TAHLIA~
The maid stood rooted to the spot, shocked, keeping her mouth agape.
“Oh, bring me some hot water after you go downstairs, would you?” She snapped her mouth shut and nodded at me, then with one last wary look, exited the room. I watched her go, a sort of grim satisfaction strengthening my resolve as I thought of how much displeasure this little act of rebellion would bring to the dear King.
I turned and immediately resumed divesting myself of the somewhat damp clothes I wore. Putting them in the corner for the servants to find, I took the robe hung on the cloth stand next to my changing screen. I poured the material about my body, enjoying the way the silk moved atop my skin. Picking up one of the burning candelabra stationed around, I went into the adjoining room that held my
