I stepped inside, my gaze immediately finding the queen, who was now dressed in gold, sitting next to the window. Her chambers were in the eastern wing of the castle, overlooking a lush garden. The scents of rose and mint teased my nostrils.
Unlike the maroon and gold of the rest of the castle, the queen’s chambers were all silver and blue. Silver mirrors lined the opposite wall, reflecting the light and making the room look even bigger.
My gaze caught on one of those mirrors. It hung in the center of the wall, the bottom edge almost hitting the floor, while the top brushed the ceiling, at least two foot-spans above my head.
The silver edges surrounded a glass so clear, it felt as if I could walk through it and into a new world.
But it was the blue jewel in the silver setting at the top of the mirror that made me suck in a sharp breath.
“A gift from my husband,” the queen said, and I blushed. I’d been staring. She turned away, murmuring to one of her ladies, and I gawked at the remaining walls and the high ceiling, all painted in fine, detailed patterns.
The fire was so large, both Tibris and I could have stood inside it, and the room was almost stiflingly warm as the flames roared.
“Come closer,” the queen ordered.
I buried my shaking hands in the folds of my dress and complied, ignoring the ladies as they filed in, sitting on the long sofa and plush armchairs near the queen. She looked older up close, with deep lines etched between her brows. But she was incredibly beautiful with her glossy hair and dewy skin.
“Where did you say you were from?”
“Mistrun, Your Majesty.”
She nodded dismissively, her gaze thoughtful. “You were quick to act today.”
“It’s my nature, Your Majesty.”
“So it seems. Oh, do sit down. I keep informal chambers.”
It felt like a trick, but I sat on the closest chair.
“Tell me about yourself.”
If I lived through the next few days, I would kiss Vicer on the mouth. His insistence on us memorizing even the smallest details was the only reason I was able to instantly respond to the queen’s questions.
So I smiled and told her everything I’d learned. My father was a woodworker, originally from the city. He’d met my mother while trading and moved to Mistrun to live since she’d refused to leave her aging parents. I had one brother, who was also working in the castle, and our parents missed us very much, but they understood the opportunity we’d been given.
It wasn’t unusual for me to be still living at home since I hadn’t completed the Gifting. But the queen frowned when I mentioned Loukas hadn’t yet married.
A line of sweat dripped down my neck, along my spine, and settled in the hollow of my lower back. I didn’t dare show any signs of discomfort.
“My brother was engaged, but it wasn’t a good fit. The ending of that engagement was a mutual decision.”
I had to give Vicer credit. He really had covered everything. If the queen cared to investigate, her people would find a woman from Mistrun who would swear she had been engaged to a man named Loukas.
Finally, the queen waved her hand for more tea. One of the servants jumped forward, handing her a cup.
“Can you read?” the queen asked.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Sew?”
I barely hid a wince. “I can, although my stitches need some work.”
One of the ladies snorted. I ignored her.
“Can you sing?”
I couldn’t carry a tune to save my life. The fine edge of panic sliced at me like a blade.
The queen sighed at my silence. “Well, your hair is certainly drab, but you have remarkably delicate features for a peasant.”
Gods, I hated this woman.
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“One of my ladies was recently called home. A death in the family. She won’t be back for weeks. There is a reason I have six ladies. Six is a number that is blessed by the gods. Five?” Her expression darkened. “Five is nothing but bad luck. You will step into Katina’s place until she returns.”
I let my mouth fall open. “This is…incredibly kind of you, Your Majesty.”
“Yes, well, many will say I tend toward unusual decisions when it comes to those around me. But I value loyalty and character above all. A peasant with good character may be turned into a lady, but it is much more difficult to take a lady and embed good character. Is that not so, Madinia?”
Madinia lifted her head, red hair gleaming in the light, her eyes bored. “Quite, Your Majesty.”
The queen pulled a bell next to her, and several maids appeared. I didn’t recognize them, but it was likely they slept in a room near me.
“Have her cleaned up and dressed appropriately. We’ll start lessons later today. I do so love a project.”
That was something I’d counted on. And yet rage coursed through me as I slowly stood. I didn’t yet know if the queen was aware of just how her husband had kept most of their people almost powerless. But I did know that she knew he had hundreds—if not thousands—of his subjects executed each year. And yet, she needed a project.
I beamed at the queen in an attempt to convey shocked awe and gratitude, but she was already turning away.
Ivene’s voice played through my head. “In order to understand the elite, you must become like them. The queen has long been lonely, afraid, weak.”
“Come with me,” one of the maids murmured, and I followed her out of the queen’s chambers. She led me back toward the servants’ quarters, but instead of heading downstairs, we continued walking.
“Her Majesty likes her ladies to be within reach,” the maid said coolly, pushing a strand of blond hair off her face.
“My name is Setella,” I said.
“I know.”
I winced. I couldn’t blame her for being upset. I’d been here for mere days, and in her eyes, I’d gained one of the most coveted positions in the castle through sheer luck.
I would hate me too.
Another maid had followed me in. “I’m Erea,” she told me. She had curly dark hair and a chipped tooth that showed when she smiled. “This is Daselis.” She gestured to the other woman.
Daselis ignored her and pushed open the door.
“Well?” Daselis snapped. “In.”
I stepped inside. A bed took up most of the room, several times larger than the one I’d been sleeping in each night. It was piled with pillows and furs, while a fire crackled on the other side of the room.
“This is your new room,” Erea sighed. “Isn’t it lovely?”
“I’m to…sleep here?” It was lovely. Beautiful, in fact. And Wila was in the dungeon, thanks to my plan.
“Not before you wash the filth from your skin,” Daselis muttered, stalking into the attached bathing room.
The sound of running water almost made me sigh. I was covered in grime at this point, with barely enough time each night to hand-wash in the small bathing room all the maids shared. I hadn’t been lucky enough to take another bath in the servants’ bathing rooms.
“I’ll pick your dress,” Erea whispered. “You better go clean up. Daselis can be…difficult.”
Even though I’d planned this for a larger reason, guilt burrowed into my gut when I walked in to find Daselis casting a longing look at my bath.
“Remove your jewelry,” she said.