"Dust the windows."
"Make sure all the sheets are clean."
Huh. What is with all the orders and finger-pointing? I rolled my eyes. Okay, how did we even get here?
I woke up to a loud bang on my door, right when I was smiling about last night and enjoying the softness of my new bed. Of course, someone had to ruin it.
Usually, I woke before the morning light seeped in. I was used to that, even in my world. But today, I slept in. So when the banging started, I yanked the sheet off and jumped out of bed.
Late. Late. I was late, damn it.
I pulled on my maiden gown and cap in a hurry and rushed to the door, where a guard waited.
"The King is away from the castle," he announced. "All maidens are summoned to clean for the upcoming ball."
I nodded and followed him down the hallway. What else could I do? Protesting was not an option.
