Daiseeum’s frown grew. “Did Balbus not show you the cord near your bed? All you need to do is ring it, and we would be most happy to assist you. Oh my, oh my.” She shook her head. “The prince will be most displeased when he learns that we failed to keep you contented.”
“No, Balbus did show me.” I hurried to correct her, not wanting anyone in trouble on my account. “He mentioned the cord, but I didn’t realize I was to use it for food too. I thought it was for—I don’t know—emergencies or something.” Such as if I stumbled and fell into a drunken state and gashed my head open. At the rate my captivity was going, I imagined that scenario was inevitable, especially if I partook in the overly bright-green leminai.
“Mother, no,” Daiseeum replied. “It’s to be pulled for anything you need, anything at all. I shall ring it right now. Tell me, what does your heart desire?”
I raised my shoulders. “I suppose whatever the kitchen has on hand.”
Daiseeum’s lips pursed again. Apparently, that was the wrong answer. “I shall also have them provide a menu so you don’t have to wonder what’s available. Of course, anything you would like can be made, anything at all. All you need to do is ask, my dear.”
“All right, thank you,” I managed to reply as my forehead furrowed.
My time here was getting stranger and stranger. So not only was I staying in a chamber fit for a princess, but apparently, I was going to be treated like one too—only I was to be kept under lock and key.
Daiseeum proceeded to pull the cord. Following that, she insisted that she help me undress and bathe before my meal arrived. It was a bit like the serving girl’s help at Liss Lodge—entirely unnecessary—but I didn’t want to turn her away if it meant she got in trouble with the prince.
“Daiseeum?” I said cautiously to her as she pulled out fresh nightclothes for me after I’d washed in the large tub. “Do you by chance know what happened to a guard that was injured earlier today? He was fighting with another guard when I arrived, and he was on the verge of dying when the prince whisked us away.”
“Oh, yes, t’was a most unfortunate incident. The entire castle is talking about it.” Daiseeum smoothed my top, then held out the soft cottonum pants. “He’s still alive, gravely injured, but Murl—the castle’s head healer—believes he shall live. Although, he shall have to remain in the infirmary for at least three days’ time.”
My shoulders sank in relief. “And the other guard? Is he to be punished, or what’s to become of him?”
Her lips pursed again. “Well, if it were up to Lord Crimsonale, he’d be sent to the Death Master for execution.”
My eyes bulged.
“But never you mind about all of that,” she said in a hurry. “He shall answer to his commander as all the guards do when aggressive events occur.”
I cinched the pants and eyed her curiously. “Who’s Lord Crimsonale?”
“The archon of Osaravee Territory. He sits on the king’s council, but again, never mind about all of that.” She tsked and made me sit so she could brush my wet hair.
Even though I was perfectly capable of brushing my own hair, it was pleasant to have her assistance. Daiseeum’s hands were gentle, and she took care not to pull too hard when she encountered a tangle, and when she finished brushing, she used her magic to dry my hair completely so I wouldn’t dampen my pillow.
Haisley arrived with a platter of food, just as Daiseeum’s magical cloud lifted.
“Here we are!” he said with gusto.
The kitchen had sent several dishes at Daiseeum’s insistence in order to find something that I enjoyed. But I’d learned long ago to eat any food that was put in front of me.
But what arrived surpassed my meager expectations by millees. The minted lamb, herbed potatoes, grilled acorlis, gravy-soaked hen, fluffy gelatin, buttery pastries, and sweet fruit pies were more delicious than anything I’d ever tasted. I took bites of everything, unable to help myself.
The lady’s servant kept me company while I ate, and even though she was hesitant at first to share personal details, I eventually pried out of her that she was the youngest of four siblings, all girls, and that she’d been serving at the castle since maturing age.
“That young?” I replied as I popped a petite pie into my mouth. “I suppose that’s like me too. I’ve been helping in the fields since I was a child, but I didn’t begin officially working in them until last season.”
“Do you enjoy field work? I do so enjoy my position here. I couldn’t have asked for anything better.”
“I do, or maybe, I did,” I said with a frown. “Working with plants has always brought me joy.”
She gave a pleasant smile and began to collect my dishes.
I reached for my glass and silverware. My belly was so full I feared Daiseeum would have to roll me to bed, but that didn’t mean I couldn’t help. “I can clean up my mess. You’ve done enough.”
“Blessed Mother, no!” She frowned heavily and whisked everything away. “It is my pleasure to serve you.”
“That’s what Balbus said.” I picked at my fingers. “I’m sorry, Daiseeum, but this feels so weird. I’ve never had anyone wait on me before.”
She smiled sweetly. “Well, I suggest you get used to it, Lady Seary. The prince has commanded it, so therefore, everyone is here to serve you. Now, is there anything else I can do for you tonight?”
“Please, call me Ilara or Lara.”
“Very well, Ilara.” She raised her eyebrows, and I knew she was waiting for me to dismiss her.
I sat on the edge of the couch near the fire, shifting a bit uncomfortably, but I figured I wouldn’t know until I asked. “Actually, would it be possible to perhaps accompany you? I would love to stretch my legs and get out of this room. Even just a short walk through the prince’s wing would be much appreciated.”
The servant’s pale-blue eyes dimmed. “I’m sorry, my lady. That’s impossible. I’m under strict instructions not to let you leave. Besides”—her voice dropped to a hushed whisper—“the castle isn’t safe right now. Fae have gone missing, there’s been unrest, and Lord—” She abruptly cut herself off.
I frowned. “Lord who? Lord Crimsonale?”
Her cheeks pinked. “Mother, listen to me carry on. But anywho, no, I’m sorry, my lady. You must stay here.”
My frown stayed as I tried to comprehend what could possibly be going on that would make it unsafe for me to leave this chamber, but just when Daiseeum was about to depart, I asked in a rush, “Then is there any way I could be given a looking glass? I would love to know how my sister’s doing at home. Surely, that’s safe.”
The lady’s servant shook her head. “No, my lady. I’m afraid not. The prince forbids those.”
Of course, he does . . .
I forced a bright smile. “How about a quill and parchment? Could I write my sister a letter and have it sent via courier? I’m sure she’s worried about me. I just want to let her know that I’m okay.”
Daiseeum’s lips pursed—an expression the lady’s servant seemed to wear regularly. “That might be something we could accommodate. I shall speak with the prince.”