

Linden just shook his head and walked away. 

Elio watched him leave. “Yeah, keep pretending you’re above it all.” 

Ava and Malory finished shaping the pasties and set them in the makeshift oven to rise a second time. 

Kenneth came over eagerly. “I’ll handle the fire!” 

Without waiting for a reply, he went off to gather wood. 

Malory sidled up to Ava and whispered, “He definitely likes you. He’s always trying to impress you.” 

Ava frowned. “Don’t talk like that. If he wants to help, let him.” 

With that, she walked over to a flat stone, sat down, and tilted her head back to look at the moon hanging above them. 

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