Chapter 10
THE PALACE LAY DARK and forlorn on the other side of the city’s main square. A tall fence with an elaborate gate surrounded the forecourt. It was open during the daytime, but the guards closed it at night, and anyone wanting to go inside had to give a reason.
Two men stood by the guardhouse for that purpose, gilded by the glow of light from a street lamp.
They greeted Nellie as she came up to them and opened the gate for her.
Nellie walked through the deserted forecourt, past the side of the palace.
It was dark in the corridor that ran through the servants’ quarters, except in the kitchen. A few of the workers sat around the table with a pot of tea between them, a group of weary faces looking up at Nellie.
Nellie walked into the scullery and set the empty bowl—the one she
