Lady Gina pushed open the heavy wooden doors to the servants' sleeping hall. The familiar hum of conversation washed over her for only a heartbeat before dying completely. The scrape of chairs echoed through the room as every maid hurried to her feet.
"Matron."
Heads bowed in perfect unison. Some lowered their eyes immediately. Others stole quick, curious glances toward the unfamiliar young woman standing behind Lady Gina before remembering themselves and looking back down.
Lady Gina acknowledged the greeting with a small nod before stepping fully into the hall. Sabrina followed a step behind. Her swollen cheek still throbbed where Lady Gina had struck her. Her fingers tightened around the strap of the travel bag hanging from her shoulder until the leather creaked beneath her grip. She kept her head lowered.
Lady Gina allowed her gaze to travel slowly across the room. The servants stood in orderly rows between their beds.
