“And she’ll have many long days ahead of her,” Belrose added. “You should go rest, my lady. Tomorrow, it begins.”

“As you say, Lady Belrose.” Shan curtsied to them all, taking care to remain demure and polite, even though she railed at the way they talked about her—as if she wasn’t even there. As if she meant nothing. Perhaps she didn’t. The LeClaire line had fallen from grace, and her father had ensured that nothing was left but dust and ashes.

But she would force them to see her, to accept her, and she’d reclaim the power that should have been hers, even if it took her years. But for now she’d have to play the game, smiling and simpering—until they had no choice but to bow before her.

And this was just her opening move.

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