It was stupid. Now she stood outside Theodora's apartments, hands clasped tightly before her, trying not to look as anxious as she felt.
The guard had gone in to announce her. He returned moments later. Bella straightened. The guard bowed. "Her Grace has asked that you return to your chambers immediately. She is not receiving anyone."
Bella sighed and walked back to her chamber. She went back to Theodora's apartments once more before supper and received the same answer. Her Grace was not receiving visitors. She tried again after supper, when the palace corridors had begun to dim.
Still the same answer.
By the third attempt, night had fallen properly over Whitehall, and Bella's patience had gone with the sun.
Bella was done being managed. "Your Grace!" she shouted.
The guard at the door stiffened. She deserved an explanation, and she would not crawl back to her chamber like an obedient child.
"Your Grace!" she shouted again. "I need to speak with you!"
