Chapter 27
I had wished to remain by Nerissea's side until she stirred, yet the maids were most insistent. I was drawn into a warm bath, their hands carefully washing me. It was most uncomfortable, for I was unaccustomed to such attentions. Though they were kind, they were devoid of expression, which only served to make the moment all the more unbearable. When one of them reached for the ring upon my right toe, I instinctively pulled my foot away.
"Forgive me, Lady Naevia," the maid said. "Might I remove your jewelry for a moment?"
"My mother gave it to me," I lied. "I am to keep it on at all times. It is her good luck charm to me."
My heart began to race.
"For a proper bath, Lady Naevia," another chimed in, "jewels must be removed."
"No," I replied at once. "I cannot part with it, not even for a moment. It is most precious to me."
They exchanged glances then continued their task, allowing the ring to remain upon my toe. I breathed a quiet sigh of relief.
When bathing was done, they dressed me in a splendid gown of silk and placed me into a pair of high heels. Now, I sat alone upon a lavish sofa, a cup of tea resting between my hands, though I scarcely drank it. The chamber was grand. Around me, attendants debated what garments, jewels, and shoes I was to wear over the coming week. They even quarreled over which garter belt best matched which stockings. Given the certainty with which each spoke, one might expect that their tones would carry some flicker of passion… perhaps a hint of friendly laughter or mild disagreement. But no. Their voices remained flat, monotone, utterly lacking warmth.
When they had finally concluded, a tray of luncheon was brought in. A dozen maids stood silently by the door. It was, without doubt, the most awkward luncheon I have ever endured.
Once all had departed, I glanced down at the heels upon my feet. I dearly wished to take them off. But alas, I lacked the courage to speak against their choice. So, with resignation, I made my way toward Princess Yseldra's study. The heels did not make it easy.
Upon entering, my eyes sought Nerissea. She was awake, though still and unmoving. I approached and sat at the edge of the sofa.
"Nerissea," I called softly.
She turned her head and offered me her usual faint smile. It ached to see it.
"How are you feeling?" I asked.
"I feel fine. Thank you for your concern."
"Liar," I whispered, reaching for the pouch on the low table and retrieving a single pill. "It is a healing pill. Please take it."
She began to rise but I placed a hand upon her shoulder.
"Remain lying. It is best that way."
Without thinking, I pressed the pill between her lips myself. "Oh, while you were asleep, do you wish to know what I discovered?"
She looked at me, her faint smiling never leaving. "What did you find out?"
"Duke Piers Draymoor had plotted to seize me yesterday. It was for that reason Her Highness brought me here to the palace."
"Did the princess tell you so?"
I nodded, cheeks glowing as I remembered her words of protection. "Yes."
"Has anyone ever lied to you before, Lady Naevia?"
I gave her shoulder the lightest of pokes with my finger. "You."
"Who else?"
I paused, truly considering it. "From what I can recall… no. Only you. I spent nearly all my years beside Sister Alethea, and she is remarkably honest."
"I see," she said quietly.
"Oh! And Sister Juliara lied to me one time! And Magister Malvior! He was the one who brought the pill. He was staring at your bare form. I told him it was most impolite and that he mustn't do it again. He agreed… but at the very end, I am certain he tried to peek once more!" I frowned at the memory.
She gave the softest laugh.
"Do not tell me you are not appalled by such conduct," I said, narrowing my eyes at her ever so slightly.
She merely gave me that faint, sorrowful smile.
I could not bear it. I rose quickly.
"I shall write a letter to my parents," I declared, rushing toward the desk. "Yes, I shall compose it here, before you, and you shall watch me write each word." I hoped it might lift her spirits.
I gathered the blank sheet, the quill, and the ink bottle, and returned swiftly to her side. After setting them upon the low table, I hurried to lock the doors just in case, and returned once more. I pulled the table toward her until one corner pressed near the sofa by her head.
"Are you able to turn onto your side?"
"Yes," she murmured, and with care, I helped her ease into place. "Thank you," she whispered.
I knelt at the edge of the table, as close to her as possible. I dipped the quill and began the letter, narrating as I went. Just as we had done before, I would explain my phrasing, and she would listen, piecing together the meaning. It was peaceful… warm.
When I wrote that I was safe within the palace, and that Princess Yseldra would take very good care of me, Nerissea's faint smile returned. I placed the quill down and turned toward her. There was something I could not keep hidden. Not when she smiled at me like that.
"Nerissea… I… I lay with Her Highness. Fully. More often than once." I bit down on my lip. "I am sorry."
I closed my eyes. If she were to scold me or turn away, I would take it in full.
"I know," came her soft voice.
My eyes fluttered open.
"Do not be sorry, Lady Naenia," she said. "It is quite alright."
"You are not… angry?"
"I assure you. I am not."
"Are you lying again?"
"I swear it," she whispered, and this time… her smile was real.
My chest felt lighter and I continued, emboldened by that expression. "Um… Nerissea… I know this is much to ask of you… as I am sure you love Her Highness as well…" My eyes dropped to the table. "But might I ask… if you would be willing to share her with me?"
I could not bear to look at her after such words. My cheeks burned as I stared hard at the ink bottle instead.
"I do not love her," she said softly.
I turned to her at once, stunned.
"She does not belong to me, Lady Naevia. There is no need to share. You may hold her wholly as she allows."
My heart gave a sudden flutter. "Are you certain?"
"I am."
At last, the burden in my chest eased. She did not hate me. She did not curse me. With the air between us calm once more, we returned to our letter. By the time we concluded, the sky had shifted to a golden hush, the sun drawing long shadows upon the floor.
I quickly reset the low table then gathered the inkwell, quill, and paper, and returned them to their rightful places upon the desk then made my way to unlock the door. Behind me, I heard Nerissea stirring from the sofa.
"Why are you rising?" I asked, turning to her. "Did you need the washroom?"
"I must be in the dining room by six," she replied as she stood with care.
I stepped beside her and wrapped an arm lightly about her waist, offering what support I could. Her face had lost color, pale and drawn from strain.
"Why by six?"
"My dinner is served at that hour."
My mind reeled. She had not eaten a morsel all day. No breakfast, no luncheon, not even at the inn. And after what the duchess had done… she must be starving. I, at the very least, had been given a meal.
"Please, go sit back down," I said quickly. "I shall fetch your dinner for you."
"You are kind," she replied with a small smile, "but I shall be fine, truly."
She reached for the door and opened it just as a knock was about to fall. A maid stood on the other side, her knuckles raised in mid-air. She startled slightly, then quickly lowered her hand and bowed.
"Lady Naevia," the maid said, "your dinner has arrived."
Behind her stood a lavish cart adorned with silver domes and steaming dishes, and several maids standing attentively nearby. My eyes brightened. I turned to Nerissea, heart alight. "Then stay with me. Dine here. You need not go anywhere now."
"Pardon me, Lady Naevia," the maid said with a courteous bow, "but Nerissea's supper has been prepared with specific instructions."
"Oh… very well. I shall go and fetch it for her, then," I offered, releasing Nerissea's waist and stepping forward but the maid moved subtly into my path.
"Nerissea," she called. Her voice was slightly sharp, though she wore a pleasant smile upon her lips. I blinked, uncertain. Had I imagined that tone? Perhaps my ears were failing me. She was smiling now, after all.
"Please enjoy your meal, Lady Naevia," Nerissea said with a graceful incline of her head. Then she turned and began to walk away, slowly and unevenly.
I stood very still, watching her retreat. I pressed my lips together to quiet the ache in my chest.