“Where are the other courtesans? Have they been escorted to breakfast?” I peered down the hallway toward the other chamber doors, searching for any sign of Leya, Rosette, or Imogen. It seemed their guards had already left their posts.
The guard looked at me, confusion on his face, then something flickered in his eyes, as if he’d just realized something.
“Uh,” he cleared his throat. “Yes, I believe so, my lady.”
“Were you not briefed on the courtesans’ schedule, or have you chosen to ignore it?” I said coolly. “First high-chime, bathing. Second, breakfast. Third, reading.” I stepped out into the hallway. “Fourth, lunch. Fifth, activities.” The guard shrank back as I moved toward him. “Sixth, supper. Seventh, courtesan quarters. Eighth, service.” I rattled off the rest, now fully in the hallway. “Ninth, sleep.”
With the final word, I swung the door to my chamber shut.
“I apologize, my lady,” the young guard said, trying to sound confident as he bowed. “I’m still learning the schedule, but I’ll be sure to remember it next time. I’ll escort you to breakfast right away.”
“Consider yourself fortunate this wasn’t eighth high-chime. The prince would have your head for it,” I said flatly. “Take me to the courtesans’ quarters.”
“Of course, my lady.” He managed a nervous nod. “Straight away!”
He wore no crimson cloak. Instead, his was white, marking his rank as a squire. He looked no older than seventeen, which only made Gadriel’s choice to station him with me all the more insulting.
“Taking on Sir Karst’s role is no small feat for a squire, especially in a position so closely tied to the prince,” I said. “You must have made a strong impression.”
“I hope so, my lady.” The squire’s face lit up a little. “Sir Karst is a good friend of my father, Lord Trellis. At the age of seven, I was brought to Sir Karst’s household to serve as his page. Sir Karst says I’ve got a good future with the Kingsguard if I keep it up. I was inducted into squirehood just two years ago, at fourteen.” With a toothy smile, he added, “I hope to be knighted by twenty-one.”
“Knighthood at the age of twenty-one is quite the pursuit.”
“My father believes I can do it,” he replied eagerly. “When he learned Sir Karst would be away from Hyrall for six months, he was certain Icould handle guarding the prince’s favored in his absence. He wrote to Sir Karst, and within two days, I got word that I’d be stationed with you, my lady.”
I refrained from making a remark. It wasn’t as if I was interested in the boy’s past, but I did want to get a sense of his character. He was just as naive as I had suspected, and I was quickly discovering that he talked far too much.
When we finally reached the courtesans’ quarters, the sound of the other girls’ voices drifted through the door. Turning to the boy, I said, “At third high-chime, I expect you at my door when the bell tolls.”
“Of course, my lady!” He nodded firmly.
“Once I’m done here, I’ll send for you to escort me back to my chamber.”
“Yes, my lady!”
As I walked through the doors, I couldn’t help but roll my eyes.
10
The other courtesansfell silent as soon as they saw me. It was always a gamble what kind of looks I’d get. Leya’s gaze usually hovered between anger and a sneer, while Imogen and Rosette tended to either ignore or avoid me altogether. Today, though, they all wore the same expression: disdain. Their lips were tight, and it was clear their conversation had ended.
“Good morning,” I sighed, then sat down.
I gestured for a kitchenmaid to bring me my plate. “Save your stares. I won’t be long.”
“You’re here,” Leya said, raising an eyebrow. “We thought you’d be hiding in your room until the winter solstice festival was over. I almost welcomed the idea of not seeing you again before I left.”
“I wouldn’t worry, Leya.” I cut into a pear and speared a piece. “You won’t be dealing with me much longer.” I set the knife down. “When do you leave?”
“Just before fourth high-chime.”
“I suppose we’ll miss you in the library at thirdhigh-chime.” I replied, reaching for my tea. “Looks like my well wishes for safe travels are in order.”
“Why are you so chatty this morning?” Rosette remarked. “You never talk to us.”
“I don’t know. I just felt like it,” I answered. “Not everything needs to be overthought. Sometimes I just speak, Rosette.”
“Are you really that desperate to turn to us now that the prince has chosen Leya over you?” Imogen scoffed. “As if we care.”
