A few days had passed. Ishu had been moved into the servants' quarters—a small, drafty room she shared with two other girls. I knew she hated it. Every time I saw her polishing the silver or carrying my laundry, her face was a mask of polite misery. She was learning that in House Regulus, even a fallen noble was just another set of hands.
That morning, the sun bled through the tall windows of the dining hall. I sat at the long mahogany table, the silence heavy enough to choke on.
My father sat at the head, reading reports, his eyes drifting toward me every now and then. I couldn't tell what he was thinking. Was it concern, or was he simply checking on his most valuable investment?
My brother ate with the same mechanical precision he used when training with a sword. When I reached for the fruit, he took the plate without a word, cutting the pieces into small, perfect bites before sliding it back to me. He treated me like a child. Was he mocking me? I huffed internally.
Ishu stood near the sideboard, her hands clasped in front of her plain gray uniform. She was staring at the spread of food—honeyed ham, fresh pastries, and fruits imported from the south—with a look of pure, unadulterated envy.
"I will be visiting the Church today," I said, my voice echoing in the quiet room.
My father didn't look up. "The High Priest has been persistent. It is wise to keep them satisfied before the wedding. Their blessing carries weight with the commoners."
"I am not going for a blessing," I replied,
stabbing a piece of fruit. "I am going to remind them why they should stop sending me letters."
My brother glanced at me, his blue eyes unreadable. "Take a guard. The streets near the cathedral are crowded."
"I'll take the new girl," I said, gesturing toward Ishu without looking at her. Her head snapped up to look at me in surprise. "And I'll need someone capable of finding the fastest routes. I'll take Mia as well."
I caught Ishu's reflection in the silver teapot. She wasn't looking at me with gratitude anymore. Her expression had shifted. Was she upset that I was bringing Mia along? Did she think she would have me all to herself?
The way to the church wasn't easy. Navigating the city was a chore, and going with someone as naive as Ishu—who had seen nothing of the real world—would be a fool's errand. I needed Mia's experience.
My brother opened his mouth to argue, but before he could speak, I shoved a slice of apple into his mouth to silence him. He went still instantly, looking away from me. I noticed his ears were turning red. Was he angry? Or perhaps just stunned by my lack of "lady-like" manners?
When I looked at my father, his fist was clenched tight on the table. Mia was hiding a small smile, but Ishu? Her expression was darkening by the second.
After finishing breakfast, I went to my chambers to get ready. I chose a pair of pants—something no noble lady would dare to touch—and a shirt usually reserved for men. To me, everything is wearable. After all, if I was going to visit that den of "saints," I might as well look the part of the sinner they believe I am.