I gave her a grateful smile and picked up one of the brushes running it through my hair quickly, trying not to wince when it caught the knots and snags that had built upon each other over the last few days. I ignored the already fraying ends of my hair and quickly pulled it back, braiding it with deft fingers before looking around for something to tie it with. The maid, obviously trained well to anticipate people's needs, handed me a bright ribbon that was oddly flexible like rubber bands. I smiled my thanks again and wrapped the ribbon around the end of it. I forced myself to ignore my reflection, knowing there wasn't anything I could do until Erik got back and I was able to get something else to wear. I turned to the maid and tried to figure out how to ask her if she was the one to