Madelyn opened her eyes slowly to the calm haze of the morning and as soon as she did, a cheerful voice drew her attention.
"Good morning, ma'am."
Her gaze moved to the far side of the bed. On the pale chaise sat a maid, smiling warmly at her. As soon as their eyes met, the maid sprang to her feet and Madelyn followed suit, sitting with such haste, her head spun.
"Oh, my goodness!" she exclaimed, patting her hair. "I am terribly sorry." She had thought she was alone.
"You should not be," the maid said. "His Highness asked that we let you sleep for as long as you wished. But Mrs. Mary thought you might wake up confused, so she sent me."
She was not confused, Madelyn thought. She had been terrified. Still, she managed a faint smile. "That is awfully kind of her. And of you."
The maid stepped forward, pulling back the covers. "Mrs. Mary has assigned me to you."
"Assigned?" Madelyn pulled back on the covers.
