*Tia*
With my coins nestled in my skirt pocket, I spend half an hour in the library looking over the books, striving to find something to read, to occupy my time. But it isn’t the assortment of literature I want to explore. It’s the residence itself, even if it’s nothing more than a series of locked doors. Except that the locks have keys.
I make my way down to the kitchens and find Mrs. Barnaby rocking in a chair in her office, sipping a cup of tea.
“Mrs. Barnaby,” I say.
The older she-wolf’s eyes widen, and she shoves herself to her feet, her bones creaking along the way. “My princess.”
“Mrs. Barnaby, I’d like to borrow your keys for a spell.”
Much as she had the day before, the housekeeper slaps her hand against the large ring. “They’re my responsibility.”
“Yes, I know. And I will
