We start up the stairs. While I hover around Bethany in case she needs me, Cynthia prattles on.
“And Serena will have to show you the new wardrobe she's acquired. It's the most wonderful thing I've ever seen. Just look at the dress she's wearing now. Those laces in the front, see them? Those are the ones that tie so she doesn't have to have help getting in and out of it. Isn't that wonderful? Her seamstress, Katherine, is fantastic. I can't wait to see what she comes up with for Serena's ball gown.” She stops long enough to open the door. “I'm glad you're here to help. We've so many things to do.”
Something is weird with Cynthia as well. She's always chatty, but not to the point of excluding other's from the conversation completely. Doesn't she think anything about Bethany's pain?
“I'm glad, as well,” I say, forcing myself to be heard over Cynthia's next sentence. “In fact, I'd be rather lost without you.” We reach the top of the stairs and enter the house. The Chancellor is nowhere in sight. Blast him.
“I'm glad to be here,” Bethany says, her voice betraying her pain.
“Good.” I don't want to leave, but can't help if I stay. “Now I'm afraid I must attend to something for just a moment, then I'll be back and we'll get you settled properly.”
Bethany nods, her face pale.
Cynthia gives me a look, part curiosity and part upset. She says. “Don't worry, I'll see to her.”
“Thank you.” And I'm off. I'm being a bad hostess, but I can't worry over it. I stop the first servant I see. “Do you know where Master Zade went?”
“To his room. Just a few minutes ago.”
I hurry passed him to Chancellor Zade's section of the house. Once I reach his door, I pound on it. A moment passes. I knock again. I'll give every bit of freedom I've tried to gain if it means he'll help her. He opens the door, takes one look at my face, and opens the door wider. “Come in. Have a seat. I thought you would be longer with your sister. Is everything all right?”
Not bothering to move from the doorway, I fall to my knees. My dress pulls downward but instead of adjusting it, I clasp his hands. Touching him feels wrong, but I'm desperate. Plus, the anchor may help my shaking. He's so high above me. It would probably work better if I lowered my head, but I'm afraid he won't hear me. He's so tall.
“What are you doing? Get off the floor.”
“Chancellor Zade.”
“Just Zade, and please, please get off the floor.”
I don't move from my kneeling position but give in to his other demand “Zade, I know you have no reason to, but I beg of you to please help my sister. She hasn't said anything, but I know Father's punished her. She's limping. She's trying to hide it, but she's in pain. So much pain.”
And it's all my fault.
My eyes fill with tears, but I blink them away before they can make him angry at my weakness.
He kneels in front of me, our hands still clasped. “Serena, you don't have to beg. You only have to ask. I don't know if I can fix it, but I will try. Where is she?”
Relief fills me so violently, I collapse on the floor. “The parlor.”
He helps me stand and keeps an arm around me, steadying me, as we head to the parlor. It's not life threatening, but it feels urgent. My sister is hurting and I wasn't there to keep it from happening.
When we get to the tea room, Zade opens the door and ushers me inside. Cynthia's next to Bethany biting her lower lip. Bethany rests in a chair with her head relaxed against it, her eyes closed. I cross to her side and Zade follows. As we near, she opens her eyes and gives a polite smile. Though the pain isn't as obvious as before, her face is still masked. Sitting must help.
“It's nice to finally meet you, Bethany. Your sisters have talked a lot about you.”
“And you as well, Chancellor.”
“Your sisters care a great deal for you. In fact, Serena mentioned she noticed you had a bit of a limp. Could I take a look? I'll need to take your ungloved hand, if you'll allow. It's easier to detect and heal injuries that way. Nothing more.”
“I'm feeling better since I sat down. You needn't worry yourself over me.”
I give her shoulder a squeeze. “Would you please let him? It would make me feel better and I'll be right here with you.”
Her head hangs. For a moment the room is silent. Finally, she lifts it. “Father did say Chancellor Zade was over me while here.”
“That's right. We can't have it any other way.” I keep my hand on her shoulder as Zade ambles over. After removing her glove, she holds her hand out to him. Slowly, he takes it in his own and concentrates on the floor.
Time passes. More than I expected. Cynthia's face is scrunched with worry.