I… I was so horrible to you, Lenore said. I made you leave because youd said the wrong thing about Finnal, but you were right about him all along.

I know, Orianne said.

He came to me a little while ago, Lenore said. He told me that our marriage would be a sham, that we would be married in name only, and that I would be shut away in comfort while he dealt with everything that mattered. How could I not see what he was?

You couldnt see, because you were in love, Orianne said. Do you think I cant forgive that?

I dont know, Lenore said. Can you? She thought for only another second before she said the next part, and she only thought about it because it seemed impossible that Orianne might accept. Would you… would you consider coming back and being my maid again?

Shed lost so much in the previous days that it seemed impossible to her that there could be any goodness coming out of it all like this.

Of course, Orianne said.

Thank you, Lenore said, hugging her again.

Orianne started to pull her to her feet.

What are you doing? Lenore asked.

Were going to get you up and make you look like a princess again, Orianne said.

That wont… it wont change anything.

No, Orianne agreed, it wont. It wont take away any of the hurt, or bring back the lost. But it will change the way people look at you.

She picked out a mourning dress of dark velvet, laying it out for Lenore, then helping her into it. She brushed Lenores hair, helping her with her makeup and her jewels, until she stood in front of the mirror, and no trace of all the turmoil she felt inside shone through.

You are strong, Orianne said, and we will show that to this would-be husband of yours.

He will be my husband, Lenore said. Vars is ruling in Fathers place, and he will give me away. It probably even suits him, having me where I cant talk about him not being there for me.

Then you will be married, Orianne said. But there are always ways to change things, and to fight back. You will have my help at every step.

Thank you, Lenore said.

You can thank me by being the princess we all know you can be. For now though, how about we go for a walk around the castle walls? It will be good for you to be in the sunlight, and to be seen.

Lenore wasnt sure if she could do it, after all that had happened. Even so, Oriannes presence seemed to lend her strength. She would do this, all of this, no matter where it led.

CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN