THIRTY-SIX
For what Vasco knew was the thirteenth time, though it wouldn't be the last, he said, "I already told you. I've come to speak to the king. He offered a reward for anyone who can solve the mystery of the shoes danced to pieces, and I have his answer."
But the guards at the palace laughed, taunted him, or bluntly told him they'd heard nothing about any such thing, and that he would never be granted entry to the palace, let alone the king's court.
Worse, Vasco knew how crazy he sounded. Were he a guard, he would probably behave much like these men were doing. But that didn't change the fact that Bianca was in danger, and he needed to speak to the king in order to keep her safe. Nothing else mattered.
Finally, he gusted a huge, sorrowful sigh and thanked the guards for their p
