“I want them to be dressed as beautifully as me,” I say. “They should all be in silver. To honor Loha.”
“Of course,” Perla says.
I step down from the stool, and my ladies swarm around Perla and her assistants. Except Katherine, who is hanging back from the others, her expression blank.
“Katherine, can you please help me change for dinner?” I ask. “I’d like something more formal for tonight.”
She curtsies. “Of course, Your Highness.”
Marian glances at us, but one of the assistants, brandishing a measuring tape, steals her attention.
“Will you get my black silk dress with the lace, please?” I ask.
Katherine nods, then walks to the wardrobe.
I quickly slip into the bathing chamber, and as soon as Katherine joins me, dress in hand, I close the door behind us.
She hangs the dress on a hook, then faces me. “I know it looks bad, but I promise I have a good reason.”
“For going through my room? What were you searching for? Why? Who sent you?”
“I need the fire ruby,” she says.
“What?” How does she even know I have that?
She glances around again, as if she thinks there might be someone hiding in the bathing chamber. I can’t help but do the same.
“I know who you are,” she says.
My pulse kicks up, but I keep my mouth shut and stare at her, waiting for her to say more.
“Someone just told the Night Legion that the rebels are using fire rubies to communicate,” she says. “You can’t be caught with that on you. I can get it out of your room and out of the castle.”
“You work for the rebels,” I say.
She nods.
“Then what am I doing here? Why couldn’t you just get the information needed?” I ask.
“The only way I was able to get in was as a lady-in-waiting,” she says. “I was asked to assist you without letting you know I was here. Obviously, I failed.”
“Why did they need me, then?” I cross my arms over my chest.
“I’d have tried. But I can’t get as close as you.”
With a sigh, I drop my arms to my side. “Maybe. I still can’t get a meeting with the emperor or find his quarters.”
“You will,” she says. “Now, where is the stone?”
“Hidden well. But what am I to do when I need to contact them?” I ask.
“You’ll tell me. I have ways of sharing information but right now, I need to get this stone away from you.”
“It’s in a hidden pocket of the dress I arrived in.” I lift my chin toward the wardrobe where the dress is hanging.
“Thank you. I’ll make sure it’s gone, and as soon as you have what you need, tell me and I’ll let them know.”
“This whole time you’ve known the truth?” I ask.
