What was Katherine thinking giving them to me? I stare at them, and then move toward the door. Before I can open it, I sigh. I can't leave them sitting there for anyone to see. Waverly will be back before I am. And what if my sisters want to see my new dresses when they've finished with theirs?
Those tiny black things call to me. I inch to them and lift them, pinching the soft material with a thumb and finger. I move toward the bed. Under it should be good enough for now. When I get there, I can't bring myself to throw them under. This is ridiculous. I have no use for them. But, I can't bring myself to hide them. Finally, I've crossed the line. I've gone completely mad.
Yet, here they are, waiting for me. It would only take a moment to change into them.
“Ugh.” I reach for the laces of my skirt. Soon I'm wearing only my blouse while holding the breeches. This was a silly idea. With a deep breath, I struggle into them and tie the laces at the waist. The bulk of the gun strapped to my thigh is visible. That won't work at all. I don't want to wear them around anyway, just curious.
They feel...tight. Though they aren't too tight, I suppose. I bend my legs. The material stretches with my movements. They aren't too snug, but more constricting than they should be. Will they damage my circulation?
I tread across the room. It's almost like walking around in my underthings. How can men stand wearing so little? It is easier to move though. Less material to get caught in things. Despite thinking they were constricting at first, I may be able to do more in them.
I stroll across the room again. And again, but faster. What else can I do? I run. Jump. Leap onto my bed. Just as I'm leaping off, the door opens. Phyllis's face flash across my view.
I slam onto the floor with a groan.
Before Phyllis has a chance to do anything, I stagger to my feet, ignoring my aching body. “What are you doing here?”
Instead of answering, she steps inside and closes the door. Zade's life is the one in danger, not mine, so I shouldn't be worried. But I am. My gun is useless, trapped under the breeches. I inch to the cord that will ring in the servants hall.
“Wait,” Phyllis says. “I'm here to warn you, not harm you.”
Once I'm within reach of the cord, I ask, “What do you mean?”
She eyes my breeches. “Why are you wearing those?”
“Not your concern.” My hands bunch.
“You're right.” Her voice loses the haughty tone its always had. “I've been reporting to your Father.”
I raise my brows, but don't respond. It's hard to stay unaffected when her words set my heart racing.
“My family is deeply in his debt. We have no hopes of paying it off before we die. Which will be soon for my Father. He's old. If the debt isn't paid off before he dies, my sisters, mother, and I will be tarnished.”
That could be me and my family if we were in debt. Even though I know the tarnished are so much like us, they're restricted in many ways. It makes my anger soften, but I don't budge. “And?”
“Your Father said the more information I told him, the more debt he'd forgive. When I made you drink the tea, he got rid of half the debt. Half!” Her eyes are wide and begging. “I've told him lots of little bits about the dresses and your seamstress, but he said it wasn't enough. He needed more and if I could find something big, he'd forgive the rest of the debt.”
I stride toward her, fear and rage pulsing through me. “What did you do?”
“I told him about the conversation I overheard with Chancellor Zade, the one where he promised to help your tarnished seamstress.”
My fist wants to fly into her. Hard.
Her voice is faint. “He's planning something, I know it. But he won't forgive the debt. Says I'm too valuable here and is going to keep me waiting. You helped the tarnished, can't you help me?”
“Help you?” My fist shakes from unreleased tension. “Help you? You've ruined us. Get out.”
She doesn't move. I let out a half growl, half scream. She scrambles for the door. Now I know for certain, my insisting on helping Katherine will bring trouble. I can't have freedom for myself and trying to get it for her is going to cost all those I love. What will Father do?
Chapter Thirty-Six
“Come in,” I call out.
A lower class servant I don't recognize enters. “I was asked to bring you this with utmost haste.”
A chill flurries through me as she hands me a note. I barely notice her departure. Ever since I told Zade what Phyllis said and he told me not to worry, I've done nothing but. I've never had a note from someone outside the household before. Who would send me one? Does it have to do with what she said? The chill grows colder as I open it.
Serena,
I feel I must warn you. Councilman Daniel and I have heard a growing number of rumors concerning you and the Chancellor. I'm afraid they aren't good.
I hate to be blunt, but feel I must. There is a hefty price on his life. Please be cautious.
Your friend,
Annabelle
The coldness seeps clear to my heart with icy sharpness.