Twelve
Crimson Ashland
The seamstress’s workshop was in a tower on the far left of Castle Lupine. When we reached it, I was surprised to see the Queen standing there waiting for us. “Crimson!” she exclaimed. “I’ve been waiting for this all day. All of the other mates have already come and gone for their wardrobe fittings, but I knew that it would be slow going for you and Raoul. I’m aware there’s been some friction between the two of you.”
Raoul coughed. “Mother.”
She laughed. “Oh, Raoul, don’t be ridiculous. Everyone saw at the village yesterday, and in fact, it’s all myself and the other mates have been discussing all morning. Why, someone wondered if you would even come at all, considering!”
I blushed. “We’ve come to an arrangeme
