Valerie studied her more closely this time.
She remembered clearly the night Bianca had come to her, her face pale, her hands trembling. The half-sister who had always lived in the family's shadow had begged for help any work, anywhere, as long as she could gather money and escape the marriage arranged for her. The castle had been the only place Valerie could think of then. A dangerous place, yes but also the only one that might offer Bianca a way out.
Valerie had never imagined Bianca would be placed this close.
"It was the head steward who assigned you?" Valerie asked again, making sure.
"Yes," Bianca replied without hesitation. "I was summoned this morning. No explanation was given."
Valerie nodded slowly. She stepped closer, just one pace close enough that only the two of them could hear each other.
"Are you all right?" she asked more quietly now. Not as a mistress, but as someone who had once held Bianca's hands and promised to help her.
