One of your family has done quite enough of that already. Its part of why Im here. Now, Ill take my leave. Good luck, your highness.

She turned and walked out, leaving Lenore there not knowing what to think, or do, or say. She turned her attention to Orianne, who was still standing there as if she might comfort Lenore, but Lenore wanted no part of it.

Get out, she said to her former friend.

Lenore…

Thats your highness, Lenore said, feeling the frost in her voice. You bring lies like this to me, and you expect me to be happy?

Not happy, Orianne said, but I thought you needed to hear it. When Meredith told me

And where were you to be told anything by her? Lenore said. I have a maid who hangs around with whores? What were you doing in the House of Sighs? She paused. Its obvious that I cannot have a maid to whom scandal will attach so easily. You need to go now. Go, and do not come back. You are dismissed from my service.

Please

Do not speak, Lenore snapped. In that moment, Oriannes years of service didnt matter; only what shed said. Just leave. If you are still here in the morning, I will have guards escort you from the castle.

Her maid turned and left, and Lenore just stood there, feeling the anger burning inside her. Zia was there looking caught between trying to comfort her and fear of what she might do.

We will not speak of this, or of her, again, Lenore said. Ever.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

As important as his daughters wedding was, King Godwin III was almost relieved to be able to fit in some of the normal business of the kingdom, receiving petitioners among the feasting in the great hall to hear their concerns. They lined up through the hall, the courtiers and the commoners, each having to wait their turn, while the music of the feast continued in the background.

Your majesty, a farmer said, bowing so low his forehead almost scraped his knee, our harvest looks to be a poor one this year, yet our local lord is still insisting on his full share.

When the harvest comes, I will send men to assess it, Godwin promised. Your lord will have his tenth as usual, but no more than that, and if there is not enough for your village after that, there will be recompense made to you.

Thank you, your majesty.

The next was a man from the House of Merchants, who strode forward dressed in velvet to match any noble. He bowed, although it wasnt as low as the farmers bow had been.

Your majesty, he said. If we are talking of recompense, may we talk of the ships I and my fellow investors have lost out on the far routes wide of the Slate River? In recent weeks, several ships have been lost, never to return.