It was already dawn when Leah and Ruela arrived at the Queen's Courtyard.
Diane was standing outside, waiting for them, exactly as Mistress Sisi had instructed. The order had been given the night before, and although the raccoon head maid harbored deep misgivings about Leah's placement, she had no grounds to protest—especially after what Mistress Sisi had said when Diane delivered the requested garment sheets.
"Me choosing Leah as my personal maid is not without reason," Sisi had said calmly."She is the perfect example to teach all of you whom not to trust in this palace. You will learn to sharpen your eyes."
Diane didn't understand what was so special about Leah. If Sisi needed a personal maid, Diane could have recommended anyone—or even herself as she had years of experience as a maid in her tribe. But the Mistress had been firm on her decision.
So Diane waited at the courtyard's gate for the new sweeping maid and the mistress's personal maid
